In Malaysia, motorbike users are seen in almost all areas be it in big cities, towns or rural areas. Motorbikes offer flexibility and are more economical in highly congested cities with easy operation and maintenance. But how many of us know that greenhouse emissions will gradually rise if we continue using conventional combustion-based motorcycle engines?
We cannot deny that the effects of climate change like gas emission has become more rampant and severe in recent times. About 25% of GHG emissions are caused by transportation, affecting lives and livelihoods and threatening our planetary health.
All governments promote EV use globally to reduce individual mobility’s impact on the environment intensively, and Malaysia is no exception. Malaysia has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions intensity to GDP by 45% by 2030 and aspires to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
In line with this commitment, Malaysian investment holding company Artroniq and Indonesian electric motorcycle brand United E-Motor launched e-scooters in October 2023—specifically, the TX1800 and TX3000. Artroniq is assembling these models in its Batu Kawan, Penang facility, aiming to produce 2,000 units across both models in 2024. A distribution and service network, managed by United E-Motor, will be established in the northern, central, and southern regions of Peninsular Malaysia, with service centers in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor under Artroniq.[1]
Realising the importance of EV adoption, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) plans to introduce e-scooters in Bayan Baru next year to promote sustainable living while addressing traffic congestion.[2] Despite current regulations prohibiting e-scooters on public roads, the MBPP is upgrading infrastructure for a trial project. If successful, the state will seek approval from the Transport Ministry to allow e-scooters on Bayan Baru roads.
Achieving a sustainable society starts with adopting a sustainable lifestyle at an individual level. Micro mobility e-scooters, distinct from electric bikes, will be used, and efforts will be made to address issues such as proper parking. The trial is in the planning stage, awaiting walkway upgrades and a request for proposal (RFP). Additionally, MBPP aims to install 300 EV charging stations on Penang Island to promote the transition from fossil fuel vehicles, acknowledging the challenge of attracting investments due to high costs.
Like other EVs, e-scooters run on electric chargers or batteries, which can help reduce GHG emissions with low noise and an elegant design and shape.
In conclusion, adopting sustainable practices in our daily lives by moving towards green vehicles can significantly reduce the GHGs from the transport sector.
Footnotes:
[1] Mohan, K. Ramanujam. Artroniq x United E-Motor electric scooter specifications released – pricing for Malaysia TBA (Bikes, Electric Motocycles, Local Bikes News, October 31, 2023).
[2] Opalyn, Mok. Penang plans to use e-scooters in Bayan Baru in 2024 to curb road congestion. (The Malay Mail, November 23, 2023)