Indonesia Enforces Mandatory Battery Safety Tests for Two-Wheeled Electric Vehicles
By BreakingID News Desk – November 3, 2025
The Indonesian government has officially implemented a mandatory battery safety testing regulation for all two-wheeled electric vehicles (EVs), marking a major step toward improving consumer protection and product reliability in the rapidly expanding electric mobility market.
The new rule, which adopts the UN Regulation No. 136 (UN R136) standard, applies to all electric motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds sold or produced in Indonesia. Manufacturers must now ensure their battery systems pass a rigorous series of tests before obtaining a Type Approval Certificate (Sertifikat Uji Tipe / SUT).
Strengthening EV Safety Standards
The regulation was announced by the Ministry of Transportation and supported by the Ministry of Industry as part of Indonesia’s roadmap for a sustainable and safe EV ecosystem.
According to officials, the new rule aims to address safety concerns that have emerged alongside the rapid rise of battery-powered motorbikes, which dominate the country’s electric vehicle segment.
“Battery safety is non-negotiable. We’ve seen the growth of electric motorcycles outpacing safety certification. This regulation ensures that every EV battery on the road meets international safety standards,” said a ministry spokesperson during the official press briefing in Jakarta.”
The UN R136 standard includes tests for:
- Thermal shock and cycling
- Overcharge and over-discharge resistance
- Short circuit and vibration endurance
- Fire resistance and water immersion
- Mechanical integrity under collision or drop conditions
Manufacturers that fail to comply will not receive the SUT certification required for legal sales in Indonesia.
Rapid Market Growth, Urgent Need for Regulation
Indonesia’s electric two-wheeler market has expanded exponentially over the past two years, driven by aggressive government incentives and rising consumer interest in eco-friendly transport.
According to the Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC), more than 250,000 electric motorcycles were registered by mid-2025, a massive jump from only 50,000 units in 2023. However, this growth has also brought quality and safety concerns, including incidents of battery overheating and low durability among cheaper imported models.
“Without proper standards, public trust in EVs can be easily shaken,” said an analyst from the Indonesian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVI). “This policy sends a clear signal that safety comes first.”
The new testing requirements will also apply to battery-swapping systems, a key component of Indonesia’s EV infrastructure. Each removable or swappable battery module must pass safety verification before being used commercially by rental, ride-hailing, or delivery companies.
What UN R136 Means for Indonesia
The UN Regulation No. 136 is a globally recognized framework designed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) to ensure high safety performance for rechargeable energy storage systems used in electric motorcycles and mopeds.
By adopting this standard, Indonesia joins a growing list of countries aligning their domestic EV regulations with international best practices. The move is expected to make it easier for manufacturers to export Indonesian-made EVs in the future, as their products will already comply with global safety norms.
Local certification agencies like PT Carsurin Tbk and the National Standardization Agency (BSN) have confirmed their readiness to conduct testing and verification processes under the new regulation.
“Our laboratories are already equipped to perform UN R136-compliant tests,” said a representative from PT Carsurin. “This regulation will not only improve product safety but also increase consumer confidence.”
Implications for Manufacturers and Startups
For local EV startups, the new rule presents both challenges and opportunities. While compliance adds new costs and certification steps, it also levels the playing field against low-quality imports that previously bypassed testing requirements.
Companies such as Selis, Volta, Viar, and United E-Motor have welcomed the policy, stating that they already integrate certified lithium-ion battery systems in their production lines.
Meanwhile, battery-swapping network providers like Swap Energy and Oyika are updating their battery modules to meet the new safety protocols, ensuring their business operations remain fully compliant.
“This is a wake-up call for all players in the EV industry,” said a senior engineer at one local manufacturer. “Safety must evolve hand in hand with innovation.”
Supporting the Government’s EV Vision
The new regulation aligns with Indonesia’s broader goal to reach 13 million electric motorcycles by 2035, part of its commitment to reducing emissions and fossil fuel dependency.
The government’s Presidential Regulation No. 55/2019 already provides incentives for EV development, but until now, specific technical standards for battery safety were still voluntary. By making them mandatory, the government hopes to strengthen the EV ecosystem from production to end-user.
Officials also noted that safety compliance will become a prerequisite for participating in EV subsidy programs. Only manufacturers with UN R136-certified batteries will be eligible to receive government incentives or join the national procurement scheme for public transport and logistics fleets.
The Road Ahead
As Indonesia tightens its EV safety standards, the country is setting a new benchmark for responsible innovation in Southeast Asia. By enforcing the UN R136 battery regulation, authorities are not only protecting consumers but also ensuring that the local EV industry grows sustainably and competitively.
For consumers, the message is clear: when purchasing an electric motorcycle, look for models that have passed the official battery safety certification. For manufacturers, compliance is no longer optional — it’s the foundation for credibility and long-term success in Indonesia’s electric revolution.
References :
- Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia. (2025). Press release on the implementation of UN R136 battery safety standards for electric motorcycles. Jakarta: Directorate General of Land Transportation.
- Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia. (2025). Guidelines for EV manufacturing standards and safety certification in Indonesia. Jakarta: Directorate of Metal, Machinery, Transportation Equipment, and Electronics.
- Indonesian Battery Corporation (IBC). (2025). Annual report on the growth of the national electric motorcycle industry. Jakarta: IBC Publications.
- United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). (2018). UN Regulation No. 136 – Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles of category L with regard to their rechargeable electrical energy storage system (REESS). Geneva: UNECE.
- Indonesian National Standardization Agency (BSN). (2025). Technical standards for battery safety testing in two-wheeled electric vehicles. Jakarta: BSN Press.
- Carsurin, P. T. (2025). Testing and certification readiness for UN R136 compliance in Indonesia. Jakarta: Carsurin Laboratory Reports.
- Indonesian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVI). (2025). Industry insights: EV market growth and safety regulation impact report. Jakarta: AEVI Research Division.