Why Aren’t Electric Motorcycles Catching On In Singapore?
Electric motorcycles (EV motorcycles) are making headlines worldwide as a greener, more sustainable way to ride. But in Singapore, they’re struggling to gain traction. Even with innovative solutions like battery-swapping systems, electric motorcycles haven’t become as popular as their petrol-powered counterparts.
Why is this the case? Is it the convenience of petrol, the high costs of going electric, or something deeper, like the stigma of illegal personal mobility devices (PMDs)? Let’s explore why electric motorcycles aren’t picking up in Singapore and what’s holding riders back.
The Convenience of Petrol: A Hard Habit to Break
In Singapore, convenience is everything. Petrol stations are everywhere, and filling up a tank takes just a few minutes. For riders who rely on their motorcycles for daily commutes or deliveries, the speed and ease of pumping petrol are hard to beat.
Electric motorcycles, on the other hand, require charging—or, in the case of battery-swapping systems, finding a station with available batteries. Even with battery-swapping, the process isn’t as quick or seamless as filling up a tank.
The 2024 Motorcycle Registration Data shows that petrol motorcycles dominate the market, with brands like Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and BMW leading the pack. This suggests that Singaporean riders prioritize convenience and efficiency, which petrol motorcycles currently deliver better than their electric counterparts.
High Initial Costs: A Major Barrier
One of the biggest hurdles for electric motorcycles is their high upfront cost. Compared to petrol bikes, electric motorcycles are significantly more expensive. Why? A big part of the cost comes from the battery, which is the most expensive component of an electric bike. Batteries are made from materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are costly and subject to supply chain challenges.
Why are batteries so pricey?
Making a battery that’s small yet powerful enough to give the motorcycle a good range requires advanced technology and a lot of research. These costs are passed on to the consumer.Long-term savings, but high upfront cost: While electric motorcycles save money on fuel and maintenance in the long run, the initial price can be a dealbreaker for many riders.
Additionally, the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system in Singapore adds a significant cost to all vehicles, including electric motorcycles. This makes the already high price of electric bikes even less appealing to budget-conscious riders.
Battery-Swapping: A Solution That Hasn’t Taken Off
Battery-swapping was introduced as a game-changer for electric motorcycles. Instead of waiting hours to charge, riders can swap out a depleted battery for a fully charged one in minutes. Sounds great, right? So why hasn’t it caught on in Singapore?
Limited Infrastructure: Battery-swapping stations are still few and far between, making them less accessible than petrol stations.
Cost of Maintenance: Swapping batteries isn’t free, and the cost of maintaining and replacing batteries can add up over time. For many riders, the hassle and expense outweigh the benefits.
Range Anxiety: A Real Concern for Riders
Range anxiety—the fear of running out of battery before reaching a charging or swapping station—is a big reason why riders hesitate to switch to electric motorcycles. Even with battery-swapping systems, riders may worry about the availability of charged batteries, especially during peak hours or in less central areas.
The 2024 Motorcycle Population Data reveals that electric motorcycles make up only a tiny fraction of the total motorcycle population in Singapore. This suggests that range anxiety and the perceived inconvenience of charging or swapping batteries are deterring riders from making the switch.
The PMD Factor: A Stigma Around Electric Mobility?
Another possible reason for the slow adoption of electric motorcycles is the lingering stigma associated with illegal personal mobility devices (PMDs). In recent years, PMDs—many of which are electric—have been involved in accidents and fires, leading to a negative perception of electric mobility devices. Some riders may not want to be associated with these devices, even though electric motorcycles are a completely different category.
This stigma could be influencing consumer behavior, making riders hesitant to embrace electric motorcycles. This lack of visibility in the market may be contributing to the slow uptake among consumers.
Cultural Preferences and Brand Loyalty
In Singapore, motorcycles are often seen as a practical and affordable mode of transportation, especially for navigating the city’s dense traffic. Many riders have a strong preference for petrol-powered bikes, which are widely available, reliable, and easy to maintain. Brands like Honda have built a loyal customer base over the years, and this brand loyalty can be difficult to overcome.
Is It Really About Petrol vs. Electric?
While the convenience of petrol is a significant factor, it’s not the only reason electric motorcycles are struggling to gain traction in Singapore. The combination of high initial costs, range anxiety, limited infrastructure, and cultural preferences all play a role in shaping rider behavior. Additionally, the stigma around illegal PMDs may be influencing perceptions of electric motorcycles, even though they are a completely different category.
Conclusion: What Needs to Change?
For electric motorcycles to gain traction in Singapore, several steps need to be taken:
Expand Charging and Battery-Swapping Infrastructure: More charging stations and battery-swapping points need to be installed across the island to make electric motorcycles a viable option for riders.
Increase Government Incentives: Targeted incentives for electric motorcycles, such as rebates or reduced COE prices, could encourage riders to make the switch.
Boost Consumer Awareness: Educational campaigns and test ride events can help dispel misconceptions and highlight the benefits of electric motorcycles.
Address the PMD Stigma: Efforts should be made to differentiate electric motorcycles from illegal PMDs and promote them as a safe, reliable, and sustainable mode of transportation.
While petrol motorcycles currently dominate the market, the future of transportation in Singapore is likely to be electric. However, addressing the current challenges will be key to unlocking the full potential of electric motorcycles in the city-state.