Electric Motorcycle Push: Range and Battery Life Under Scrutiny
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The government is pushing the development of the National Electric Motorcycle Ecosystem, or MOLINAS, as part of accelerating the electrification of two-wheeled vehicles in Indonesia. However, this move is considered to need accompanying policies that truly address consumer needs, especially for people who use motorcycles to earn a living.
Senior automotive expert Bebin Djuana believes that price remains the main issue in encouraging people to switch to electric motorcycles. According to him, the consumer segment targeted for two-wheeler electrification requires greater government support.
“Price is very decisive, this consumer segment needs a lot of government assistance. A subsidy of Rp5-7 million is not enough,” he told CNBC Indonesia on Thursday (13/8/2026).
Apart from price, battery capability is also a concern. According to Bebin, a range that is too short can be a serious obstacle for users who rely on motorcycles as their primary tool for work.
“A battery with a range of 50-60 km is very inadequate, pity our brothers and sisters who earn a living as ojol (online motorcycle taxi drivers),” Bebin remarked.
Therefore, the national electric motorcycle development policy is deemed necessary to consider the daily needs of users, not just the growth in the number of electric vehicles. The government is also considered to need to involve industries that already have experience and production capacity in the country.
“If the government is observant, these things become the reference for national electric motorcycles. By embracing existing manufacturers, the need for electric motorcycles will certainly be met,” he said.
The push for national electric motorcycles is now being directed into a broader ecosystem scheme. The government plans to develop MOLINAS not just as a programme to launch one brand or one vehicle model, but as an ecosystem covering the industrial chain from upstream to downstream.
As is known, President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to inaugurate the National Electric Motorcycle Ecosystem at the production facility of PT Ilectra Motor Group (ALVA) in Cikarang, Bekasi Regency, West Java. In the agenda, the President will review the production facility and exhibition, receive a report on the development of MOLINAS, watch a video about the programme, and deliver directives.
The MOLINAS ecosystem will include industrial and manufacturing development, components and batteries, charging and battery swapping infrastructure, financing, distribution, after-sales service, and strengthening market absorption.
PT LEN will also act as the lead integrator in developing the ecosystem by involving various stakeholders. With this scheme, the government wants to build an electric motorcycle market that does not only rely on purchase incentives, but is also supported by industrial and infrastructure readiness.