Phnom Penh: On September 21, 2026, Cambodia is exploring new financing solutions and stronger collaboration across the electric mobility ecosystem to accelerate the adoption of e-motorbikes among delivery riders, as rising fuel costs continue to put pressure on riders’ operating expenses.
The issue was highlighted during a panel discussion at Clean Energy Week 2026 (CEW26), titled “Electrify Delivery Services: Unlocking Financing for E-Motorbike Adoption in Cambodia.”
Motorcycles account for more than 85% of Cambodia’s vehicle fleet, making the transition to electric motorcycles an important opportunity to reduce transport-related operating costs while supporting the country’s clean energy and climate ambitions.
Research by CAPRED indicates that e-motorbikes can meaningfully reduce riders’ operating costs and potentially increase take-home income. However, adoption remains limited by several challenges, including concerns over vehicle performance, maintenance, battery warranties, charging infrastructure and access to appropriate financing.
Building Confidence Through Practical Experience
Angelique Tan, Country General Manager of Foodpanda Cambodia, said the company is already piloting a “rent-to-own” model, allowing selected top-performing riders to trial e-motorbikes.
She said giving riders the opportunity to experience potential cost savings firsthand can help build trust and confidence in the technology.
At the same time, Tan highlighted concerns among riders regarding vehicle durability, availability of spare parts and access to qualified technicians, which remain important considerations when deciding whether to switch to electric motorcycles.
Financing Remains at an Early Stage
Niroshan Silva, Head of the Auto Finance Department at LOLC (Cambodia) Plc., said there is demand among delivery riders for e-motorbikes, but financing for the technology remains at an early stage.
According to Silva, factors such as the upfront price of e-motorbikes, battery warranty arrangements and access to charging facilities continue to influence financing decisions.
For financial institutions, greater certainty around the value and reliability of e-motorbikes will be important in developing suitable financing products for riders.
Addressing Riders’ Unique Financial Profiles
Sothany Chhun, Director of the Strategy and Business Development Department at the Credit Guarantee Corporation of Cambodia (CGCC), noted that delivery riders have a different risk profile from traditional borrowers.
Because riders often have irregular incomes, demonstrating stable repayment capacity can present a challenge when accessing formal finance.
She highlighted several potential approaches, including delivery companies providing support or guarantees for high-performing riders, supplier buy-back arrangements, secondary-market guarantees and stronger support for riders to develop credit discipline.
Collaboration Needed Across the Ecosystem
Panellists agreed that accelerating e-motorbike adoption will require coordinated action among delivery platforms, riders, financial institutions, vehicle suppliers and policymakers.
Early pilot programmes can play an important role in testing business and financing models, demonstrating real-world savings and building confidence among both riders and financial institutions.
The panel also highlighted the importance of policy support. When asked about potential policy changes, all panellists called for greater investment in and incentives for charging infrastructure to help create the conditions needed for wider e-motorbike adoption.
As Cambodia continues to pursue cleaner and more sustainable forms of transport, expanding access to appropriate financing and charging infrastructure could help make electric mobility more accessible to delivery workers while contributing to broader clean energy and climate objectives.
Photo by: Supplied
