Electric scooters and motorcycles are becoming popular in Asia for last-mile mobility. These lightweight EV two-wheelers offer a sustainable and cost-saving alternative to gas-powered vehicles and public transport.

In Malaysia, EP Manufacturing Behrad (EPMB) has partnered with electric mobility startup Blueshark and last-mile delivery giant Grab. The collaboration focuses on the Blueshark R1 electric scooter, which was launched in March 2023, to provide Grab riders with a sustainable vehicle for deliveries.

The partnership will initially offer 50 units of the Blueshark R1 to selected Grab riders. The scooters will be equipped with two batteries, and the riders will be able to use them for free. Blueshark will collect data and user feedback to improve the scooter’s performance.

In addition, EPMB has another program aimed at a larger user base of Grab riders. These riders can purchase the Blueshark R1 at a discounted price to encourage more riders to switch to electric. Currently, most of Malaysia’s last-mile delivery riders use scooters with gas engines.

EPMB has not yet announced the discounted price for the Blueshark R1 under the program. However, convincing people to shift to electric vehicles in Malaysia presents a challenge due to the higher cost compared to gas scooters, despite the long-term cost savings and never needing to refuel.

The most affordable version of the Blueshark R1, the Lite, has a retail price of RM 13,182 ($2,858 USD), while the top-of-the-line model costs RM 15,424 ($3,344 USD). Used gas-powered scooters can be purchased for less than half this price.