As part of our efforts to encourage the adoption of cleaner vehicles for a sustainable transport sector, we will enhance our motorcycle registration regime to facilitate the introduction of higher-powered electric motorcycles. Starting from 1 April 2020, higher-powered electric motorcycles with power ratings exceeding 10 kilowatts (kW) can be registered with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for use on public roads. At present, only electric motorcycles with power ratings below or equal to 10 kW are allowed on public roads in Singapore. In addition, electric motorcycles with a top speed of 50 km/h and above will be allowed on expressways starting from 1 April 2020^[1].

Road Tax Structure for Electric Motorcycles

2          To support the introduction of higher-powered electric motorcycles in Singapore, we will align the road tax structure for electric motorcycles with the existing road tax structure for Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) motorcycles^[2].

3          As announced on 18 February 2020, an additional tax of $200/year will be applicable for electric motorcycles, to partially recover for the fuel excise duties paid by equivalent ICE motorcycles. This will enhance parity in the treatment of ICE and electric vehicles, until we are ready to introduce a distance-based tax.

4          To cushion the impact, the Government will phase in this additional tax over three years from 1 January 2021. The full quantum will be charged from 1 January 2023 onwards. Please refer to Annex A for the road tax structure for electric motorcycles and the phase-in schedule for the additional tax.

5          Other existing registration requirements will continue to apply. These include the requirement to obtain a Category D Certificate of Entitlement (COE) and pay the Registration Fee and tiered Additional Registration Fee (ARF) for motorcycles.

Licences Required to Ride Electric Motorcycles

6          Motorists must possess the appropriate class of licence which corresponds to the power ratings of the electric motorcycles, to ride them. Existing licensing requirements for Class 2B, 2A and 2 licences will apply to riders of electric motorcycles. Please refer to Annex B for the riding licence requirements for electric motorcycles, and the existing licensing requirements for motorcycles.

7          The Traffic Police will review the existing riding curriculum for learner motorcyclists, and include additional modules on electric motorcycles, if required.

^[1] Electric motorcycles are currently not allowed on expressways in Singapore.
^[2] The power rating of the electric motorcycle will be pegged to the engine capacity of an equivalent Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) motorcycle.