The Land Transport Authority (LTA) imposes measures on motorcycle COEs to 'encourage prudent bidding'

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will raise the bid deposit for motorcycle Certificates of Entitlement (COE) from S$200 to S$800 in an attempt to “encourage prudent bidding behavior”.

Starting from the second COE bidding exercise in March – which will take place from Mar 21 to 23 – the bid deposit for category D will increase from S$200 to S$800.

At the same time, the validity of the Temporary COE will also be shortened from six months to three months. Temporary COEs which have not been used to register a motorcycle within three months will be forfeited and returned to the bidding pool in the next COE quarter.

On the shortened validity period of the Temporary COEs, LTA said that those which have not been used to register a motorcycle within three months will be forfeited and returned to the bidding pool in the next COE quarter.

“This will allow unutilised Temporary COEs to be returned to the market more quickly,” the authority said.

It, however, stressed that the motorcycle temporary COEs that have already been obtained before the second COE bidding exercise this month will not be affected.

“These changes do not apply to other COE categories,” LTA added.

Motorcycle COEs reached an all-time high of S$11,400 at the end of the latest bidding exercise last Wednesday.

At the same time, COE prices rose across all categories that day. This is the fourth consecutive COE bidding since Jan 19 that premiums have risen across all categories of vehicles.

Article Credits:  todayonline, channelnewsasia

High Motorcycle COE Prices | What Can You Do About It?

March 2022 COE Results 1st Bidding: Drastic Increases In Premiums -> Cat D at $11,400

With all the big hoo-haa surrounding the PSB helmet standard implemented here in Singapore and how ECE and DOT helmets are not approved. The team from Tambak Overlanders takes a closer look within the industry and see how helmets are sent for testing and what it takes to pass the PSB test.

Like it or not, this is a requirement here in Singapore so if we have to live with it, why not learn about it!

Great video again by @Farhan Tre and @ilyazar.

• Ever wonder how helmet distributors in Singapore send their helmet for testing?
• Ever wonder what happens during the testing process?
• Ever wonder how much it cost?

All information is in this video by the team from Tambak Overlanders. Credits also to @ChongAik & Dominic!

This article was first posted on Singapore Uncensored. All credits to the original source of the article.

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A post was seen on Facebook recently about a rider receiving a fine of $100 after an inspection by a LTA officer on his motorbike license plate.

The rider was fined and charged with the offence because he failed to ensure that the numbering on his motorbike license plate conform to the regulations set out by the authorities.

A check on one motoring website shows that letters and digits are to be 50mm high, 30mm wide and 5mm broad.

In the case for this rider, his motorbike’s license plate was only 50mm high and 25mm wide, 5mm short of the legal requirement.

This resulted in the rider receiving a fine of $100, and the offence on his offer of composition reads that he had committed an offence under section 131(1) of the road traffic act, chapter 276, and punishable under section 131(2) of the said act.

The authorities have said that they take a no nonsense approach against motorists who fail to conform with the rules and regulations put in place.

Do you think the LTA officer should have given some chance? To our naked eyes, the license plate does look to be "normal" and conforming to regulations.

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Image source: Singapore Uncensored, SG Road Vigilante Facebook, OneMotoring & sso.agc.gov.sg

In case you missed the saga happening in Singapore last week, a video circulating on social media shows a Mitsubishi Lancer trying to run from chasing police officers on BMW R1250RT motorcycles. When the Lancer reversed along a one-way road, it collided with SSSgt Haidil knocking him over. Fortunately, the traffic police was not seriously injured and the driver of the car was apprehended eventually.

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Video of the incident here:

We now have an update from our Minister on the incident and we are glad to know that the officer involved is not seriously injured and recovering well.

The BMW R1250RT also does not look to be too badly damaged and should be back on the roads soon. 

From Minister Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim:

Spoke to Senior Staff Sergeant (SSSgt) Haidil Bin Osman, the Traffic Police officer (TPO) who was hit by the reversing car in today’s saga that unfolded along Geylang East Ave 1, and which was widely reported on social media.  I am glad that SSSgt Haidil did not suffer any serious injuries, and that he is alright.  I spoke to him earlier today and wished him a speedy recovery.

SSSgt Haidil was injured in the line of duty when he tried to stop the offender along Upper Paya Lebar Road earlier today for a spot check. The offender refused to stop, and this led to a pursuit, which ended with the offender reversing his vehicle into SSSgt Haidil while he was still on his motorbike, in an attempt to escape.  I am happy to learn that the offender has since been arrested.

Every day, Traffic Police officers maintain law and order and enforce road traffic laws on the roads.  Their job is risky as danger lurks on every street as they are unable to read the intentions of a motorists until its too late.  They are vulnerable as their motorbikes provide little protection, and they have to depend very much on their training, experience and instincts to get out of trouble and harms way.

This is not the first time our dedicated Traffic Police officers are injured during the course of their work.  They take the risk of their work in their stride, and continue to patrol our roads to keep our roads safe. Their professionalism and dedication to work is truly admirable. I am appreciative of what they do, and proud of their hard work in keeping Singapore’s roads safe.

Let’s continue to do our part to make our roads safer for everyone.

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The topic of the COE system for motorcycles in Singapore is all the range these days. With COE prices for Cat D (Motorcycles) holding steady above S$9,000+, this is more than the average machine price of a Class 2B motorcycle. When prices of run-of-the-mill models like that Yamaha NMax 155 has a machine price of ~S$6,000 and the COE being 150% of that, you know that things have gotten out of control.

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For reference, as part of MP Faisal's proposal, the COE trend has been rising over the past 2 decades:

• Dec 2001 - S$509
• Dec 2011 - S$1,481
• Sep 2021 - S$9,689

In his adjournment motion in Parliament on motorcycle ownership, MP Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap called for the government to make motorcycle ownership more affordable in particular for fellow Singaporeans who are reliant on this mode of transportation for their livelihood.

He raised several proposals such as categorising the COE for Motorcycles into classes according to engine capacity and consider abolishing COE bidding for class 2B motorcycles.

In summary, the 3 proposals put across were:

1. Break down the categories for motorcycles between Cat D-Class 2B, Cat D-Class 2A, and Cat D-Class 2. We're not sure how feasible this is though as majority of bikes registered are still under the Class 2B segment.
2. Abolish the COE system for Class 2B motorcycles, but instead move towards a balloting system.
3. Allow for 5 years COE renewal with no limit on the number of renewals, provided the motorcycle is used primarily for work purposes.
4. Additional proposals as shown in the slides below

While a good effort, proposals to tweak the COE systems in the past have been rejected by the government and we are still currently in a situation whereby COE prices are near an all-time high. In fact, we recently touch on this is another article published on SingaporeBikes.com:

Do you think the systems proposed above will work? If not, what do you think is a better option?

COE closed today, 4th of November 2021, with a slight rise and is still above the S$9,000 mark. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!

Singapore-based electric motorcycle manufacturer, Scorpio Electric has just announced the launch and start of pre-order of their first model to hit the market - aptly named the Scorpio Electric X1. The launch event took place virtually on their Facebook page and pre-orders will start on their website at 22nd October 2021, 2359hrs.

Paul Foster (left) - Host, Mr Melvin Goh (right) - CEO Eurosports Global

Just as its namesake Scorpio refers the the stars, Eurosport Global CEO Mr Melvin Goh also confirms that the name "X1" is also taken from another celestial object in the universe, being "one of the most powerful star in our constellation".

Some details that we know so far:

• License requirement: Class 2B
• Estimated range: 200km
• Estimated top speed: 105km/h
• Lighting system: Full LED
• Powertrain: Electric with Single-Sided Swingarm
• Connectivity: Scorpio App with Smart Connectivity
• Price: US$9,800 before taxes, ARF, COE, and other OTR costs (Deposit of US$1,000 required)
  • We estimate the OTR price in Singapore to be between S$24,000-S$28,000

Do check back in for more details as Scorpio Electric releases more details, and look forward to our review in the very near future! For the time being, the video from the launch event is included below, so make yourself a cup of tea and enjoy what might just be the future.

Scorpio Electric X1 Launch Event Video:

Article credits of Channel News Asia

SINGAPORE: Electric motorcycle numbers in Singapore look set to increase, though there are still hurdles in making their adoption here more widespread, observers say. 

A decade ago, there were eight electric motorcycles on the roads here, according to data from the Land Transport Authority (LTA). By 2015, however, this number had dipped to two and remained stagnant for several years. 

As the country looks set to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040, electric motorcycle numbers are slowly rising once again. 

Latest LTA figures show that there are now five electric motorcycles registered here as of the end of August. 

This comes a little over a year after regulations were amended to allow electric motorcycles with power ratings of more than 10kW on the roads. Motorbikes with a top speed of 50kmh and above will also be allowed on expressways.  

One of the newly registered electric motorcycles is an Energica Eva EsseEsse 9+, which is being sold here by authorised distributor Ifnyi. The firm currently offers three models of Energica bikes, with prices between S$69,000 and S$84,000.

Read our review of the Energica Eva EsseEsse 9+ here:

Ifyni’s co-founders are Mr Randall Lee, who heads a software firm, and Mr Eugene Mah, managing director of Mah, which distributes motorbike brands such as Triumph and Aprilia.

Randall Lee, co-founder of electric motorcycle distributor Ifyni, with the Energica Eva EsseEsse 9+.

The novelty of the Energica is drawing a lot of interest from motorcycle enthusiasts, said Mr Lee, noting several have already come forward for test rides of the Eva EsseEsse 9+. 

“Energica is one of the really cool brands on the market,” said Mr Lee, noting the company’s role as supplier for electric motorcycle racing competition MotoE. 

“It’s like a Ferrari on the road, a brand new Ferrari. Everybody wants to ride it."

Mr Lee told CNA the firm has already sold three Energica motorbikes, and plans to bring in 10 of the Italian-made electric two-wheelers by the end of the year.

Check out the models from Energica that are soon arriving on our shores:

The company also distributes IONA RAP, the three-wheeled electric motorcycles that Singapore Post is testing as part of its shift towards electric vehicles. 

“Electric motorcycles offer the benefits of zero tailpipe emissions and are noiseless,” said Mr Satya Ramamurthy, global co-head of public transport at KPMG.

Electric motorcycles generate about 10.7g of CO2 per kilometre, said Mr Ramamurthy, assuming the electricity used to charge the vehicles is generated from natural gas. In comparison, an internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart would release four times the CO2, at 43.59g per kilometre. 

A study by McKinsey in October last year valued the global market for electric motorcycles at US$97 billion, or about 4 per cent of global auto sales.

The consultancy firm suggested this could reach US$150 billion by next year, with the largest growth expected in emerging markets.

Electric motorcycles provide a very promising alternative in the larger two-wheeler markets in ASEAN such as Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, said Mr Ramamurthy. In Singapore, however, there is less demand due to perceived safety concerns over the two-wheelers. 

The number of electric motorcycles registered locally pales in comparison to that of electric cars. 

As of end-August, there were 1,855 electric cars on the roads here. In comparison, there are just five electric motorcycles – making up just 0.004 per cent of the local motorcycle population. 

One reason is cost, with an electric motorbike priced at more than double that of an ICE equivalent. 

This is coupled with the relatively scarce number of charging points across the island, which could lead to a sense of “range anxiety” for potential buyers, said Mr Ramamurthy.

“Furthermore, major producers in the motorcycle sector have not pushed hard enough on the electrification agenda to give rise to an ecosystem matching that of electric cars,” he said.

“While key manufacturers have started producing electric motorbikes, the entire electric-bike ecosystem still lags behind the electric car market.”

Though traditional motorcycle manufacturers such as Honda and Harley Davidson have ventured into producing electric alternatives, there has been no word as to whether these will be made available in Singapore. 

This article was first published on Today Online.

SINGAPORE — For several months, Goh Zi Zhao avoided having to pay parking fees for his car on hundreds of occasions by using the modified in-vehicle unit (IU) of his motorcycle, which he had bought a season parking permit for.

By the time the authorities caught wind of Goh’s illegal actions, he had evaded about S$3,400 in fees to be paid to the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

Drivers use stored-value cards in the IUs that are installed in motor vehicles to pay for parking fees. Each IU has a unique serial number and motorcycles are issued with a different type of IU compared to cars.

Current variant of the ERP units for Motorcycles, which are slimmer and smaller sized than its car counterpart

Goh, now aged 41, was sentenced to three months’ jail on Tuesday (Oct 19) after pleading guilty to one charge each of cheating HDB and replacing his IU without authorisation.

Two other such charges were taken into consideration for sentencing.

When Goh committed the offences between Sept 2, 2018 and May 21, 2019, he had purchased a valid season parking permit for his motorcycle that cost S$20 a month. 

He did not buy a similar concessionary season parking ticket for his car, a Toyota Alphard.

A Toyota Alphard can cost upwards of S$200,000 brand new

MADE FULL RESTITUTION

The court heard that he used two different methods to commit his offences.

He first replaced his car’s IU with the motorcycle’s, which he had modified by connecting it to an external battery. He put this IU in his car before exiting car parks to avoid paying for parking fees.

He had begun researching online forums in 2017 to find do-it-yourself methods to connect his motorcycle’s IU to external batteries, due to problems with the IU’s built-in batteries. He then noticed that his replacement IU came with detachable clips.

His second modus operandi involved a “more stable” method of adhering the modified IU to his car’s dashboard. 

He then kept the car’s IU in a particular location to avoid it being detected by the gantries, before entering and exiting car parks.

After several rounds of trial and error, he managed to work out these methods.

In September 2018, HDB’s car park vendor, ST Electronics (Info-Comm Systems), was auditing the Electronic Parking System records for the multi-storey car park at Block 603A Senja Road when it noticed Goh’s car had numerous entry records but no exit records.

MSCP of 603A Senja Road, where the alleged offence took place

Upon reviewing closed-circuit television cameras at the various entry and exit points of the car park, the vendor observed that Goh had driven his car out on each occasion but the corresponding IU number recorded was that of his motorcycle.

A HDB employee then lodged a police report on May 10, 2019.

Eleven days later, police officers went to the multi-storey car park and approached Goh upon seeing him drive in. They found the modified IU on the car’s floorboard.

He had evaded parking fees amounting to S$3,362 at HDB car parks on 545 occasions and fees of S$65 for URA car parks on 21 occasions.

In sentencing Goh, Principal District Judge Victor Yeo called his offences sophisticated and difficult to detect, but noted that he had made full restitution to HDB and URA. 

It was clear that he would have gone on if he was not caught, the judge added.

Goh could have been jailed for up to three years or fined, or punished with both, for cheating.

Those convicted of replacing an IU installed in a motor vehicle without authorisation can be jailed for up to a year or fined up to S$2,000, or both.

This article was first published on Mothership.sg

A motorcyclist has been told to park his bike somewhere else in a public car park in Pasir Ris as the lot he was occupying was another motorcyclist's personal favourite lot.

This privatisation of public property incident was shared on Facebook on Oct. 11.

The public multi-storey car park is located at Block 757A Pasir Ris Street 71.

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Note stuck on motorcycle
One of the photos put up showed a note left behind on a motorcycle to inform the rider that the lot and the ones beside it were personal favourite lots utilised by "permanent owners".

The note, which was left on a motorcycle with a P-plate and assumed to be new to the area, read:

Quote

 

Hello,

Looks like you are new here. I did not see your motorbike before... Can you kindly parked at other motorcycle parking lot.

As most of the parking lots at this level is occupied by permanent owners. When you started to park here we don’t have a parking lot to park.

Thanks for your understanding.

 

This suggested that the space in the public car park has been reserved by other motorcyclists who are believed to be season parking holders and residents in the estate.

No other information was provided on the note to justify the claiming of ownership of a public space.

It is understood that vehicle owners are entitled to park at any available lot in a public car park, as long as it is available.

Area decorated with stickers
However, another photo showed the area around the lots have been personalised with a clock and stickers, suggesting long-time users have transformed the space into their own by customising it.

Responses
Responses to the post have been sarcastic and biting, with multiple suggestions of reporting the antics of the long-time users of the lots to the authorities for defacement of public property.

One commenter suggested jokingly that the long-time users of the lots should spray paint their vehicle licence plate numbers on the ground to demarcate permanently and show their resolve that the lots are off-limits to others.

Others said such sense of entitlement was probably cultivated over a long period of time, with no other motorist stepping in to insist that public property usage is open to all on a first-come first-serve basis.

Particularly grating was the claim that there was no other parking lot to park at because the P-plate motorcycle had occupied one lot in a multi-storey car park.

What do you think? Is the biker correct in not allowing others to park in his "private" parking spot? Or should we practice graciousness and live and let live. Let us know in the comments section below!

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This article was originally written by Mr Clement Yong and published on the Straits Times.

Categorise motorcycles according to their engine capacities for certificate of entitlement (COE) bidding, and use a balloting system similar to that for Build-To-Order flats for smaller motorcycles, MP Faisal Manap (Aljunied GRC) proposed in Parliament on Tuesday (Oct 5).

In the last parliamentary motion of the day, Mr Faisal said the Government needed to find ways to make motorcycles more affordable.

Motorcycle COE prices in recent months have reached historical highs - amounting to four to 10 months of riders' salaries, he said. In 2001, it was $509. In September, it had reached $9,689.

COE prices has risen from Jan'2019 until Oct'2021 and have hit an all-time high of S$9,689 - Source sgcharts.com

Creating separate COE categories for the three different classes of motorcycles - instead of the now catch-all Category D - will allow more appropriate prices for each, he said.

Using a balloting system for Class 2B motorcycles, with engines not exceeding 200cc and usually used by first-time buyers or those relying on them for a living, will make this category less prone to speculative buying, Mr Faisal said.

If the current bidding system is to be kept, riders should be able to bid under their own name rather than through dealers, which could push up prices to increase their profit, he added.

"I am mindful that the ultimate goal is not to lead to an increase in the number of motorcycles on the road. Rather, my intention is to improve the well-being of our fellow Singaporeans who rely on motorcycles to make a living," Mr Faisal said.

In response, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Baey Yam Keng said tweaking the COE system could have knock-on effects and potentially unintended consequences on buyers.

The system is functioning now, he said, pointing to the high utilisation rates of motorcycle COEs, which have averaged 99 per cent since bidding resumed in July last year, indicating the demand for COEs is genuine rather than speculative.

"While it is not a perfect solution, the system has generally worked, and COE prices fluctuate based on supply and demand," he said. "That should be the case."

Mr Baey said only about 440 Category D COEs are available for each bidding exercise, and splitting them into sub-categories could result in greater price volatility as each bidder would have a greater influence.

The percentage of bikes registered in each sub-category has historically also fluctuated from month to month, making it difficult for the authorities to fix quotas for each sub-category.

As for Mr Faisal's balloting suggestion, Mr Baey said it will require the Government to set a price arbitrarily, which could affect demand and "those who truly need the motorcycle for a living and are prepared to pay a bit more".

He also said riders are already allowed to bid in their own name under the current system, but many still choose to go through dealers as they are able to buy a bike immediately using the COEs secured by dealers, he said.

Mr Faisal's proposal to allow COEs for motorcycles to be renewed for two five-year terms instead of the current single five-year term was rejected by Mr Baey as it would affect the balance between existing and prospective owners, since expired COEs are recycled into the system for bidding again.

His call to extend the Preferential Additional Registration Fee rebate, given to car owners who choose to scrap their vehicles early, to motorcycle owners was also rejected by Mr Baey, who said costs for motorcycles are already kept lower than other vehicles through measures like lower road tax.

On Mr Faisal's suggestion for allocated parking areas for delivery and dispatch riders, Mr Baey encouraged commercial building owners to set aside parking spaces for these riders with a reasonable grace period.

We've heard and seen many instances in newspaper like The Straits Times on how LTA has been trialing a new system for road charges in Singapore, otherwise known as our beloved ERP (electronic road pricing) system. The current ERP units that are almost identical for both cars and motorcycles, will be upgraded to a new system with talks of potential distance-based charging aided by an internal GPS antenna. While LTA has said that it will not effect the distance-based charging during the first phrase, this has worried many delivery riders as it would have a detrimental effect on their earnings.

A group of riders with the new Gen 2 ERP OBU testing at Kallang

The pilot scheme and testing was slated to start in 2020 but due to COVID and the global pandemic, this timeline has been pushed back for the new transition to 2nd-gen based ERP to 2023. LTA however did say that initial batch of installations will start in the 2nd half of 2021 but as we approach Q4, there has not been any news as of yet from LTA.

Just last month however, we spotted a group of motorcycle riders riding around Kallang Leisure Park and what drew our attention immediately were these brightly-lit ERP units that look different from those we are commonly use to. The backlit LCD screen was the immediate giveaway that this was something out of the ordinary. What happened next was that a few more (total 5) motorcycles came up behind and all of these bikes were equipped with the same OBU units on board that we have not seen before.

Close up of the Gen 2 ERP OBU - Apologies for the grainy picture!

Checking back on past news articles, these ERP OBU units do look extremely similar to pictures released by LTA in the past on what the new ERP OBU would look like, thus, we made the assumption, and conclusion, that these were a group of riders, hired by LTA to test the units on public roads. Unfortunately as soon as we took the picture, the lights turned green and we were unable to find out more for the riders. We believe these are the first images that have surfaced in public of the new units doing their public trial and testing and are a sign that things are progressing as per plan.

Picture from LTA showing the Gen 2 ERP OBU during their testing

One happy point of note would be that many riders had concerns that the new ERP OBU are significantly larger than the current units and would look unsightly or not in place on most motorcycles - But as we can see from the pictures, they do actually look decent and if the backlit screen can provide additional information such as traffic congestion, weather updates and so on, this might be a worthy trade-off from the current smaller sized units.

What do you think of the new ERP OBUs? We reckon most riders would oppose it if they switched to distance-based charging but otherwise, this new device might just be useful for riders as we ply the roads everyday! Let us know your thoughts and comments in the comments section below!

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On the 21st of September 2021, J's Auto, via their official Facebook page, posted a statement that an employee has been arrested by the Singapore Police Force for act(s) of Criminal Breach of Trust. Simply put, in the eyes or the law, there was a case or case(s) of cheating, scamming, or misappropriation.

CBT is governed by sections 405 to 409 of the Penal Code of Singapore, and is generally defined as the dishonest misuse of funds or property by someone who has been entrusted with dominion over that property. The person must have either:

• Dishonestly misappropriated or converted the property for his own use;
• Dishonestly used or disposed of that property in violation of any law or contract; or
• Intentionally allowed another person to commit the above.

This act of CBT, was allegedly committed by one of the employees at J's Auto - by a certain Mr Loh Chee Peng, who otherwise go by the alias Eric, Dennis, or Chris. Beats us why one person would require so many aliases but i guess we will find out as the case progresses on.

If found guilty of committing regular CBT, the punishment can include up to 7 years of imprisonment and/or a fine, which the court will decide the amount for. It is pertinent that we state and acknowledge in this article that investigations have not been concluded and this is only alleged at this point in time.

J's Auto is one of the more popular workshops for modifying and accessorising your motorcycle located at Woodlands. The exact extend to the fallout from this situation is yet to be determined, but point to note is that J's does not only sell aftermarket accessories and general servicing, but also partake in the selling, financing, and buying of entire motorcycles. This might cause the quantum to be significantly larger than what it would otherwise be.

Some motorcycles awaiting modifications at J's Auto

If you've recently dealt with Mr Loh Chee Peng, having provided a deposit/payment to him for goods or services that have yet to been rendered, here's how you start the process for getting your money back. The owner of J's Auto - Pierre, has stated that he would try his best to make good those that have been cheated (Kudos to Pierre!!)

1. Gather your deposit slips, receipts, screenshot of messages of your dealing with Mr Loh Chee Peng
2. Contact Pierre (J's Auto) @ 92744999 detailing the situation and any evidence that you have currently
3. Be patient and give J's Auto some time to sort out the situation and issue

As this is now officially a police matter, we would imagine that there might be certain delays and compliance to jump through.

For future reference, here's how to avoid falling victim to a scam and how to protect your hard earned money:

1. Always insist on a receipt or invoice for deposit or monies paid
2. Whenever possible, try to go for shops that have "ready stock" for the items you are looking for
3. Make sure when making payment, it is made out to the actual company/shop instead of a 3rd party or individual
4. Visit the shop to make sure that the manager or owner is aware of your business dealings, it is harder to "scam" when there are multiple people and staff involved
5. Check the review of the person(s) or shop that you are patronising to ensure they have a good track record

So there you go! If you are a victim of this situation at J's Auto, do reach out to Pierre at your earliest convenience so that he is able to get a grasp on the extend of the situation. Do give him some time and understanding however, and trust that all support and cooperation will be given to the police to solve this case.

If you are victim and require assistance, please do state in the comments section below and/or reach out to us via the Contact Us form so that we can assist.

Some bikes modified by J's Auto

MID-YEAR TRAFFIC SITUATION 2021 FROM TRAFFIC POLICE

Motorcycle Statistics (1st Jan 2021 to 30th June 2021):

• Motorcyclist or pillions involved in traffic accident: 56.8%
• Motorcyclist or pillions involved in fatalities: 44.8%
• Accidents involving motorcyclist: 1,702 (vs 1,546 in 2020) - Increase of 10.1%
• Fatalities involving motorcyclist or pillion: 26 (vs 31 in 2020) - Decrease of 16.1%
• Injured person(s) from motorcycle: 1,803 (vs 1,631 in 2020) - Increase of 10.5%

Traffic accidents resulting in fatalities and injuries in the first half of 2021 increased when compared to the same period in 2020, partly due to the increased number of road users and vehicles. Drink-driving and speeding-related accidents increased, while the number of red-light running accidents and accidents involving elderly pedestrians decreased. The number of traffic accidents and violations was however still generally lower than the pre-COVID period, due to the lighter traffic volume on the roads as a result of more people staying at home.

While the number of fatal accidents involving elderly pedestrians and motorcyclists has decreased, such accidents remain key concerns as they continue to account for a disproportionate number of traffic accidents resulting in injuries or death.

Road safety is a shared responsibility. All road users must play their part if we are to keep our roads safe. The Traffic Police (TP), together with the Singapore Road Safety Council and other stakeholders, will continue its public education efforts to raise awareness of road safety and encourage road users to play their part in keeping our roads safe. TP will continue to take strong enforcement action against errant motorists who violate traffic rules.

#SingaporePoliceForce #UseYourRoadSense

The article below is an excerpt of the Straits Times article by Clement Yong:

SINGAPORE - Ms Ailyn Kwang, 26, is a week from acquiring her motorcycle licence, but the soaring certificate of entitlement (COE) premium is putting the brakes on her hopes of buying a motorbike.

The premium for the motorcycle category closed at a record $9,500 on Aug 18. Her estimate was about $4,000 to $5,000 when she started her lessons in February.

She noted that the current COE is higher than the Yamaha XSR 155 she is eyeing, which now costs about $6,000. "I'm not sure if I will buy one immediately and will reconsider if the COE cost stays high," the business development manager said.

The record motorcycle premium is proving a roadblock to aspiring motorcyclists and experienced riders.

In August 2011, a motorcycle COE was $1,999. It had risen to $4,310 in March last year, before the circuit breaker, and climbed to $7,702 in July when bidding reopened. Since then, the premium has trended up, and motorcyclists are worried that the trend may continue. 

Mr Thomas Varghese, 49, a marine manager in a shipping company, said: "There are two types of people who ride - those who can't afford cars, and those who ride for the love of riding. The first group is going to be affected the most."

He bought a second-hand Ducati about four years ago, and believed that the seller paid $4,000 for the COE. In comparison, $9,500 is "exorbitant and not at all affordable for many", he added.

Mr Rahim Vadia, 26, said there is speculation that the rising premiums could be due to more people buying motorcycles at a very low upfront cost to take on food delivery jobs during the pandemic.

"Most bikers agree, and companies like Grab and foodpanda are willing to pay, since demand for food delivery has risen. There are places where you can get bikes at a very low initial cost, sometimes with no deposit.

"These buyers can then earn through delivering food and pay what they owe slowly," added Mr Vadia, who bought a second-hand KTM 200 Duke in January this year and is currently in between jobs.

He is glad that he bought his bike earlier. "When COE price is high, there is more demand for second-hand bikes. Resellers know this and they mark up the price. This is bad for the buyer since as soon as the COE cost drops, they will not be able to resell it at a comparable value," he said.

But Singapore Motor Cycle Trade Association president Rex Tan does not believe that the emergence of more food delivery riders could have driven up prices to such an extent. He noted that high motorcycle COE premiums had predated the pandemic.

In February 2018, it reached $8,451.

The latest spike - which is "unnaturally high" - could be due to a drop in the COE quota, he said, referring to the drop in average monthly motorcycle COEs by 27.6 per cent from 1,228 pieces for May to July to 889 from August to October. 

He noted that there is a disproportionately large number of expired motorcycle COEs, or COEs bought by dealers that were not used to register a bike for six months.

"It stands at about 12 per cent of the total, compared with 1 per cent for cars," he said. "This means that it is not really rider demand that is the problem. Why is it so high? I can't answer this question."

Industry players who requested anonymity told The Straits Times that the motorcycle category has long been prone to speculative bidding by a few major firms, which forfeit only $200 if the COE is not used.

By pushing COE prices up, these dealers are able to sell motorcycles - with COEs bought in previous months at a lower price - at a premium, while still allowing buyers to dodge the more recent premiums that are higher.

Then Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung said in a parliamentary reply in January that the bid deposit for motorcycle COE is set low, as many lower-income Singaporeans require a bike to go about their work. There is worry that raising the deposit could increase costs for dealers and prices for buyers.

For Mr Yap Jianjie, who owns a 2010 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob and a 2012 Ducati Diavel, the high COE prices translate to dread at having to renew the Ducati's COE by July next year.

He said he renewed the Harley-Davidson's COE one year early in 2019 for $3,200.

"I will wait till July next year but I won't get my hopes up," the 33-year-old petrochemical process technician said.

"The future is EV" - This is a statement we've heard time and time over, and there are certain prevalence of this happening around us as we see mainstream brands of motorcar start introducing EV models into their range, and the latest news from our 4-wheel cousins is the arrival of Tesla setting up its direct-sales showroom here in Singapore. If that's not a testament to the market potential, we don't know what is.

Why EV? It's called Petrolhead and not ElectricHead, right?!

There are several reasons why the EV market is gaining traction, few amongst which are that they are greener and thus better for the environment, which is all the hype these days. They cost lesser to run in the long-term as you do not have to pay for petrol or diesel. And lastly, the performance of EVs have surpassed that of what the traditional engine can deliver. While prices for electric vehicles (cars and motorcycles) are rather prohibitive at this point in time (we'll touch more on this later), the prices are slowly but surely dropping as technological advances make it cheaper to manufacture, and being able to sell a larger number vehicles would also drop the average pricing to consumers.

With that introduction to electric vehicles done, let's dive into what has been making waves in the local motorcycling scene here in Singapore over the past few weeks.

Sneak peek of the Energica EVA EsseEsse 9+

If you are a biker, you would have noticed several media agencies such as The New Paper (shoutout to Biker Boy!), @TRI333PLE, @SBF, and a few others posting up pictures of what looks to be a very futuristic looking, sports naked bike, albeit without an exhaust pipe. That bike, or to be clearer, that electric EV bike, would be the ENERGICA EVA EsseEsse9+.

The Energica range of electric motorcycles, are the world's first high-performance production EV motorcycles to have hit the roads in recent years, and in Singapore more specifically, is the first full production electric motorcycle marque, focusing on the higher-end market, to be launched here. Energica is distributed in Singapore by Ifyni Pte Ltd. We speak to Mr Eugene Mah (Operations Head of Ifyni Pte Ltd) later on in this article so read to the end to find out more! P.S. For those of you who think that's a familiar name, it is because Eugene is also the Managing Director of local motorcycle powerhouse - Mah Pte Ltd.

What models of the Energica range are coming to Singapore and what are the prices?

So, Energica has 3 models in its range, namely the Energica EGO, Energica EVA Ribelle, and Energica EVA EsseEsse9. The bikes listed here are in descending order of their prices as well - cool, right? All models listed above come in the standard variant, which is already very adequately equipped, or an upgraded RS/+ model with even more power and battery capacity. We will also have dedicated reviews of each of the models coming to SingaporeBikes.com in the very near future so be sure to check us out if you have a particular model in mind!

• First up - the Energica EGO (Prices starting from S$80,800)

https://energica.ifyni.com/energica-ego/

The Energica EGO first appeared on the scene at EICMA in 2013. It was then a culmination of years of electric racing competition, with numerous victories including the 2010 TTXGP European Championship and runner-up for the 2011 TTXGP World Championship. Energica has also been appointed to be single manufacturer for the FIM Enel MotoE™ World Cup until 2022. This is the sportbike variant within Energica's range.

It does the 0-100km/h in a whopping 2.6s so it'll be sure to give the Ducati V4 a run for its money.

• Secondly, - the Energica EVA Ribelle (Prices starting from S$74,400)

https://energica.ifyni.com/energica-eva-ribelle/

The Energica EVA Ribelle is the naked version of the Energica EGO, with the same torque, power, acceleration and range; the only key differences being riding position and top speed. If you want a true electric streetfighter, aggressive with an urban mojo, or an assertive-yet-upright riding position instead of the typical track day crouch, choose the EVA Ribelle. But like its cousin the EVA EsseEsse9, the EVA Ribelle easily transforms into a long-distance sport-touring bike with the simple addition of side panniers, windshield and tank bag.

The Energica EVA Ribelle has the same linear 215 Nm – 159 lb-ft torque as the EGO, the same 21.5 kWh long-range lithium-ion battery with up to 400 km – 249 miles of city range, the same suspension and performance options, and all the technological amenities. Not enough? Opt for the “RS Version” for even more off-the-line velocity.

• Last, but definitely not the least - the Energica EVA EsseEsse (Prices starting from S$69,000)

https://energica.ifyni.com/energica-eva-esseesse9/

This is the motorcycle that Ifyni first brought into Singapore and the bike that the local media was invited to test. Aside from a little stationary drop (sorry Eugene!), we loved every single bit of our first EV motorcycle experience. It is something that you have to test, ride, and push to the limits, to find out what all the hype is about. The EsseEsse is a modern take on the classic racer, and being priced the lowest among the range, would make a very good introduction to the mature rider into the world of electric superbikes.

SingaporeBikes.com has reviewed this bike so expect a first look and review article to be published shortly!

Interview with the "Boss Man" - Mr Eugene Mah, Operations Head - Ifyni Pte Ltd

Although well-versed in the motorcycle trade here in Singapore and being part of the Mah Group, it is still daunting to be the first-mover in an industry that has for so long been dominated by the internal combustion engine. We speak with Eugene Mah to find out what drove him to engage and represent Energica, what he sees for the future, what can we expect with regards to Government policies, and how you can get your hands on a Energica electric motorcycle, to test and to own!

What is your vision for the electric motorcycle industry here in Singapore - in the near to mid future?

EM: We hope that electric motorcycles can be given as much recognition as all ICE vehicles, (including 4 wheelers) to be a mode of transport and of course, to make it affordable and accessible to everyone. Right now the focus is on EV cars (EV charging lots are for 4 wheelers, none for 2 wheels), and it seems that guidelines always overlook the 2 wheelers. We hope that having EV bikes out earlier, we would not be forgotten when these guidelines are being drawn as we try to move towards the green movement.

Also, the boundaries of performance has  been pushed with the introduction of performance electric vehicles. In general, when customers think of electric, they consider it a more economical mode of transport (which it is) but the Energica, after having tried it, really surpasses any performance motorcycle that is readily available.

What is the targeted group of buyers you are looking to reach?

EM: Understandably, the Energica is a bike that is in the higher-priced segment and appeals to the early adopters and those who are drawn by the performance and technology behind it.

Do you see electric motorcycles as complementary to your existing business or will there be a shift in consumer consumption from gas to electric in the future?

EM: Ifyni business is all about electric. We are a small enterprise that is fully focus on the electric business. Whether there is a shift, I think it's not an if but a when. 

In terms of motorcycles, I don't think it's a one or the other, I still feel the joy of that rumble between my legs on an ICE but as a rider, that exhilaration from the punch of a performance EV is really addictive. 

Basically, the ICE is what I hold dear, but the EV gives me that thrill.

As the first high performance electric motorcycle distributor in Singapore, are you lobbying with LTA to similar incentives to e-motorcycles like they do EV cars?

EM: One word - yes, definitely. (Ok that's 2 words)

Are test rides available to the general public?

EM: At the moment, due to the interest, we are basing it on invite only.

Are pre orders open? And if so, when can customers expect delivery for the above models?

EM: Yes they are! We are looking to supply from October onwards but it could be earlier base on the model booked.

For interested buyers, how do they get their hands on one?!

EM: Email to info@energica.com. Right now Energica doesn't have a showroom and will sell through the dealers.

Are they any expansion plans for Ifnyi to expand out of Singapore at this stage?

EM: We are always open to opportunities and the right partners should it present itself!

There you have it, from the Boss Man himself! This is a very exciting time indeed for the motorcycling industry in Singapore, and the use-cases for EV motorcycles can range from sportbikes like those used for the FIM Enel MotoE™ championships, to delivery riders for when petrol would not contribute such a high running cost as charging your EV motorcycle should be quite a bit cheaper!

We have articles coming on the in-depth review of the Energica EVA EsseEsse 9+ so do stay tune for that!

What do you think of EV motorcycles? Do they have a place in our future? Let us know in the comments section below!

For more information, check out:

Ifyni Pte Ltd - http://www.ifyni.com/

Energica - https://energica.ifyni.com/

The ComfortDelGro Driving Centre in Ubi, as well as its branch office and service points in Kovan and Tampines, are shut with immediate effect from today, the 15th of July 2021.

"We were informed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) today that there are four Covid-19 cases linked to our driving centre. Accordingly, we have been directed to close our operations for two weeks," Ms Tammy Tan, ComfortDelGro's group chief branding and communications officer, told The Straits Times.

The closure took place with immediate effect, it said in a Facebook post at 5pm.

Statement issued on CDC's website

According to a statement published just hours ago on the homepage of the driving centre that is located in Ubi:

In accordance with the Ministry of Health's directives, ComfortDelGro Driving Centre (Ubi, Kovan and Tampines) will be temporarily closed with immediate effect, from now till 29 July 2021.

Traffic Police Tests
All Theory and Practical tests booked for the period from 4.25pm on 15 July to 29 July 2021 will be cancelled and fees will be refunded by the Traffic Police.

Lesson Cancellation and Refund
All physical lessons (practical, simulator, internal evaluation, eTrial test, 2B circuit training, 2A & 2 orientation, VPC and LDCS) that are scheduled at our Centre from 4.25pm on 15 July to 29 July 2021 will be automatically cancelled and lesson fees will be refunded into your store-value account. Automatic cancellations of these lessons will not affect your cancellation count. Online theory lessons will be conducted as scheduled.

Driver Improvement Point System (DIPs) and Safe Driving Course (SDC)
DIPs and SDC courses scheduled from 16 July to 29 July 2021 will be cancelled and the fees will be refunded into your store-value account. Please check online for the next available date. If you are affected by the Letter of Offer’s validity period, please approach the Traffic Police for an extension.

eAppointment
All eAppointments scheduled from now to 29 July 2021 will be cancelled.

Membership extension for School and Private Learners
As a gesture of goodwill, we will also automatically extend the membership of all learners by six months. This applies to all valid school and private learners’ membership.

We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding and patience as we do the best we can to address your concerns via LiveChat and our online Enquiry Form during this period. We will continue to keep you updated through our Facebook and website should there be further developments.

The ever familiar "Motorcycle Training Reporting Counter"

It is not known if the closure will be extended once contact tracing measures begin and what steps the centre will be taking to disinfect the premises before it re-opens on the 30th of July.

We will update this article as more information is released. If you have friends or family who are currently a leaner rider from CDC, please share this article with them to inform them!

If you would like to know more, you can follow us on SingaporeBikes.com or our Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with the latest news and happenings in the local motorcycle scene.

Class 2 learner motorcycles located at CDC

NOTE: Affected students will have received an SMS with regards to this notice. Please cancel your lessons with immediate effect and you will be refunded for lessons booked. Student who are turned away at the centre without cancelling your bookings will not be refunded. Full article and information below:

SINGAPORE - Customers of Bukit Batok Driving Centre (BBDC) who live in the Bukit Merah View area will be temporarily barred from entering the centre from Monday (June 28) in the light of an "active cluster" of Covid-19 cases in the area.

In a post on its website on Sunday, the centre said BBDC students who live in Bukit Merah View were told to cancel existing lesson bookings immediately, and that no refunds for their lessons would be given if they are denied entry to BBDC.

Announcement from BBDC's website

"The affected customers will receive an SMS from us. Customers with existing lessons, please cancel your lesson immediately," the centre wrote in the post.

BBDC added that affected customers should monitor its website for the latest information on when they will be allowed entry into their premises again.

Those taking theory or practical tests were instructed not to cancel their test, but to wait for more information from BBDC.

When contacted by The Straits Times, BBDC general manager Ang Koh Kwee said the centre had decided on the measure as it has "a group of customers from (Bukit Merah View)".

"We have big groups of customers and staff on our premises, and lessons are conducted one-to-one, so we didn't want to take the risk of infection and advised them to temporarily cancel their lessons instead," he said.

Mr Ang also said that those who cancel their lessons in advance will be refunded their lesson fees. He added that the centre is unable to confirm when it will resume lessons for affected customers, but will reconsider its decision in a week's time, depending on the number of new Covid-19 cases reported daily.

University student Nat Tan tried to book a theory test for July 8, but received an SMS telling her to cancel the class because she is “residing in an active Covid-19 cluster”.

“I think it’s really unfair that they’re asking all those who live near or within the Bukit Merah cluster to cancel classes," said the 21-year-old. "I’m fully vaccinated, and I’ve not been to any of the affected places or asked to get tested, so why am I being banned from entering the school?”

Another driving school, the Singapore Safety Driving Centre, told ST that it will be allowing entry to customers residing in Bukit Merah View as long as they produce a negative test result prior to lessons.

ST has contacted the Ministry of Health for comments.

Earlier in May this year, students attending lessons at ComfortDelGro Driving Centre were turned away if their TraceTogether data showed that they had been in close proximity with Covid-19 cases.

The centre reversed its decision after MOH and the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office commented on the issue, saying that businesses should not use exposure alert information on the TraceTogether app to grant or deny access to their premises.

Article reproduced with edits from The Straits Times - Gabrielle Ng

The 39-year-old owner of a motor workshop Fong Kim Exhaust System Pte Ltd in Ubi was charged in court on Thursday (May 6 2021) with three counts of performing illegal vehicle modifications.

Raymond Tan Chia Long, the owner of Fong Kim Exhaust Racing Development, was charged under the Road Traffic Act with replacing the exhaust systems of two cars with unapproved systems on three separate occasions. 

Court documents show the alleged offences occurred in June 2019, September last year and March this year, with one car getting its exhaust system replaced twice. 

For performing illegal vehicle modifications, first-time offenders face a fine of up to S$5,000, up to three months in jail, or both. 

The penalties are doubled for repeat offenders. 

Modifying a vehicle illegally is a serious offence, said the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in a media release on Thursday. 

“Such illegal exhaust modification affects the durability and reliability of the vehicle, and increases the safety risks to both the driver and other road users,” said the LTA. Such modifications can also result in excessive noise, causing public nuisance, it added.

Only LTA approved exhausts such as SC Project will be allowed for sale by retailers

The agency noted that motorists must seek its approval before modifying exhaust systems. 

“Only certified exhaust systems, which have undergone stringent testing in compliance with international standards, and are compatible with that particular make and model of the vehicle will be allowed,” it said. 

“These exhaust systems are also required to meet the prevailing noise and exhaust emission requirements set by the National Environment Agency.”

It added that vehicle owners should check if their planned modifications comply with LTA’s guidelines before proceeding. Information on vehicle modifications are available on the agency’s One Motoring website.

Aftermarket coloured/LED lights such as those on these Yamaha Aerox kups are also not allowed

“LTA takes a serious view of illegal modifications as they may pose serious safety and environmental hazards,” it said. 

Senior Minister of State for Transport Amy Khor said in Parliament in March that stricter penalties and regular enforcement have reduced the number of illegal vehicle modifications in Singapore, from about 1,800 per month in 2015 to around 550 per month last year. 

In the past two years, LTA has issued an average of 610 notices of offences per month to owners of illegally modified vehicles, said Dr Khor then.

LTA does not provide further details on this statistics, of how many such offences are for motor cars and how many are for motorcycles. Some of the more 'popular' illegal modifications for motorcycles include unapproved exhaust systems, tint visors, naked handlebars, and aftermarket LED lights.

With this harsher clam down on illegal modifications in Singapore, with the law now punishing not just the owner of the vehicle, but also the workshop that assist in modifying the vehicle, does this spell the start of the end of individual styling and modifications of our beloved rides?

Hardest hit commercially with this new ruling would be the workshops that currently hold high inventory levels of non LTA-approved exhausts and other such illegal modifications. Some workshops have gotten around this law by stating with their sale invoices "For off-road and private road use ONLY".

If you want to know what modifications are allowed, you can refer to LTA's website here:

https://onemotoring.lta.gov.sg/content/onemotoring/home/owning/modification.html#List_of_Modifications

What do you think of LTA's move to clamp down on workshops and retailers that aid in illegally modifying vehicles? Let us know your thoughts and comments in the comments section down below!

SINGAPORE - A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of stealing three motorcycles, and is due to be charged in court on Friday (May 7).

The motorcycles were reported stolen from estates in Woodlands, Canberra and Redhill on Tuesday and Wednesday, said the police.

The suspect was identified through ground inquiries and images from police cameras, and was arrested on Wednesday, they added.

All three motorcycles have been recovered.

The man will be charged with theft of motor vehicle, which carries a prison term of up to seven years and a fine.

The police advised motorcycle owners to adopt measures like:

• Park your motorcycle in well-lit areas;
• Install an anti-theft alarm for your motorcycle;
• Use a motorcycle canvas to cover the motorcycle, securing both ends; 
• Use additional locking devices such as disc brake locks or install a suspension guard;
• Remove the ignition key and lock the motorcycle, whenever it is left unattended; and
• Do not leave spare keys inside the motorcycle box.

Over the past couple of years, there have been more instances of motorcycle theft happening within Singapore so always keep your prize possession safe and make it less attractive for thefts to target!

The Singapore Police Force on Tuesday (April 13) warned of a new type of scam targeting delivery personnel from parcel and food delivery companies.

As part of the scam, victims would first receive a cash-on-delivery order via their company’s delivery mobile application. 

Under the pretext of making payment for the delivery, the scammers would then ask for the victims’ mobile phone numbers via the delivery app, claiming that this was to transfer the money to them via PayLah!. PayLah! is an e-payment app used by DBS and POSB banks.

The victims would receive a one-time password (OTP) and would be prompted to log in to their PayLah! accounts and key in the password, under the impression that it was required in order to receive the payments.

They would then receive a notification that their PayLah! accounts had been linked to a Google Pay account.

“Upon reaching the delivery location, the victims would realise that there is no one to receive the delivery,” the police said.

“They would then discover unknown transactions on their bank accounts.”

Tips to avoid getting scammed:

1. Never give your one time pin (OTP) to ANYONE
2. If the order is for cash on delivery, make sure to use cash or PayNow transactions to keep yourself safe, only giving your mobile phone number
3. You will never need to "log in" to approve receiving a payment - RED FLAG!
4. Be mindful of deals that are out of the norm as these have a higher chance of being scams
5. Always consult a trusted friend if you find a particular transaction or request fishy

The police advised app users to confirm the transactions they are making before keying in OTPs.

“Inform your bank if you realise your PayLah! account has been linked to other accounts without your authorisation and report any fraudulent transactions made on your bank accounts to your bank immediately”, they added.

Members of the public may provide information on scams at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness or through the police hotline at 1800-255-0000.

AIDEA's electric 3-wheeled motorcycle "AA Cargo" has received and completed its homologation to be used on Singapore's roads, and this is inline with the distributor's original target date of getting the AA Cargo on our roads by Q1 2021. While this is not the first EV motorcycle to grace our shores, it is definitely one of the first one that is heavily skewed towards cargo and food delivery riders. With a maximum payload of 120kg, it should be able to tackle most of the jobs required of delivery riders.

The introduction of Aidea's AA Cargo was created to meet the growing demand for delivery is considered to be a part of the company's activities to achieved a sustainable society, and it will play a role as an environmentally friendly and socially friendly mobile mode of transport.

The AA Cargo is available in 4KW model (available now) and a 8KW model that should be coming in the near future. You only need a Class 2B license to ride the 4KW model and with the theoretical horsepower rating of the 8KW model, it should also fall under the Class 2B licensing rules but we'll have to wait and see what LTA says.

Our good friend, Mr Zaihan from TNP, also known as bikerboy, recently wrote on the AA Cargo scooter as well as states that it will have a machine price of S$18,000, and assuming current COE prices of S$8,000, it would make the OTR pricing of the Aidea AA Cargo a whopping S$26,000 before insurance and road tax!

The 4KW variant that is currently available has a range of 160km and a top speed of 70km/h.

AIDEA is a new mobility brand from Japan that was born at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. AIDEA's mission is to solve environmental problems and contribute to society through next-generation ZEVs (Zero Emission Vehicles).

Many people will be convinced when they hear that its predecessor was the Italian motorcycle manufacturer ADIVA, which was founded in 1996. It's easy to see that the motorcycle inherits the unique style proven by ADIVA, with its retractable roof with wipers, rear box, and three-wheel system. In addition, AIDEA is characterized by the fact that it is fully electric and is produced under strict Japanese quality control.

Also, don't overlook the infusion of authentic Italian design that blends the storefront with the modern, including the appointment of Claudio Zancini as a product designer, who created the Bimota TESI H2, which made its shocking debut at last year's EICMA 2019.

More on the Aidea AA Cargo:

The company says that its unique body configuration, which includes a highly stable three-wheeled structure with a large all-weather screen and roof, a fully flat cargo bed that can accommodate a variety of boxes, independent left-right suspension rear suspension, and large 13-inch wheels, solves many of the problems associated with conventional business motorcycles.

It is equipped with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery of about 4kWh, which can be fully charged in 3 hours from a standard 200V power supply.

The biggest advantage of the AA Cargo, which is an EV, is that it emits no CO2 and is environmentally friendly. It does not emit exhaust gas like an engine motorcycle and is quiet, making it ideal for companies that handle food products, and should contribute to improving their brand image. In addition, the running costs, including electricity and maintenance, are less than half those of fuel-powered motorcycles, so a considerable cost reduction effect can be expected when considering large-scale operation over a long span of time.

Furthermore, as a unique mechanism, the reverse function is convenient for parking and maneuvering in narrow alleys. It is also noteworthy that the motorcycle is equipped with convenient mechanisms that take advantage of the advantages of three wheels, such as a "roll lock" to lock the motorcycle's left and right inclination and a "parking brake" to lock the motorcycle's front and rear movement.

According to Mr. Narita, marketing director at AIDEA, the current segregation is that the front two wheels are medium-sized motorcycles for leisure and the rear two wheels are small motorcycles for business. The reason for this is that the priority for leisure motorcycles is to avoid tipping over when the front tires lose grip or the steering wheel gets caught on a bump, while the priority for business motorcycles is to keep the load on the back of the motorcycle as stable as possible.

Distributed by: Aidea Singapore (Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aideasg/)

Article reproduced from The Straits Times

Learner motorcyclists and drivers could in a few years' time be assessed for a road licence without the presence of a human tester, if a trial here proceeds smoothly.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has called a tender for a trial of a fully automated circuit that will use technology to test motorcycle riders.

The Intelligent Driving Circuit (IDC) will eventually replace the current testing method, which involves a human assessor, for both car drivers and motorcyclists.

According to the tender documents on government procurement portal GeBiz, the trial is to be conducted on selected Class 2, 2A and 2B motorcycles, which are to be fitted with analytical equipment such as sensors and cameras.

The tenderer is expected to supply two motorcycle units for each class and set up automated testing systems at the motorcycle course stations within the test circuit at the Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC) in Woodlands Industrial Park.

The tender documents set out the riding errors that the automated testing system must be able to detect at the emergency stop station in a proof-of-concept test.

These include failing to attain a minimum speed of 30kmh for Class 2B motorcycles and 40kmh for Class 2 and 2A motorcycles before executing the emergency stop, failing to look straight ahead and hold the handlebar firmly with both hands, and failing to grip the fuel tank with both knees.

The system must also be able to detect if a rider puts his feet down before bringing the motorcycle to a complete stop, if he supports the motorcycle with his right foot instead of his left after stopping, or if he stops in a staggering manner.

Applying insufficient braking force, applying the clutch before braking, applying the brakes early, failing to close the throttle to make use of the engine brake and failing to apply the front and rear brakes together are also among the listed errors.

Other errors that will cause a rider to fail the test immediately include taking more than the required distances to stop the motorcycle on a wet surface, falling off the motorcycle and causing the motorcycle to lean over by more than 45 degrees.

The tenderer must show that the system can achieve at least 80 per cent accuracy in detecting and highlighting these errors before the design is considered for further evaluation.

The system must be able to achieve 100 per cent accuracy in detecting errors before it is eventually implemented in full.

It will also be required to show how demerit points are awarded and why, as well as calculate the total demerit points awarded at the end of the test to determine whether the testee had met the minimum requirements before proceeding to the next test.

The trial could take up to a year and a half, according to the tender documents. The tenderer will be required to provide warranty and maintenance of the system for up to 18 months after installation.

When the IDC was first announced by Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam in 2017, the minister said the trial would take place in 2021 and that the plan was to achieve full implementation by 2023.

He said then that using technology to conduct driving lessons and tests will enhance the effectiveness of lessons, increase productivity and allow lessons to be taken outside of the current operating hours to better suit learners' schedules.

The MHA did not respond to queries on the trial. A training manager at SSDC declined to comment when approached.