Electric motorcycle charging spaces to rise 45% to 1,400

[Photo: Renato Marques]

Macau will increase the number of electric motorcycle charging spaces in public parking lots by 45% to about 1,400 this year, the Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA) said.

The bureau said in a statement yesterday that the sharp increase in the number of electric motorcycles is driving the expansion of charging infrastructure, with further installations planned. Currently, approximately 1,000 charging spaces for electric motorcycles are available in 58 public parking lots, while battery-swap cabinets are also available in eight parking lots and seven street-side locations across the city.

According to the bureau, the move is in line with the government’s policy priorities for this year, which include supporting the nation’s “dual-carbon” goals. The government has worked with CEM over the past year to expand and upgrade electric motorcycle charging infrastructure. All charging spaces now feature both British and Chinese sockets, while a QR code charging system has been rolled out since late April to strengthen safety management.

As part of this year’s policy priorities, the bureau has also called on eligible vehicle owners to apply for the subsidy scheme to scrap petrol motorcycles and replace them with new electric motorcycles. Applications submitted within the first year of the scheme will receive a subsidy of MOP3,500, with the amount decreasing by MOP500 each subsequent year.

In addition, applicants will be exempt from temporary license plate and registration fees for the new electric motorcycle, meaning that in the first year, the total subsidy and fee waivers could reach MOP8,800.