In numerous countries, the police, military, roadside assistance and emergency services are increasingly using electric motorbikes, thanks to their advanced technologies, practical and environmental benefits.
As many cities are increasingly pushing for sustainable transportation usage, and with battery technology becoming more advanced, it is expected that electric motorcycles will become a more regular part of public service fleets.
Police
In 2021, the Belgian municipality of Brussels-Hoofdstad-Elsene’s police received their first fleet of fully electric police mopeds, believed to be mostly for enabling its traffic police to achieve smooth and swift city travel for controlling crowds or closing streets.
Over in Spain, The Mossos d’Esquadra, the regional police force of Catalonia, has had electric motorcycles deployed in Barcelona, Mataró and Tarragona. And in Italy, the Piacenza local police have also added two electric motorbikes to their fleet.
Roadside assistance
In crowded cities, electric motorcycles, as well as e-bikes, are being increasingly used for swift assistance in the Netherlands by the ANWB and similar services to quickly and sustainably reach vehicles to deliver prompt assistance.
Emergency services
In the UK, SERV Blood Bikes, a charitable organisation that provides an out-of-hours hospital courier service, acquired electric motorcycle models for their fleet to help their objective of reducing their carbon footprint while still speedily and efficiently making urgent deliveries to hospitals in Surrey and London.
Military
Advanced electric motorcycle models have also been used to boost military operational assistance, with models undergoing extensive testing for superior performance by NATO, the US Navy and the Belgian military.
Recently LEVA-EU member SOL Motors exhibited at the i-Mobility trade show in Stuttgart, Germany, which focuses on intelligent mobility innovations to aid urban planning and transportation for the future. The brand showcased its e-mobility solutions and received a visit from the Minister of Transport from Baden-Württemberg.
At i-Mobility 2025, SOL Motors discussed its sustainable transportation offering with visitors, and also provided test rides for its distinctive Pocket Rocket e-motorcycle, demonstrating its lightweight technology, sleek design and powerful speed.
Special visit from Baden-Württemberg Minister of Transport
SOL Motors headquarters and the i-Mobility fair are based in the city of Stuttgart, which is located in Baden-Württemberg, a German state that has implemented a set of ambitious sustainable mobility initiatives. The region’s transport minister, Winfried Hermann visited SOL Motors’ booth to discuss the future of sustainable mobility and how the brand’s innovative solutions can help shape it.
Home to eleven million citizens, the Baden-Württemberg government has implemented its Climate and Mobility Concept as its regional Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP). It includes schemes to improve cycling, electric mobility and public transport, as well as reduce car usage for improved carbon neutrality. Specifically for cycling, the state is aiming for it to be a leading transportation mode, with the target of one in two trips to be made by walking or cycling by 2030.
A successful i-mobility show
SOL Motors has been proud to take part in shows like i-Mobility as the momentum of sustainable two-wheeled mobility expands, and looks forward to another exciting season ahead. For the region of Baden-Württemberg itself, it is a fitting time for it to host shows like i-Mobility to promote the numerous benefits of smart and sustainable transportation to citizens, as it sets out to achieve its ambitious 2030 mobility targets.
The LEVA EU member will be at Messe Stuttgart for the intelligent mobility event from April 24-27.
The German electric motorcycle brand will be at the prestigious i-Mobility trade fair to showcase its sustainable mobility offering.
Its team invites attendees to Hall 5, Stand 5E72 to learn how SOL Motors’ sustainable and connected transport solutions are redefining urban mobility, with test riding opportunities for visitors to discover the sleek design and lightweight technology of speedy e-motorcycle innovation, Pocket Rocket.
Tickets for i-Mobility can be obtained here, and more information on SOL Motors can be found here.
On February 25, the UK government announced the roll-out of £120 million of additional funding to help speed up electric vehicle uptake, including the retention of a £500 grant against new electric motorcycles.
The funding is part of a larger scheme to support the shift towards zero-emissions transport before the planned phase-out of internal combustion engine (ICE) car and van sales by 2030. However, many in the motorcycle industry are concerned about the lack of certainty around any planned phase-out for ICE two-wheelers.
“It is really important that the inertia and uncertainty that’s regarding our role in transport across policy currently is ended,” said Neil Fletcher, Chair of the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) during its annual Industry Conference in February.
The MCIA’s figures show that registrations of electric motorbikes were down by 15.9% across February 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, with just 299 registered in the first two months of the year. This is despite a plug-in grant which means that battery-powered motorcycles priced up to £10,000 are eligible for 35% off, up to a maximum value of £500, and mopeds up to the value of £150.
Co-founder of electric motorbike brand Maeving Motorcycles, Will Stirrup, spoke to MCN: “For me, really, the key thing is missed opportunity. Getting more people onto electric two wheelers in urban environments [would be] significantly more environmentally friendly from a carbon production perspective than an electric car – just because of the smaller batteries.”
He continued, “More Government support would be really helpful in increasing uptake, but the products should speak for themselves. The attitude of most major motorcycle companies going ‘the technology is too far away’ well who’s going to change that? That needs to be you. We look at 2030 and absolutely plan on having a product that is equivalent or superior to an internal combustion engine, high-power bike, and we’re tiny.”
Dale Robinson, the UK Country Manager of US electric motorbike brand Zero Motorcycles, urged for more commitment from the government, claiming a lack of fixed phase-out dates and a previous scaling back of subsidies has sent out the wrong message. “We can go back to December 2021 when the Government announced that the £1500 subsidy for premium electric motorcycles was about to disappear, and we can chart the slowdown of sales from that point. The reason for it isn’t just affordability, it was more to do with the message that it sent – as it contradicted the fact that electric was the future.” From his viewpoint as a representative of a more premium brand that would not be eligible for the plug-in grant, he added that he would like to see electric motorbikes more readily available on company salary sacrifice schemes.
Increased charging costs of electric motorcycles were highlighted by Alec Sharp, Director of dealership English Electric Motor Co. “If they could charge up out and about at what they used to be able to – which was about a third of the cost – that would make a big difference for a lot of people.”
Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore, announced the ban which aims “to promote the use of cleaner, more efficient energy and reduce gas emissions“.
Rwanda has announced plans to discontinue the registration of petrol-powered motorbike taxis starting next year, as part of its efforts to transition to electric vehicles (EVs). According to Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore, the initiative aims to promote cleaner energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This policy will apply specifically to motorbike taxis operating in Kigali, where they are a primary mode of public transportation. Rwanda has introduced various incentives to encourage electrification, such as reduced electricity costs for charging, and tax exemptions for battery manufacturers.
Government estimates indicate that the country has approximately 110,000 motorbikes, of which 70,000 are used as taxis, including 30,000 in Kigali.
Eve Kayiranga, manager of SAFI Universal Link, a Rwandan company specialising in electric bikes, described the move as a “significant step forward for a greener city.” She highlighted its role in reducing emissions and supporting the development of e-mobility infrastructure.
Drivers have also expressed support for the shift to electric motorbikes. Alfonse Mbarabuceye, 32, reported a 50% increase in his daily income since transitioning from a petrol-powered bike in 2022. “It has significantly reduced the cost of maintaining the bike, as all I have to do now is change its battery once or twice a day,” he noted.
According to the UN Environment Programme, transportation is the fastest-growing source of global greenhouse gas emissions and is projected to contribute over 30% of future emissions. It is also a major source of short-lived climate pollutants.
Rwanda has set ambitious goals for its electrification strategy, aiming to have 20% of buses, 30% of motorcycles, and 8% of cars powered by electricity by 2030. These efforts are part of the country’s broader objective to achieve carbon neutrality.
RideApart considers solid-state battery technology may be essential for electric motorcycles to really take off
Electric motorcycles have a plethora of environmental benefits, including contributing to a healthier planet for future generations, and practical advantages, such as enjoying the wind while riding, and much more. Despite these real and tangible benefits, one major obstacle to the widespread adoption of electric motorcycles has been range.
While range concerns are a common criticism of electric vehicles (EVs) in general, the issue is even more pronounced for electric motorcycles. Unlike electric cars, trucks, or SUVs, electric motorcycles can’t accommodate large batteries. These bikes are designed to be compact, and when manufacturers try to fit a large battery into a motorcycle, the result is a heavy bike with limited range. Even the most advanced models, like the Zero DSR/X, can’t offer more than 120 miles per charge in real-world conditions.
Currently, electric motorcycles are most practical for short commutes or as dirt bikes, like the Stark Varg and upcoming Dust.Moto. However, both city motorcycles and off-road models face challenges. City bikes often encounter inadequate charging infrastructure or chargers that are incompatible with their systems, and early adopters may find their EV motorcycles banned from parking garages due to fire safety concerns.
Some argue that electric motorcycles won’t be viable for most riders until solid-state batteries are developed and widely adopted. Solid-state batteries, already used in personal electronics, offer incredible energy density in a small package, making them highly sought after by electric vehicle manufacturers. If companies can produce smaller, lighter battery packs with similar or better mileage per charge, it could revolutionize EV design, engineering, and manufacturing costs.
For motorcycle manufacturers, solid-state batteries would enable the creation of electric motorcycles with a range comparable to their internal combustion counterparts. Though some argue that the average commute is under 40 miles and range isn’t an issue, motorcycles are often used for long rides and adventures. The anxiety of running out of battery on the open road isn’t conducive to fun riding.
The potential of solid-state batteries lies in enabling longer rides. Samsung recently showcased a 600-mile solid-state battery for cars, hopefully, this technology will eventually trickle down to motorcycles, offering a true 200-mile battery with faster charging times, all without adding extra weight. This would enhance every aspect of the electric motorcycle experience.
In a groundbreaking collaboration with First Ambulance, Malaysia’s Prince Court Medical Centre has rolled out an electric motorcycle ambulance to enhance emergency response times.
This motorcycle is specifically engineered to offer immediate medical care in congested urban settings while waiting for a traditional ambulance to arrive and transport patients to the centre’s Accident & Emergency Department.
Equipped with vital medical supplies, the motorcycle enables paramedics to perform crucial interventions during critical situations.
Additionally, Prince Court has announced the launch of complimentary ambulance services for those within a 10-kilometre radius of its Kuala Lumpur facility.
The government of the Netherlands has launched a new subsidy program aimed at encouraging low-income individuals to switch from gas-powered mopeds and scooters to electric versions. This initiative is expected to benefit companies in the two-wheeler industry, as the allocated funds are estimated to help sell around 3,500 electric models.
An initial €10 million had already been set aside for local governments under the Specific Grant Clean Air Agreement (SpUk SLA), designed to support the implementation of clean air initiatives. An additional €7 million is available for the remainder of this year and 2025. This funding aims to help financially strapped individuals replace their polluting vehicles with electric ones. Municipalities will design their own trade-in schemes and offer them to low-income residents, with the condition that old mopeds or scooters are scrapped at certified facilities. In return, participants receive up to €1,200 in credit toward a new or second-hand electric scooter, with the government covering two-thirds of the cost and the municipality covering the rest. Municipalities set their own income criteria, and so far, about fifteen municipalities interested in the program have expressed interest, with more able to register until the end of September. The funds will then be distributed based on population size and other factors.
Addressing Mobility Poverty
“Through the trade-in scheme, approximately 3,500 electric mopeds and scooters will enter the market, which is great for the sector,” said Martijn van Eikenhorst, the section manager for scooters at RAI Vereniging, who was involved in the program’s development. He noted that mobility poverty is emerging, as more zero-emission zones are created and not everyone can afford to adapt. The initiative ensures that those with limited financial means can also transition to sustainable mobility. “In the Netherlands, we offer various mobility options, and we must preserve this freedom of choice,” he added.
Creating a Blueprint
Van Eikenhorst emphasized the importance of having a structured approach for municipalities implementing the scheme. “We are working on models to make it easier to deliver e-scooters to people without upfront payments and to manage the recycling of old vehicles efficiently. Every municipality shouldn’t have to start from scratch and face similar challenges.” The city of Arnhem, for example, has shown interest in the program, building on its prior experience with local trade-in schemes that offer additional support to low-income residents.
Local Business Impact
XXL Scooters in Arnhem, a company benefiting from the local exchange program, reports that the early problems with implementation are fading. Entrepreneur René Tolhuisen said the voucher system allows low-income residents to obtain electric vehicles without needing upfront payments. “We receive daily requests for trade-ins, and every day we collect mopeds for demolition,” he noted. Tolhuisen’s team offers electric scooters starting at €999, meaning those with local subsidies like the Gelrepas don’t need to pay anything out of pocket.
Tolhuisen played a key role in raising awareness of the scheme among local businesses, calling on fellow entrepreneurs to participate. This resulted in more drop-off points and increased sales of electric scooters. He expects the national program to complement Arnhem’s local subsidy in the near future.
Opportunities for Other Businesses
Armando Muis of La Souris, a business with locations in various cities, views the new subsidy program as an opportunity to boost both sustainability and sales. He plans to take a more proactive approach to the upcoming scheme, especially given its potential for creating confusion across different municipalities. Muis is particularly interested in ensuring transparency regarding which areas participate in the program and how full the subsidy pot remains.
He has instructed his marketing team to track participating municipalities and tailor online campaigns accordingly. “About 80 percent of our customers come to us through online promotions,” Muis said, noting that their most affordable electric scooter is priced at €999, making it possible to offer it for free through the subsidy.
Challenges for Municipalities
While there is enthusiasm for the new program, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has stated that it is unlikely a central platform will be created to track participating municipalities. Each municipality is responsible for announcing its own involvement. Currently, applications are being processed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, but no decisions have been finalized. BOVAG has been actively communicating about the subsidy’s potential benefits for entrepreneurs, and it hopes that municipalities will take the lead in informing local businesses about their participation. “If you set up a subsidy like this, you want it to be used effectively,” said BOVAG spokesperson Stijn Oosterhoff. “It shouldn’t turn into a confusing patchwork.”
Comments Off on Green light for scooter scheme: important for affordable mobility in urban areas
The Royal RAI Association welcomes the announced pilot for a subsidy program for electric mopeds and scooters. This new scheme offers low-income people a helping hand in the transition to zero emissions and ensures that they retain access to mobility. “This scheme is therefore essential for moped and light moped riders with a small wallet, especially where environmental zones are emerging,” says Martijn van Eikenhorst – Scooters section manager at the association and also chairman of Scooter Recycling Netherlands.
An amount of 3.5 million euros has been made available for the electrification of mopeds and mopeds for 2024 and the same amount for 2025. Municipalities can apply for money from this scheme to grant subsidies to minimum wage earners, with each municipality applying its own policy. Residents can then receive a subsidy for the purchase of an electric moped or moped. With this budget, it is estimated that more than 3,500 petrol scooters can be replaced with emission-free ones. The pilot scheme will open this summer, and the government will also start a promotional campaign for electric mopeds and scooters.
Combating mobility poverty and offering freedom of choice
This new subsidy scheme encourages municipalities to accelerate the electrification of scooters and mopeds. Municipalities often combine a scrappage scheme with subsidy offers for older scooters and mopeds, for example from before 2018, with the establishment of environmental zones. RAI Association attaches great importance to affordability and freedom of choice, especially for road users with limited financial capacity. They have often been riding their beloved moped or moped for years. Through this scheme they should be given the opportunity to purchase a new, comparable, but now electric vehicle. “Keep in mind that people want to choose a vehicle that suits them,” Van Eikenhorst emphasizes. “The moped and moped are then ideal for medium-long distances, commuting or a safe feeling in traffic late in the evening.”
It’s the consumer and the government’s turn
The manufacturers and importers of scooters and mopeds have taken the lead in electrification. The climate agreement expresses the ambition to only sell electric mopeds by 2025. Since then, and even before the government came up with concrete policy, electric mopeds and mopeds have taken off. By offering electric mobility early, the sector has already made significant progress. Of the mopeds registered in 2024, 50% are electric and the counter for electric mopeds reaches 32%. “The industry has taken its steps. It is now up to the consumer to choose electric. The government can now help with this with its policy.”
Role of industry in the sustainable future
RAI Association has actively contributed to setting up this pilot and welcomes its introduction by the cabinet. The association looks forward to further collaboration to accelerate the transition to emission-free mobility to realize a sustainable future, in which mobility not only remains accessible and affordable, but also contributes to a cleaner and healthier living environment. “RAI Association and Scooter Recycling Netherlands are discussion partners in various municipalities and cities regarding demolition schemes, environmental and zero-emission zones.” In response to the new subsidy scheme, Martijn van Eikenhorst, on behalf of the RAI Association, invites municipalities to get in touch about their sustainable ambitions.
