Electric Motorcycle Conversion Could Be a Solution, Provided Standards Are Clear

Jakarta – The conversion of petrol-fuelled motorcycles into electric motorcycles is frequently discussed as one way to accelerate vehicle electrification in Indonesia. However, its implementation is considered to still require several adjustments, particularly regarding technical and safety standards.

“Because I sell electric motorcycle products, I will naturally advocate for and support ready-made electric motorcycle products. After all, they are made in Indonesia, the quality is good, they have many features, good value for money, and the prices are also affordable,” said Pius in Jakarta on Thursday (12 March 2026).

“But if you ask me whether electric motorcycle conversion is a solution for transportation in Indonesia, my answer is yes, but it requires many adjustments. A great deal of standardisation is needed,” said Pius.

“This is because those carrying out conversions are mostly workshops with different service standards and facility standards. Demand for the conversion products also varies,” he explained.

However, electric motorcycle components such as batteries, controllers, and cable installations carry safety risks if not installed correctly.

For this reason, Pius said, standardisation is the key to ensuring that converted motorcycles remain safe for use on the road.

“So standards must be set. Whether you want this specification, it must be like this, covering the battery, the controller, the cables, and everything else,” he stated.

“If there are no standards, whilst consumer needs vary – such as the desired range and speed – they could just make them any way they want. From there, many accident risks could emerge,” Pius cautioned.

The regulations are outlined in Ministry of Transport Regulation Number PM 39 of 2023 concerning the conversion of motorcycles with internal combustion engines into battery-powered electric motorcycles.

After the conversion process is complete, the vehicle must also undergo a type test to ensure safety and road-worthiness compliance. If it passes, the vehicle data will be updated so that its status is officially recorded as an electric motorcycle on vehicle documents such as the vehicle registration certificate.