JOHOR BARU: Bikers commuting between Johor and Singapore are increasingly open to switching to electric motorcycles, but limited model availability and concerns over long-distance reliability remain key barriers.
Many riders said they have yet to find an e-motorcycle capable of completing cross-border journeys on a single charge, particularly amid frequent heavy traffic congestion.
Health, safety and environment officer M. Satish, 35, said he is willing to adopt a more environmentally friendly option but he had not found a model suitable for his commuting needs.
“I would like to make the switch and I think it makes more sense to do so, especially when it is better for the environment, but I have not found one that is durable enough for cross-border travel,” he said.
He said key considerations for any purchase include battery quality, range per charge and charging duration.
Satish also noted that Singapore’s planned transition towards electric vehicles (EVs) by 2040 could influence future policy direction for motorcycles as well.
“I think it is about time they do something for bikes as well,” he said.
Singapore has announced plans for all new car and taxi registrations be cleaner energy models, including EVs and hybrids, from 2030, under its Green Plan 2030, which targets phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040.
It has also indicated that certificate of entitlement renewals for non-EV cars would not be allowed from 2030.
Technician Mohd Hafizan Zainal, 30, also expressed reservations about switching, citing performance, reliability and heat dissipation concerns compared with his current petrol-powered motorcycle.
“I would like to know whether an electric bike is as reliable as the traditional petrol-powered one I’m currently using.
“The heat dissipation of the vehicle is another concern which I think could affect the comfort of both the rider and pillion,” he added.
He said cost, including purchase price and maintenance, remains a major consideration, alongside charging infrastructure availability.
Asked if he was worried that Singapore may also ban petrol-powered motorcycles in the future, he said any transition would not happen immediately.
“I think it is highly unlikely for the Singapore government to suddenly make a drastic change. If it is to come, it will be made gradually,” he said.
Johor Motorcycle and Scooter Seller Association secretary Cheng Kan Beng said demand for e-motorcycles is rising, but current models may not yet be suitable for cross-border commuting.
He said battery capacity in existing models is generally only sufficient for one-way travel, particularly when accounting for heavy congestion.
