Riding Far, Not Fast: Pepper Lim on His Record-Breaking EV Journey 

Double Malaysian record holder Pepper Lim opens up on planning, perseverance, and why electric motorcycles deserve a second look beyond city limits.

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When Pepper Lim decided to ride an electric motorcycle from Chiang Mai back to Kuala Lumpur, he knew from the start that it would not be easy. Long-distance touring is already demanding on a petrol-powered motorcycle.

Doing it on an electric bike raises the challenge to an entirely different level, both mentally and logistically. Still, Pepper pushed on. Against the odds, he completed the journey and etched his name into the Malaysia Book of Records, not once, but twice.

Pepper’s first record came earlier, after cycling solo to China while raising funds for the disabled with the Lions Club of Tropicana KL. More recently, he achieved another milestone by riding the longest distance on an electric motorcycle within a week.

Today, Pepper Lim is a double Malaysian record holder, best known for completing a 3,800 km electric motorcycle journey across Southeast Asia in just seven days.

iMotorbike sat down with Pepper to look beyond the numbers and uncover the deeper story behind the record. What emerged was not just a tale of distance, but one of planning, patience, community support, and a quiet effort to reshape how Malaysians view electric mobility.

Why an EV Motorcycle? 

Pepper’s journey into electric long-distance riding did not begin with motorcycles. It started with e-bicycles. Through those early experiences, he noticed a common theme. People were curious about electric mobility, but few believed it could go far. To Pepper, the biggest obstacle was never technology. It was perception. Many Malaysians still see electric vehicles as tools for short urban commutes and nothing more.

Rather than argue the point, Pepper chose to demonstrate it. That decision eventually led him to attempt a cross-border ride on an eBixon CPX Pro electric motorcycle. The bike was selected for practical reasons, particularly its battery capacity and everyday usability. Speed was never the objective. Range, reliability, and comfort mattered far more. As Pepper put it simply during the interview, “I don’t ride fast. I ride far.”

The Route: Chiang Mai to Kuala Lumpur

Although the journey began in Chiang Mai, Pepper clarified that the official Malaysian record covered the ride from Chiang Mai back to Kuala Lumpur. He deliberately chose a route spanning two countries to show that electric motorcycles, with the right planning, are capable of operating beyond borders. 

Instead of solely relying on major highways, he chose a route utilizing inner roads. These paths were longer, quieter, and significantly more challenging. Pepper was accompanied by a support rider whose role was to carry essential supplies, including an extra battery. The journey presented difficulties such as a scarcity of charging locations, limited food choices, and the frequent uncertainty of finding suitable accommodation before dark.

“Every day I had to calculate everything,” Pepper explained. “How far can I ride today? Where can I charge for two hours? Where can I sleep without breaking my budget? With petrol bikes, you can improvise. With EVs, you cannot.” 

Charging Anxiety Is Real

Battery anxiety was real throughout the journey, but it was manageable. One of the most talked-about moments came when Pepper rode the CPX Pro until the battery display read zero percent and the bike kept moving. At a low speed of around 24 km/h, it continued just long enough for him to reach safety. Even the manufacturer was surprised by this discovery.

In real-world conditions, Pepper found that a full charge could deliver roughly 115 km if ridden carefully. Charging from empty to full took roughly six hours, but he rarely waited that long. “The sweet spot is between 20 and 80 percent. That’s about two hours. So I ride, charged for two hours, ride again. That became my rhythm,” he said.

Nevertheless, charging often took place in unexpected locations such as restaurants, workshops, offices, and even public toilets, as long as permission was granted. To show his thanks, he’d usually buy some food or drinks or leave a tip for the staff. He always saw himself as a welcome visitor, not someone entitled to help. “You’re a guest, so, you’re not entitled. Especially when you are at other countries far from home. If people help you, you buy food, you tip, you respect them. That’s very important to me.”

Riding Through Rain, Heat, and Mental Fatigue 

If battery management was the technical challenge, weather and mental fatigue were the true enemies. The ride took place during a stretch of relentless rain. Pepper dealt with soaked riding gear, wet shoes, sudden heat after rainfall, and uncomfortable nights. “By the end, some of my gear changed colour,” he laughed. “That’s how bad it was.”

Food was not always memorable either. Some days were powered by nothing more than convenience-store burgers and bread. Accommodation varied widely, from surprisingly decent budget hotels to rooms he was relieved to leave the next morning. Still, Pepper believes these uncomfortable moments are what define the journey. “Motor boleh tahan, tapi manusia yang selalu hampir give up,” Pepper said.

The Silent Beauty of EV Riding One 

One unexpected highlight of the ride was the silence of electric riding. On quiet roads, especially when riding alone, the absence of engine noise created a completely different experience. Pepper said, “There’s no vibration, no loud exhaust sound. Just wind, tyres, road and the sound of nature. It’s very calming, truly.”

At the same time, the silence demanded greater awareness. “You can hear cars coming and passing earlier. You actually become more alert, not less,” he added.

The Lion Teddy Bear and Community Support 

Those who watched Pepper’s YouTube video titled 7 Days, 1 EV Bike, 1 Malaysian Record – Mission Complete! may have noticed a small lion teddy bear strapped to the bike for the entire journey. The teddy was a gift from Lion District Governor Thanet and symbolised the support of the Lions Club of Thailand and Malaysia.

Their encouragement, particularly during the Chiang Mai leg, served as a reminder that while the ride looked solo, it was backed by community effort, goodwill, and shared values centred on sustainability and social responsibility. 

EVs Are Not Perfect And Pepper Knows It

Pepper is also honest about the limitations of electric vehicles. He does not believe electric motorcycles are ideal for spontaneous long-distance touring. In his view, they are best suited for urban use and short-distance riding, with longer journeys possible only through careful planning. 

His message is clear. Riders who want fast and aggressive touring will not find what they want in an EV. Those looking for a hassle-free, quiet, and sustainable way to commute, however, may find electric motorcycles to be a very sensible option. 

What’s Next for Pepper Lim? 

Well, after completing his electric motorcycle record, Pepper is far from slowing down. He is already planning a series of ambitious challenges that continue his theme of redefining what electric mobility can do. 

In 2026, he aims to attempt a seven-day journey on a mobility scooter, followed by another seven-day endurance run in an electric car. Looking further ahead, he hopes to embark on a four-month journey to Europe in 2027, with Germany as the destination, a trip that would test him physically, mentally, and logistically more than anything before.

Each plan follows the same philosophy that has guided him so far. Push boundaries, document the experience, and show what is possible when determination meets technology.

More Than Records, Changing Mindsets 

Pepper Lim is not chasing records simply to collect certificates. Every ride is designed to start conversations, challenge assumptions, and encourage Malaysians to rethink mobility. His story proves that while electric vehicles may not replace petrol motorcycles overnight, they are no longer confined to short rides around town.

With enough planning, patience, and mental strength, they can go much further than most people imagine. One thing is already certain. Pepper Lim has carved his name into Malaysia’s record books, doing it quietly, consistently, and very often, in the rain.