PETALING JAYA: Switching from petrol-powered to electric motorcycles could be beneficial, including helping ease Malaysia’s fuel subsidy burden, but adoption remains slow due to high upfront costs and limited incentives, say stakeholders.
Yinson corporate sustainability group head Dr Renard Siew said each rider who makes the switch reduces reliance on subsidised petrol, a small impact individually, but significant when scaled across the volume of commuters.
Despite growing interest in electric vehicles, e-motorcycles are still trailing far behind electric cars in Malaysia.
Siew said this is a missed opportunity, especially in urban areas where two-wheelers are widely used.
“Electrification removes tailpipe emissions, improves air quality and reduces noise pollution. Over time, as the power grid becomes cleaner, lifecycle emissions will continue to decline,” he said, adding that transport remains one of the toughest sectors to decarbonise.
He urged the government to prioritise lowering upfront costs through rebates and tax incentives, while expanding charging and battery-swapping infrastructure.
Financing options such as low-interest loans and leasing schemes could also help gig workers and lower-income riders make the transition.
“The fastest way to shrink the subsidy bill is not just policy, but having fewer petrol tanks to fill,” Siew said.
Electric Motorcycles Dealership Association president Elwin Hong said affordability remains the main obstacle, compounded by the suspension of the MARiiCas electric motorcycle incentive scheme since last October.
The scheme previously offered subsidies of up to RM2,400 and helped drive about 10,000 e-motorcycle sales in 2025.
“Since it was suspended, the market has been hurt because electric bikes are still much more expensive than petrol motorcycles,” he said.
Entry-level electric bikes cost about RM6,000, roughly double the price of conventional models.
With typical ranges of under 100km per charge, many cost-conscious riders remain hesitant, Hong said.
He noted that while Malaysia’s market potential is strong, it still lags behind regional peers such as Vietnam and Indonesia.
“Without incentives, many riders simply cannot afford to switch,” he said.
Still, he described Malaysia’s transition as “a good start” that requires stronger government support to gain momentum.
