Converting gasoline motorcycles into electric poses safety risks: Experts on HCMC plan

HCMC recently called on the Ministry of Transport to create standards and regulations for retrofitting gasoline-powered motorcycles to make them electric vehicles. The city believes legalizing this conversion would help reduce emissions without people having to buy new electric motorcycles.

Typically, it involves removing the gasoline engine and replacing it with an electric motor though sometimes vehicles retain both engines. Though the technical process of replacing the engine is relatively straightforward, experts caution that there are significant safety risks as well as challenges related to legality and operating costs. Such conversions alter the motorcycle's frame and weight distribution originally designed for a gasoline engine, they point out.

Bui Van Hung, a technical expert from a Vietnamese motorcycle company, explains that gasoline motorcycle frames are not designed to accommodate a battery and electric motor. "Replacing the original engine and transmission with electric components compromises the bike’s balance and disrupts key specifications, including the suspension system, tires, frame, and structural integrity."

Nguyen Le Quoc Viet, technical and after-sales service director at another local manufacturer, Dat Bike, shares this view, emphasizing that electric motorcycles have heavy batteries and their frames are specifically designed to optimize battery placement and weight distribution.

"If you install a battery in a gasoline motorcycle frame, other components need recalculation. The suspension and brakes are also affected since electric motorcycles accelerate much faster than gasoline vehicles."

An electric motorcycle converted from a gasoline model by India's Green Tiger. Photo courtesy of Green Tiger Mobility

Moreover, converted motorcycles may struggle to meet water resistance and heat dissipation standards, reducing both durability and safety compared to original models. These make the conversion a risky option, especially for personal vehicles that require high stability and reliability. Recent incidents of electric motorcycles catching fire exposed the modified and added battery compartments after the frame burned away.

But Nguyen Huu Phuoc Nguyen, CEO of Selex Motors, believes that a technical solution for converting gasoline motorcycles to electric ones is feasible, but the key is identifying competent facilities for it and creating a legal framework to regulate the process.

"Without strict government control, we risk flooding the market with unsafe converted motorcycles."

Dr. Nguyen Van Long Giang, head of the mechanical engineering department at the HCMC University of Technology and Education, says his university has conducted several experiments in converting gasoline motorcycles, but deemed it impractical due to safety concerns and poor aesthetics. Besides, the cost effectiveness of the conversion remains questionable, he adds.

Motorcycle conversion in other countries

Converting gasoline motorcycles to electric has been attempted in several Asian countries. In Indonesia, some companies have developed specific conversion kits for various motorcycle models.

Since 2022 the Automotive Research Association of India has been issuing technical standards for converting two-wheelers. Companies wishing to carry out conversions must obtain certification for electrical safety, frame structure, battery, and braking systems. After conversion, the motorcycle must be registered as an electric vehicle.

Two Indian companies, Green Tiger Mobility and Starya Mobility, are leading this market. Green Tiger offers certified conversion kits, including motors, batteries and controllers for around 31,000 rupees (US$350). Starya Mobility’s kits range from 65,000 to 89,000 rupees ($730-1,000) depending on battery capacity.

Nevertheless, battery safety remains an issue. The heavier lithium batteries take up more space and can affect a motorcycle's balance. The vehicle’s original heat dissipation system may not be adequate to handle the new battery, increasing the risk of fire.

Moreover, the conversion cost can be 60-100% of a new electric motorcycle, with the lithium battery alone accounting for nearly half and lasting just 3-5 years. In contrast, new electric motorcycles are designed for optimal performance, come with manufacturer warranties, and are built for long-term durability.