Electric Motorcycle Conversions Still Limited to Hobbyist Circles

JAKARTA - The programme to convert petrol-fuelled motorcycles into electric motorcycles has actually been running for the past few years. Abdul, a business operator from Dolland Motor Electric, stated that generally there are two groups of consumers who carry out electric motorcycle conversions. Although he did not mention specific figures, Abdul revealed that to date, conversions are still mostly done by hobbyist circles. “If we’re talking about the scope, yes, it’s more hobbyists. It will still be more hobbyists. However, within those hobbyist circles, the paperwork is still ‘patchy’. The documents are still for petrol, but the motorcycle is already electric,” he said. According to Abdul, this situation occurs because hobbyists usually do not follow the official government programme. As a result, the legality aspect of the vehicle has not been fully adjusted. On the other hand, Abdul said, challenges also come from public perception of electric motorcycles themselves. “Meanwhile, not everyone still thinks that electric motorcycles are better than the petrol motorcycles they own,” he said. “Except for people who already own electric motorcycles, who are already in communities with fellow electric motorcycle users, or who have been involved and using electric vehicles for a long time, interest might arise,” he added.