Why Has the Conversion of Motorcycles to Electric in Indonesia Not Been Widespread?

JAKARTA – Public interest in converting petrol motorcycles to electric ones remains uneven. One reason is the doubt regarding the primary function of motorcycles in Indonesia, which differs from the initial concept of two-wheeled electric vehicles. “Motorcycles are supposed to be for short distances. Actually, it fits with the connotation that motorcycles are for short-range use,” said Abdul, as told to Kompas.com on Monday (6/4/2026). According to him, the habit of Indonesians using motorcycles for various needs, from daily work to long trips, means electric motorcycles are not yet seen as the main solution. “But in our case, motorcycles are generally used for ojol (daily), for touring, and all sorts of things,” he said. Abdul added that interest in electric motorcycles usually arises in certain groups, such as users who are already accustomed or have a supportive environment. “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, perhaps the interest will emerge,” he stated. In general, there are two groups of consumers currently converting to electric motorcycles. The first is hobbyists, and the second is those following government programmes. “It comes back to two things: hobbyists and those following programmes. Government programmes. If it’s government programmes, it’s more about interest because it’s aimed at mass adoption, directing everyone to convert their motorcycles to electric,” said Abdul. Although he did not mention specific figures, Abdul revealed that conversions are still mostly done by hobbyists. “If we talk about the range, yes, more hobbyists. It will still be more hobbyists. However, among hobbyists, the paperwork is still ‘patchy’. The documents are still for petrol, but the motorcycle is already electric,” he said.