Kimho Cotaoco on Why E-Bikes are the Future (and Why You Should Care)

The Road to EC Moto: Because Commuting Shouldn’t Feel Like an Extreme Sport

Ever wished your daily commute didn’t feel like an episode of Survivor: EDSA Edition? Kimho Cotaoco sure did. That’s why EC Moto (formerly Electric Cyclery) is on a mission to make city travel smoother, cheaper, and way more fun. Enter: electric bikes and motorcycles—no gas, no hassle, no soul-crushing traffic jams (well, mostly).

Let’s be real—public transport can be a battle, and ride-hailing apps? They’ll drain your wallet faster than a midnight online shopping spree. EC Moto’s electric rides offer a sweet escape: they’re classified as personal mobility vehicles, meaning no driver’s license or registration required. That’s right—you can zip through the city legally, and your only real concern is dodging potholes and aggressive jaywalkers.

“How Fast? How Far?” (A.K.A. The Two Questions Everyone Asks)

According to Kimho, the top two questions he gets are: “How fast does it go?” and “How far can I take this bad boy?”

• Speed? The LTO caps e-bikes at a generous 50 kph. Enough to feel the breeze in your hair but not enough to star in Fast & Furious: Manila Drift.
• Range? That depends on your needs. EC Moto offers various models, from casual city cruisers to high-powered rides ready to conquer long commutes (or just multiple milk tea runs).

When EC Moto first hit the scene, convincing people to ditch gas for electric was a slow climb. But today? Sales are soaring, the government is stepping up its EV game, and new brands are flooding the market. Safe to say, the electric revolution is picking up speed—literally.

The One Thing Kimho Would Change? Taxes (Duh.)

Did you know electric cars in the Philippines get tax incentives, but e-bikes don’t? Kimho thinks that’s unfair—especially since half of all Filipino households own a motorcycle. Slashing tariffs on e-bikes would make them more accessible, helping more people make the switch from gas guzzlers to eco-friendly rides. And let’s be honest, we could all use more wallet-friendly options these days.

One of the biggest concerns about e-mobility is range anxiety—the fear of running out of juice mid-ride. But here’s the good news:

• Many e-bikes come with removable batteries, so you can charge at home, at work, or anywhere with a power outlet.
• Higher-end models now offer fast-charging capabilities, taking just two hours to reach a full charge with a 100+ km range.
• Big malls already have EV charging stations, and if you’re really desperate? Most coffee shops won’t say no to a paying customer needing a quick plug-in.

Financing the Future (Because Not Everyone Has “Bibili Ako Ng E-Bike” Money Right Now)

Want an e-bike but can’t buy one upfront? Traditional vehicle loans don’t work for e-bikes because they lack registration papers (OR-CR). But Kimho believes government-backed financing, like a PAG-IBIG loan for non-registered electric vehicles, could be a game-changer. If the banks follow suit, we might just see an electric boom across the country.

Kimho’s message is simple: e-bikes and e-motorcycles are convenient, affordable, and ready to revolutionize urban mobility. No more squeezing into packed trains or burning cash on pricey ride-hailing apps. Plus, with access to bike lanes and more charging options popping up, getting around the city has never been easier (or more stylish).

Looking Ahead: EC Moto’s Vision for 2025 and Beyond

The future of e-mobility in the Philippines? Bright—and battery-powered. Kimho predicts the biggest push will come from delivery riders and gig workers, with major food and package delivery companies leading the way. Once financing options improve, mass adoption will follow. And EC Moto? They’re gearing up to be the go-to brand for all things electric.

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