• Bikes for Sale
  • News
  • Buyer’s guide
    • Buy a Motorcycle
    • First Rides & Reviews
    • Specs, Prices & Others
  • Lifestyle
    • Concepts & Custom
    • Electric Motorcycles
    • Events
    • Motorsport
    • Tips & Stories
    • Travel
  • Locals
imotorbike logo
  • Bikes for Sale
  • News
  • Buyer’s guide
    • Buy a Motorcycle
    • First Rides & Reviews
    • Specs, Prices & Others
  • Lifestyle
    • Concepts & Custom
    • Electric Motorcycles
    • Events
    • Motorsport
    • Tips & Stories
    • Travel
  • Locals
  • Facebook

  • Instagram

  • X (Twitter)

  • YouTube

  • LinkedIn

  • RSS

News

South Korea Eyes Gas-to-Electric Motorbike Conversions

South Korea Eyes Gas-to-Electric Motorbike Conversions
Michelle Liew
April 26, 2025

South Korea is studying whether retrofitting gas-powered motorbikes with electric motors could offer a cleaner, quieter solution for its cities.

South Korea is studying whether retrofitting gas-powered motorbikes with electric motors could offer a cleaner, quieter solution for its cities.
Source: YRD

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for instant updates!

South Korea is taking a closer look at whether its fleet of gas-powered motorcycles — essential to the nation’s bustling delivery economy — could be transformed into a cleaner, quieter force on city streets.

Earlier this month, the Ministry of Environment announced a new eight-month research initiative to assess the feasibility of retrofitting existing motorbikes with electric motors. Officials emphasised that the study is not an immediate policy rollout, but rather a foundational step to determine whether large-scale conversions could make environmental and economic sense.

The Urgent Need for Cleaner Urban Transport

The project supports South Korea’s push to cut air and noise pollution, especially in dense cities like Seoul. Though often overlooked in climate plans, motorcycles are major polluters. A small gas-powered bike can emit 23 times more carbon monoxide and 279 times more hydrocarbons than a small car, according to the Ministry of Environment.

In a bid to support the shift toward electric alternatives, Seoul has already repurposed old phone booths into quick-swap battery stations for electric motorbikes, aiming to minimise charging times and support delivery riders who operate on tight schedules.

Still, despite these efforts, the transition to fully electric motorcycles has been slower than hoped.

South Korea is studying whether retrofitting gas-powered motorbikes with electric motors could offer a cleaner, quieter solution for its cities.

Electric Motorcycle Adoption Faces Roadblocks

Since government subsidies were introduced in 2018, registration of electric motorcycles initially saw a spike but has since declined. In 2023, South Korea aimed to deploy nearly 29,000 new electric motorcycles but achieved only 28.5% of the target, according to the National Assembly Budget Office.

Several factors have hindered adoption:

  • Limited range: Most electric motorcycles offer just 70 to 80 kilometres per charge, while full-time delivery riders often travel over 100 kilometres daily.
  • High costs: Upfront prices remain steep compared to conventional motorcycles.
  • Infrastructure gaps: Despite improvements like battery-swapping stations, charging networks are still insufficient for large-scale use.

Meanwhile, noise pollution from motorcycles continues to grow as a public concern. Motorcycle-related noise complaints surged by 79% between 2022 and 2023, according to ministry data.

Faced with these realities, retrofitting existing motorcycles could offer a more practical and affordable pathway.

South Korea is studying whether retrofitting gas-powered motorbikes with electric motors could offer a cleaner, quieter solution for its cities.
Source: YRD

Learning from Indonesia’s Experience

As it explores its options, South Korea is closely watching international examples, particularly Indonesia’s recent success with motorcycle conversions.

Indonesia launched a subsidy program in 2023 covering about 10 million rupiah (approx. RM2,817.00) per conversion. The impact was clear: after an initial 145 conversions in 2023, the number surged to over 1,100 conversions by early 2024, according to Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

While differences in infrastructure and market conditions exist, South Korean officials believe Indonesia’s experience shows that financial support combined with practical retrofitting options can create real momentum.

What’s Next

The results of the ongoing study will help the government decide whether retrofitting could become a mainstream option, potentially giving motorcycle owners an alternative to costly new purchases while helping meet climate and noise reduction goals.

If successful, South Korea could not only make its streets quieter and cleaner but also set a model for other nations grappling with the challenges of greening their two-wheeled transport systems.

Related Itemselectric motorcycleselectric vehiclesfeaturednewnewssouth korea
To read the full story
login with google
login with facebook
or
Create an account for free
This won't cost you.
by clicking this button you agree to iMotorbike's visitor agreement
Already have an account? Sign in here
Click here to get notified on every new article
News
April 26, 2025
Michelle Liew

An avid fan of motorsports bringing you top-notch content from the two-wheeler world! Gear up for the latest updates and news with top speed delivery

Related Itemselectric motorcycleselectric vehiclesfeaturednewnewssouth korea

More in News

2025 Kawasaki Z900 Launched at the Grand Opening of the Kawasaki Technical Centre.

Hazique ZairillOctober 18, 2025
Read More

Modenas Opens Kawasaki Headquarters & Tech Centre in Glenamarie

Hazique ZairillOctober 18, 2025
Read More

Ducati Unveils New Corse City C3 and Strada C4 Boots: Style, Performance, and Safety for Every Season

Amzar HazeeqOctober 17, 2025
Read More

Yamaha to Celebrate 70th Anniversary with Special Livery at Jerez WorldSBK Season Finale

Amzar HazeeqOctober 17, 2025
Read More

Deepavali Ride Deals: Big Motorcycle Discounts This Festive Season!

Hazique ZairillOctober 17, 2025
Read More

MotoGP 2026 Grid Confirmed

Hazique ZairillOctober 17, 2025
Read More

Marco Bezzecchi Hit with Double Long-Lap Penalty for Marquez Crash in Indonesia

Hazique ZairillOctober 17, 2025
Read More

Piaggio Group Strengthens Asia Pacific Presence with New Subsidiary in the Philippines

Amzar HazeeqOctober 17, 2025
Read More

Isak Gifting Extends Partnership with Yamaha and JK Yamaha Supported MX Team Through 2026

Amzar HazeeqOctober 17, 2025
Read More

Honda Unveils All-New 110cc Motorcycle Range

Michelle LiewOctober 16, 2025
Read More

Aveta Launches Preferred Dealers’ Program Nationwide

Michelle LiewOctober 16, 2025
Read More

Schareina Takes Command at Rallye du Maroc

Michelle LiewOctober 16, 2025
Read More
We want to buy your bike Join us on Telegram
Scroll for more
Tap

Join us on Facebook

  • Popular

  • Latest

  • Comments

  • 47th ASEAN Summit 2025: Major Road Closures, From 26 until 28 October 
    EventsOctober 15, 2025
  • RON95 at RM1.99 for All Malaysians
    IndustrySeptember 22, 2025
  • SYM Launches VFE 185i for Malaysian Market at RM9,988
    Buyer's guideOctober 1, 2025
  • Suzuki V-Strom 250 SX Review: Compact Yet Powerful Adventure Bike
    Buyer's guideSeptember 23, 2025
  • WMOTO Unveils Cruiser AMT 125 and EZ125i for Malaysian Market
    Buyer's guideOctober 2, 2025
  • Sepang
    MotoGP 2026 Launch Event Relocated from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur
    LifestyleOctober 3, 2025
  • Boon Siew Honda Unveils New Colours for 2025 Honda BeAT in Malaysia
    Buyer's guideSeptember 22, 2025
  • 2025 Kawasaki Z900 Launched at the Grand Opening of the Kawasaki Technical Centre.
    Buyer's guideOctober 18, 2025
  • Modenas Opens Kawasaki Headquarters & Tech Centre in Glenamarie
    Buyer's guideOctober 18, 2025
  • Ducati Unveils New Corse City C3 and Strada C4 Boots: Style, Performance, and Safety for Every Season
    Buyer's guideOctober 17, 2025
  • Yamaha to Celebrate 70th Anniversary with Special Livery at Jerez WorldSBK Season Finale
    LifestyleOctober 17, 2025
  • Deepavali Ride Deals: Big Motorcycle Discounts This Festive Season!
    Buyer's guideOctober 17, 2025
  • MotoGP 2026 Grid Confirmed
    EventsOctober 17, 2025
  • Marco Bezzecchi Hit with Double Long-Lap Penalty for Marquez Crash in Indonesia
    MotoGPOctober 17, 2025
  • MV Agusta Lucky Explorer Project 9.5: testing the Schiranna prototype - news.iNthacity: More Top Breaking News and Popular Stories To Stay Informed says:

    […] Michelle Liew […]

  • CFMOTO 450SR to enter Malaysia in March 2023 at RM29,300 - news.iNthacity: More Top Breaking News and Popular Stories To Stay Informed says:

    […] Michelle Liew […]

  • Suzuki V-Strom now available in Malaysia at RM81,900 - news.iNthacity: More Top Breaking News and Popular Stories To Stay Informed says:

    […] Michelle Liew […]

  • Colin says:

    I hope they make the Dax street legal. Love to…

  • Mohd Razi bin Rosli says:

    Adv 150cc

  • Nena Maxberry says:

    Just curious what they would retail for

  • Adam Kenny says:

    RM4159 for the front fork is it?

Categories

  • Buyer's guide
    • First Rides & Reviews
    • Specs, Prices & Others
  • cafe racer malaysia murah
  • Campaign
  • CSR Programme
  • Electric Motorcycles
  • Electric Motorcycles
  • Industry
  • Industry
  • Kedai Motor
  • Lifestyle
    • Concepts & Custom
    • Electric Motorcycles
    • Events
      • EICMa
    • Helmet
    • Motorsport
      • ARRC
      • CubPrix
      • EWC
      • Moto3
      • Motocross
      • MSBK
      • WSBK
    • Tips & Stories
    • Travel
  • Moto2
  • Motor Murah
  • News
    • Locals
    • MotoGP
    • Scoop
  • Review
  • Scoop
  • Scoop
  • SEO
  • Suzuka 8 Hours
  • Tips & Tricks

Corporate

About Us
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Disclosure Policy
Contact Us
SUBSCRIBE NOW!

2024 iMotorbike World Sdn. Bhd.(1205246-M). All rights reserved.

Quartararo Shocks Jerez for First Pole Since 2022
Ather Energy Plans Affordable EL Platform and Electric Motorcycles
Nak Jual Beli Motor 😊 ?
WhatsApp
Hi iMotorbike 😊
Open chat