YANGON: In the city of Bago, 42-year-old housewife Su Su Hlaing recalled why she decided to buy a Kenbo-brand electric bike six months ago, as every morning, she uses it to take her children to school and make trips to the market.
"It's very convenient," she explained. "And I don't have to worry about rising fuel prices anymore."
Like many urban residents, Su Su Hlaing used to spend around 50,000 kyats (about US$23) a month on fuel, a big portion of her family's monthly income. "Now, I just charge it at home, which is much cheaper, and it lasts a whole day."
In Mandalay, Ko Aung Kyaw, a 29-year-old resident, shared a similar experience. At first, he was skeptical about using an electric bike, thinking it might not be powerful enough. "But after trying one," he said, "I realised it's perfect for short distances. Charging it overnight is enough for a full day's work."
Electric motorbikes imported from China are gaining attraction across Myanmar as affordable, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional gasoline-powered motorcycles, local electric motorcycle sellers said.
According to data from Myanmar's Road Transport Administration Department, as of August 2025, the country had registered 12,884 two-wheeled electric vehicles, which is up from 10,222 electric motorcycles in October 2024.
At a recent exhibition in Yangon, U Min Lwin, director of Tumei EV Motorbike company, showcased several new electric motorbike designs. Founded in 2023, the company imports semi-knocked-down (SKD) parts and advanced technology directly from China.
"Our electric motorcycles use high-quality components from leading Chinese brands like Yadea," U Min Lwin said, adding that most of the electric motorcycles in Myanmar are from China.
"The battery is the most important part of an electric motorcycle, so we source it from trusted Chinese manufacturers to ensure reliability and performance. We also provide a lifetime service warranty for our customers," he said.
Tumei EV operates showrooms in Yangon, Bago and Magway, attracting customers that range from young commuters and office workers to housewives, U Min Lwin said.
Interestingly, U Min Lwin said a large number of EV motorbike users in Myanmar are in Kachin state. "In other regions, people are still not very familiar with electric motorbikes. We're working to raise awareness about their benefits." He noted that other regions, such as Mandalay and Bago, have also seen a rise in electric motorbikes.
MiMi Motorcar company, another local manufacturer, follows a similar business model, importing SKD parts from China and assembling them locally.
"Our main customers are housewives who use them for market trips, students, and office workers," said Wai Moe Hein, the company's sales and marketing supervisor.
He explained that most of their customers are from Bilin, Taungoo, and Myaungmya, adding that their electric motorbikes can travel up to 30 km on a full charge.
Additionally, he said that electric motorbikes offer clear advantages over gasoline models. They require no fuel, are environmentally friendly, and can be conveniently charged at home. "They're quiet, cost-effective, and easy to maintain," he said. - Xinhua
