Tag Archive: electric motorcycles

  1. Silence launches battery exchange stations in France

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    Source: Moto Magazine

    LEVA-EU member Acciona’s e-motorcycle brand Silence has opened its first battery swapping stations in France, marking a major step in expanding its European e-mobility network. This coincides with the introduction of a new battery subscription and rental service, providing a wider range of convenient options for its customers.

    Moto Magazine has stated that Silence has made a big impression in the urban two-wheeler market, with its Silence SO1 electric motorcycle model believed it be the “best-selling electric scooter in Europe, and one of the best selling models in its segment in France.”

    New battery swapping stations in France

    The latest instalment in France will build on its successful network of 160 stations in Spain. Silence’s French stations will be mostly located within Esso service stations, at some parking lots, and at dealerships.

    The Spanish manufacturer is opening 14 battery swapping stations in the Paris metropolitan area, with the network expected to reach French Riviera locations such as Nice and Cannes by the end of 2025.

    Image credit: Moto Magazine

    Silence’s battery replacement method

    The battery replacement method that’s already being used for electric mobility in Japan, Taiwan and China involves the swapping of a depleted battery for a fully charged replacement in under 30 seconds.

    New monthly subscription and rental service

    Coinciding with the launch of its new stations in France, Silence is now offering a battery subscription and rental service, giving users the option to buy a Silence e-motorcycle without a battery, receiving a 30% discount off the total price (from €3,995).

    From this pricing option, users would subscribe to a monthly plan that consists of 12 battery exchange cycles, making electric motorcycle ownership more affordable and convenient by eliminating upfront battery costs and enabling quick swaps rather than charging.

  2. Electric motorcycle sales in Kenya account for almost 10% of market share in 2025

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    Source: Clean Technica

    A report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows that, for the period from January-August 2025, over 9,300 electric motorcycles were sold in the country, representing 9.6% of the total purchased, a substantial increase on the 7.1% recorded in the whole of 2024.

    Motorcycle sales in Kenya are partly driven by the country’s motorcycle taxi industry, and the electric-powered portion of the market was a few years ago comprised of ICE conversions created in Nairobi’s industrial district.

    The country’s motorcycle taxi operators and riders have begun to look more favourably on electric models, thanks to their lower total cost of ownership. This increasing popularity is also being boosted by electric motorcycle-friendly asset financing options; for instance, asset finance company Watu has published 2025 targets of financing 2,000 electric motorcycles in Kenya – a hefty 41% of its total target of 4,850 motorcycles financed.

    Following a period of instability for Kenya’s motorcycle sector in the post-pandemic years, the industry is reported to be bouncing back, with electric motorcycle brands being a key part of this.

    Electric motorcycle charging could also help to balance out some of Kenya’s key energy sector challenges. There has generally been low uptake of available geothermal capacity during overnight off-peak hours, leading to energy curtailment at geothermal plants. The overnight charging of electric motorcycles could present better utilisation of resources.

  3. New e-motorcycle subsidies arrive in Pakistan

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    Source: Daily Capital, Phone World, Minute Mirror

    Pakistan has introduced incentives designed to boost electric motorcycle uptake among its citizens. The schemes aim to extend more affordable, eco-friendly transport to those most in need, including students, women and people with low income.

    New national initiatives have been recently launched under the Pakistan Accelerated Vehicle Electrification (PAVE) program, providing subsidies and interest-free instalment plans for the purchase of electric motorcycles to successful applicants. An additional scheme in the province of Punjab enables those who have purchased a new electric motorcycle after December 2024 to apply for subsidies.

    The initiatives – which apply to both personal vehicles, and to rickshaws or loaders – are strongly focused on enabling access to cheaper, more environmentally friendly alternatives to petrol-powered motorcycles, and are part of the government’s aims to promote electric mobility while reducing dependence on conventional-fuel vehicles. The key aims are to:

    • Reduce the cost of transport for ordinary citizens
    • Promote eco-friendly travel
    • Support students, women, delivery riders, and workers
    • Encourage the shift toward green energy and electric vehicles

    It is reported that, in the Punjab province, government officials have set a target that, by 2030, 30% of transport in the province should be electric. An expansion of the program’s budget was recently announced to allow more people to benefit, as part of this transformation plan.

  4. Ho Chi Minh City ride-hail motorbikes could shift to electric

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    Source: VN Express

    A study by the Institute for Development Studies has found that 80% of the ride-hailing motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City could be switched to electric, with the right policies and infrastructure upgrades in place.

    City authorities had outlined plans in May 2025 to convert 400,000 motorbikes used by ride-hailing service providers to electric by 2030; Le Thanh Hai, a director at the Institute for Development Studies, has advised this can be achieved with the right combination of financial support, the enhancement of charging and battery-swapping infrastructure, and exemptions from registration fees and VAT.

    Lower operating costs

    Hai said that riders of ride-hail motorbike companies Grab and Be are paying 70,000-100,000 Vietnamese Dong (€2.30-3.30) a day for fuel, according to 400 survey participants. In contrast, riders of Xanh SM electric motorcycles spend only 20,000 Vietnamese Dong (approximately €0.67) per day on charging. It is estimated that, after battery deterioration, charging costs and waiting time are deducted, electric motorcycle ride-hail riders can earn the equivalent of €33.26 per month more than their ICE-riding counterparts. This would enable riders to repay vehicle loans within 2-2.5 years.

    Infrastructure changes needed

    The current charging infrastructure in Ho Chi Minh City presents an obstacle. Most electric motorcycles available have charging times of 4-10 hours and ranges of 100-200 km, meaning drivers would typically need to charge at least once a day – and thus unable to earn income while doing so.

    Nguyen Huu Phuoc Nguyen, founder and CEO of electric scooter startup Selex Motors, said, “Energy infrastructure will no longer be a barrier if charging electric vehicles can be as fast as refueling gasoline.” Selex has developed a two-minute battery swapping service to help address this issue, with batteries compatible with other brands. The current 50 stations in Ho Chi Minh City are due to expand to 200 in 2026.

    Nguyen also highlighted a lack of standardized charging infrastructure, and urged city authorities to encourage businesses to expand shared charging and battery-swapping networks.

    Financial support models

    Hai’s research identified that financial barriers also have a part to play, as ride-hailing riders often have low and unstable incomes. The Institute for Development Studies has worked with banks on developing specific credit products and secured preferential commitments from companies in the electric motorcycle and distribution sector.

    Ho Chi Minh City has also proposed that the central government waive registration fees and VAT for new electric vehicles and their drivers for the first two years.

    Figures show that Vietnam’s transportation sector emits 32.9 million tons of CO2 equivalent annually, with Ho Chi Minh City contributing a substantial 13 million tons. The switch to electric ride-hailing motorcycles is part of the city’s green transportation plans.

  5. Irish Transport Minister announces grant for electric motorcycles

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    Source: Limerick Live

    Ireland’s government has announced a range of new initiatives designed to accelerate the switch to electric mobility, with grants for electric motorcycles a key part of the plans, alongside a pilot for shared home charging options.

    The Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, announced grants for electric motorcycles, alongside other schemes. The L Category Grant Scheme is an initiative specifically offering financial support towards the purchase of new electric motorbikes. The scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and funded by the Department of Transport and Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI), and offers grants of between €500 to €1,000 for a variety of electric vehicle categories.

    O’Brien said, “These grants are another step towards creating a cleaner, more sustainable transport system in Ireland, and complement existing supports for electric cars, commercial vans and charging infrastructure. These initiatives reflect our Government’s commitment to a zero-emission future, providing individuals and businesses with the tools needed to help make the transition.”

    In addition to the grants, a Shared Charging Pilot Scheme was also announced, aiming to address the challenge of access to home-charging facilities. The pilot programme, due to be rolled out in urban, suburban and rural areas, will enable homeowners to rent out their EV chargers through a booking platform, helping to bring cost-effective charging options to EV owners who don’t have private off-street parking facilities.

  6. Barcelona launches electric motorcycle sharing service

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    Source: Servei Da Premsa

    The Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB) has recently introduced a new service across eight municipalities, with the aim to deploy up to 10,000 motorcycles by the end of the year.

    This initiative is believed to be the largest shared electric motorcycle service in Europe, moving the region closer to sustainable urban mobility. The initial rollout will cover Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Esplugues de Llobregat, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Sant Just Desvern, Badalona, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, and Sant Adrià de Besòs. Spearheaded by AMB President Jaume Collboni and Mobility Vice President Carlos Cordón, its launch emphasizes the e-motorcycle sharing service’s potential to reduce emissions, enhance air quality, and promote intermodal commuting.

    “Today we are launching the shared electric bike. Let’s take a giant step. It is the largest regulation in Europe. It is a more sustainable option for citizens to be able to choose their best mobility option,” said Cordón. He also believed that it will “promote intermodality and change of habits”.

    How the sharing service will operate

    The AMB awarded licenses to five companies through a public tender process, which will oversee the management of 9,950 electric motorcycles in designated zones. Participating companies include Hori Rides, Yego Urban Mobility, Cooltra Motosharing, Go Sharing, and Acciona Mobility, with each allocated between 1,950 and 2,050 motorcycles. These companies are expected to complete their deployments within 40 days of the announcement.

    To ensure balanced accessibility, the AMB has outlined mandatory service areas, restricted parking zones, and prohibited areas, in line with local regulations. Each company operates independently with its own app and pricing model, though AMB has made the motorcycle locations visible on its Mobility and SMOU applications. All motorcycles and helmets are labeled with an AMB logo for identification, though each company maintains its distinct branding.

    Road safety compliance

    The service also comes with a framework of oversight. The AMB has established a technical committee to collaborate with municipalities and operators, ensuring compliance with safety and road regulations. All operators have agreed to adhere to AMB’s code of road safety practices. The AMB has implemented a penalty system for violations, detailing the levels of infractions and stipulating license revocation procedures if necessary.

    Licensing

    This initiative, crafted with input from over 60 organizations, including the Catalan Competition Authority and the National Commission of Markets and Competition, introduces metropolitan licenses with a two-year validity. Licensees pay an annual fee of €45 for AMB management and additional fees to municipalities for public space use, ensuring financial support for sustainable urban development.

    Barcelona shifting further toward sustainable mobility

    The metropolitan electric motorcycle service represents a strategic shift towards green mobility in Barcelona’s urban landscape, prioritizing sustainable options and aiming to foster a cleaner, healthier metropolitan region.

  7. How solid-state batteries could boost electric motorcycle uptake

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    Source: RideApart

    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.

  8. India’s electric two-wheeler startups boom

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    India’s electric two-wheeler market is experiencing a surge in startups, climbing from 54 in 2021 to over 150 in recent times. This growth is partly thanks to government incentives aimed at promoting clean vehicles and reducing fossil fuel imports.

    Source: Techcrunch

    An analysis by Bernstein forecasts continued expansion, projecting annual sales of 15-20 million units over the next decade, marking a 15-20 times increase. This surge in startups has fostered intense competition, particularly in the mainstream segment, where 85% of the 65 models launched last year showcased high-speed capabilities, a departure from previous limited offerings.

    The average battery capacity of newly launched models has also seen a notable rise, from 2.3kWhr in 2022 to 3kWhr. India’s ambitious goals of achieving 30% electric vehicle penetration by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 are driving these developments.

    Key to this momentum is the government’s FAME II scheme, providing subsidies to buyers, being recently extended to 2024. Despite a reduction in subsidies in mid-2023, the number of electric two-wheeler companies continued to climb, reaching 152 by January 2024. Importers, particularly sourcing components or entire vehicles from China, have significantly contributed to this rise.

    While startups dominate the top ranks, led by Ola Electric, accounting for 39% of the market share as of January 2024, sales volumes remain concentrated among the top five players, comprising 85% of the market. Moreover, low barriers to entry, reliance on outsourced models, and readily available components characterize the industry landscape, with only half of the founders possessing engineering backgrounds.

    As the industry matures, the government is moving towards production-linked incentives (PLI) favouring domestic manufacturing. While established automotive giants have largely secured PLI benefits, only a handful of startups have qualified, potentially providing cost advantages to major incumbents.

    Looking ahead, Bernstein’s analysis anticipates room for five startups to emerge as significant players alongside established companies. Nonetheless, intense competition could temper industry profit margins and returns in the medium term.

  9. Global e-bike drive systems brand, Bafang, looks to embrace challenges and drive progress in 2024

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    As the eBike industry faced a challenging year in 2023 due to a slowdown in demand caused by an unstable international climate and high inventory levels, Bafang, a global drive system supplier with over 20 years of experience in the two-wheeled industry, proactively adjusted its pace to meet market changes. The company further solidified its industry-leading position by leveraging advanced products and superior services.

    Looking ahead to the upcoming year, Bafang plans to continue strengthening its investment in technology and product quality to maintain its resolute and mission-driven approach. The company will push for sustainable development in the industry with unwavering confidence, inject vitality into the market, and lead with a firm step.

    Bafang focuses on providing high-quality and high-performance drive system solutions for global customers, earning the trust of OEMs, brand owners, dealers, and end consumers around the world. In 2023, Bafang celebrated several milestone moments including its first dealer conference, the topping-out ceremony of its new-energy factory, its 20th anniversary, and its seventh technical exchange meeting. Additionally, a series of achievements in battery production, technical recognition by major international product awards, and the successful deployment of the DDS dealer service system all showcased Bafang’s impressive corporate strength and broad market prospects worldwide.

    Furthermore, Bafang continues its expansion into electric motorcycle powertrains with its sister brand, T&D. In 2023, T&D joined forces with Bolt.Earth to deliver unparalleled user experiences, transforming the mobility landscape. Bafang, T&D, and Bolt.Earth teamed up at EICMA 2023 to showcase the strength of their partnership and the future of sustainable mobility.

    Social responsibility and industry mission are indispensable beliefs on Bafang’s path to development. Facing industry challenges head-on, Bafang will continue to focus on product performance, quality control, and after-sales service, ensuring that “quality” and “warranty” are at the forefront of the company’s focus. The company will provide more comprehensive support and protection to each customer by improving production automation coverage and expanding the global after-sales service layout.

    At the same time, Bafang recognizes that its responsibility and mission should not only be limited to high-quality products and services but also contribute to the prosperity of the entire industry. The company is willing to actively participate in industry cooperation, share experiences, and achieve mutual benefits. On the occasion of the New Year, Bafang extends sincere New Year wishes to partners around the world, expressing gratitude for the ongoing support. In 2024, the company will continue to maintain its resolute belief, work together, and create a shared future.

    About BAFANG:

    BAFANG, one of the leading manufacturers of e-mobility components and e-drive systems, has been developing components and complete systems for electric vehicles since 2003. The company is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (603489.SS) and focuses on all global emobility trends of the future: be it individual e-bikes, e-scooters or for public bike sharing systems.

    Bafang employs over 1000 people at 10 international locations worldwide. The headquarters, development and production sites are located in Suzhou, in the immediate vicinity of Shanghai/China. A virtual tour of the new headquarters in Suzhou via a VR Panorama Tour starts here. Bafang has sales and service centers in the Netherlands, the USA, Germany, Denmark, France, Italy, and China. The newly opened plant in Poland focuses on the production of mid-motor systems for the European markets.

    Website: www.bafang-e.com
    E-Mail: info@bafang-e.com