Electric bikes in Bali. Where to buy, how to choose and how to maintain?

Worldwide trends in automotive engineering are gradually shifting towards electric cars, green energy, powerful torque, and the abandonment of internal combustion engines. There are attempts to initiate a similar revolution in the motorcycle industry; however, in two-wheeled transport, engineers face an obvious engineering challenge—high-capacity batteries weigh a lot and take up a considerable amount of space. While this is not a significant problem in cars and often brings many benefits, in motorcycles, the drawbacks of extra weight and size are evident: low maneuverability and handling, high loads on the frame in turns, the need for more expensive and powerful suspensions, and brakes. Nevertheless, there are successful solutions, and currently, there are both successful motorcycles and good scooters. Such technology is available in Indonesia, represented by local and global brands. Let's explore whether it makes sense to purchase an electric two-wheeled vehicle in Bali.

First and foremost, it should be noted that electric scooters cannot yet replace gasoline scooters in all spheres of their application. The limited range and the lengthy battery charging process pose challenges. There are many solutions with swappable batteries, but for them to work, a well-developed infrastructure of charging stations is required.

Currently, there is a company called SWAP operating in Bali, which has installed battery charging stations near some Circle K stores and gas stations. The process is simple: you find an available station in the app, reserve it, arrive, and swap the battery. The battery replacement itself takes less than a minute. Surprisingly, there is no widespread availability of maps of charging stations, so we will show a screenshot from the app to give an idea of the scale.

There is also a developing network of charging stations by WIKSA, the Taiwanese company Gogoro (currently available only in Jakarta, but there are, of course, plans for expansion to Bali), and a fairly extensive network of charging stations, SPKLU. This is a significant project by the state-owned company PLN, to which we all pay for our home electricity. Despite the abundance of charging stations, it is challenging to find an openly accessible charging map, and Google also does not display all of them. So, once again, it's only through the app, and keep in mind that not all charging stations are shown in the screenshot below.

One way or another, the situation with charging stations in Bali is quite good, meaning that electric transport can be used. If we remember that in most cases, scooters and motorcycles can be charged at home overnight, this issue can be considered resolved. Unless you're constantly driving from Bukit to Ubud, Amed, and back, the range of most of the bikes and scooters listed below should be sufficient for the entire day. However, of course, it should be noted that the distance an electric bike can cover depends significantly on your riding style. If you like to accelerate aggressively, then you can confidently divide the declared range by at least two.

A scooter from the Indonesian company Alva, subsidized by the government for 4 million rupiahs. The subsidy is only available to Indonesian citizens, so to receive it, you will need to register the bike to a local resident. The claimed range is 70 km at a speed of 40 km/h. So, it should cover about 30-40 km at an average speed above that. This means that you won't be able to reach from Ubud to Nusa Dua, which is 45 kilometers, on a single charge unless you purchase an additional battery that doubles the range. Unfortunately, these batteries are not compatible with SWAP or other fast-swapping systems, so you'll have to either charge at home or at charging stations. However, home charging is the standard scenario.

The company offers the following bonuses:

1. The first bonus is a warranty on the battery for 3 years or until the battery reaches 25,000 km.

2. The second bonus - Alva provides free maintenance for two years or until the mileage reaches 20,000 km.

3. The third bonus - users also receive a warranty on spare parts for 2 years or until the mileage reaches 20,000 km.

4. The fourth bonus - Alva also offers Alva Roadside Assistance or 24-hour emergency assistance service in case the user encounters problems during travel, such as a battery discharge on the road.

The customer only needs to call the hotline and explain the problem, then wait on-site until an employee arrives to provide a solution for battery replacement.

If you are interested in this bike, there is an opportunity to arrange a test drive on Bali. You can schedule it on the website.

Specifications:

- Maximum speed: 90 km/h

- Range: 70 km

- Torque: 46.5 Nm

- Battery capacity: 60 V - 45 Ah (2.7 kWh)

- Full battery charging time: 4 hours

- Cost: 36,500,000 (minus a subsidy of 4 million for Indonesian citizens)

- Where to buy: PT Electra auto, located in Mall Bali Galeria.

Bike from the Indonesian company Volta with quite impressive mileage parameters. The range on a single charge is up to 180 km. Unfortunately, the maximum speed is not high - only 60 km/h, so this bike is suitable for those who prefer a relaxed ride. On the other hand, for urban traffic, this is quite sufficient. The batteries are replaceable, and there are SGB networks, which, unfortunately, have not reached Bali yet. However, the bike comes with a free home charging station. With such range, you may never need to charge it outside your home.

Additions include the ability to reverse, an attractive color display panel, and LED headlights.

Interestingly, with the subsidy, the simplest version of the Volta Lite costs only 9,950,000 million. Visit the website, as the manufacturer has several models with different designs, and they promise something else interesting soon.

- Maximum Speed: 60 km/h

- Range: 180 km (with an additional battery)

- Battery Capacity: SLA 60V 20ah

- Price: 18,700,000 (minus a subsidy of 4 million for Indonesian citizens)

- Where to buy: Showroom in Bali

The representative of faster scooters from another Indonesian company, SELIS, produces a wide range of electric vehicles—golf carts, children's bicycles, and even electric rickshaws. However, we are interested in the fastest representative of this brand. Additionally, it is also the most expensive, but generally, this manufacturer offers electric bikes starting from 10 million. The specifications are listed below, and as for the pleasant features, it includes a colored panel, keyless access, LED headlights, and an interesting design. The warranty includes 5 years for the body, 1 year for the engine, and 3 months for the included charging device and controller.

- Maximum Speed: Not specified

- Range: Not specified

- Battery Capacity: Not specified

- Price: Not specified

- Warranty: 5 years for the body, 1 year for the engine, 3 months for the charging device and controller

Maximum speed: 80 km/h

Range: 140 km

Torque: 46.5 Nm

Battery capacity: 60 Volts 27 Ah replaceable Li-ion battery

Full battery charging time: 5 hours

Cost 34,999,000 for the maximum version

Where to buy: Denpasar, Gianyar

Another Indonesian manufacturer offers a lineup of two bikes with similar characteristics but different designs. A speed of 70 km/h is sufficient for the traffic conditions in Bali. The batteries can be swapped at some Pertamina gas stations. The bike has three riding modes: economy, urban, and sport, which allow you to conserve battery life. All lights are LED, and it features a colored instrument panel, monoshock suspension, an app for monitoring battery charge and other bike parameters. The company provides a 3-year warranty for the bike and a 2-year warranty for the battery.

- Maximum Speed: 70 km/h

- Range: Not specified

- Battery Capacity: Not specified

- Price: Not specified

- Warranty: 3 years for the bike, 2 years for the battery

Maximum speed: 70 km/h

Range: 50 km (per battery, two included)

Torque: 30 Nm

Battery capacity:72V 20Ah

Full battery charging time: 3 hours

Cost 27,990,000

Where to buy: Store in Denpasar

Specifications: https://gesitsmotors.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/GESITS.G1.pdf

A scooter from a Chinese company that operates worldwide and has entered the Indonesian market. Unfortunately, the top model, developed in collaboration with Porsche, is not yet available here, but there is a choice of three quite attractive scooters. I will discuss the G6 model, which, by the way, won the prestigious REDDOT design award in 2020. The design, by the way, was done in Austria by an agency with the resonant name KISKA. Unfortunately, they don't have a showroom in Bali, so if you happen to like this model, you'll have to buy it in Jakarta. The bike has a decent range, speed, a color display, a mobile app, keyless access, a removable battery, and a stylish exterior.

- Maximum Speed: Not specified

- Range: Not specified

- Battery Capacity: Removable battery

- Price: Not specified

- Available in Jakarta, not in Bali.

Maximum speed: 70 km/h

Range: 100 km

Battery capacity: 72V 38Ah Graphene

Full battery charging time: 6 hours

Cost 29.350.000

Where to buy: Dealers in Jakarta

An aggressive design, a powerful motor, and a large battery characterize this new scooter from the Indonesian company Polytron. The specifications speak for themselves, and the bike is impressive. Despite its resemblance to the PCX, the bike is not as large in size and does not fall into the maxi-scooter category, so don't be deceived by the picture. This makes it quite convenient in traffic jams and Bali's traffic, especially considering its powerful acceleration, making it challenging for riders on traditional scooters with internal combustion engines to compete. Here is a comparison table showing the cost savings compared to a gasoline scooter.

Maximum speed: 95 km/h

Range: 130 km (at an average speed of 40 km/h)

Torque: 46.5 Nm

Battery capacity: 3.75 kWh (72 V 52 Ah)

Full battery charging time: 4.5 - 5 hours

Cost: 21,000,000

Where to buy: List of dealers.

Bali is present in the list, but the offline store seems to be closed. Interestingly, the bike can be added to the cart directly on the website, but it's unlikely to be as simple, as registration is required.

Indonesian premium bicycle manufacturer ventured into electric scooters a few years ago, and it turned out quite well. The latest model, TX3000, boasts impressive specifications, although the price is noteworthy, being only 10 million cheaper than the good old gasoline-powered Xmax. So, the scooter features a spacious (for electric scooters) storage compartment, keyless access, a classic monochrome display, two battery slots, good shock absorbers, the ability to charge directly from charging stations, a power of 1300 W, reverse gear, and an anti-theft system. The scooter has a built-in speaker that can simulate internal combustion engine sounds or play music via Bluetooth or FM radio. The bike is available in five different colors.

Maximum speed: 90 km/h

Range: 120 km

Torque: 145 Nm

Battery capacity: 60V 28Ah

Full battery charging time: 4.5 - 5 hours

Price 50,000,000

Extremely attractive neo-classical urban cafe racer. I'm sure it will constantly attract attention. The heart of the motorcycle is a BOSCH motor with a torque of 180 Nm and an efficiency of 93%. Yes, the maximum speed of the motorcycle is low, so it's more for style enthusiasts than speed. On the other hand, there aren't many places and situations in Bali where you really want to go over 100 mph. Moreover, with such acceleration, high speed may not be necessary. There is no ABS on the motorcycle, but it features keyless access, excellent lighting, and high-quality assembly. As an option, spoked wheels are available. By the way, the company Smoto is Singaporean, but these motorcycles are assembled in Indonesia. The bike is not cheap - 98 million rupiahs. The company provides a 3-year warranty on the motorcycle and a 2-year warranty on the battery.

Maximum speed: 95 km/h

Range: 110 km (at an average speed of 45 km/h)

Torque: 180 Nm

Battery capacity: 3.75 kWh (72 V 45 Ah)

Full battery charging time: 4.5-5 hours, fast charging - 30 minutes.

Cost 98,000,000.

Most brands in Bali are cheap Chinese ones assembled in Indonesia, with corresponding quality.

Successful examples include the Chinese brand Super Soco with Bosch motors (whose brand cannot be used in Indonesia). Alva One and Smoto are assembled based on them.

Niu Motors (currently the most popular brand in Bali) has appealing designs but modest speed and range characteristics.

E3 Deus 7 is a sub-brand model from Hyundai.

Unit Bike is a Bali-based brand of electric motorcycles with speeds up to 100 km/h, fast charging, and cool design. They offer electric customs with swappable Oyika batteries and simplified E-cycles for easy learning, suitable for beginners who don't require a license.

Battery Swap Stations.

Swap and Oyika are the two major players in Indonesia and Bali's market. Swap charges per kilometer, while Oyika offers unlimited subscriptions. Compared to gasoline, batteries are 2-4 times more cost-effective, saving 150,000-300,000 IDR against 500,000-900,000 IDR per month for fuel.

Fast Charging Stations.

Currently, only SKPLU stations with sockets for all electric cars are available. However, payment can only be made through the Link Aja app, which is currently glitchy and does not register users.

Personal Experience, Conclusions, and Recommendations.

After a year of riding an electric bike in Bali, the author cannot imagine going back to a noisy gasoline bike. Rode from Changgu to Uluwatu, Ubud, and Kintamani. Envisions how great it will be when everyone switches to electric on the island.

When buying or renting, pay attention to the bike having a powerful motor (at least 3000w) to reach speeds of 80-110 km/h.

Battery capacity is crucial (at least 48ah total capacity) with battery performance not below 60v, or else high speeds and a significant range will be unattainable. 48ah at 60v is approximately a 70km range.

Swappable batteries (Oyika-based) are essential for quick refueling/ battery replacement on the go, considering a budget-friendly subscription.

A fast built-in charger (at least 15A for a 20-30 minute charge) is beneficial for situations where stations are not nearby or for overnight charges.

Unit Bike was created based on these criteria - aiming to make convenient, fully automatic electric motorcycles with great designs. They produce, sell, rent, and service bikes in Bali. Currently, all bikes are either sold or in rental, but visitors can stop by the office for a free test drive.