In Southeast Asia, motorbikes are more than just a means of transportation, they’re a way of life. From crowded city streets to narrow rural roads, these two-wheeled vehicles are everywhere, weaving through traffic, carrying families, goods, and dreams.
According to 2023 data, motorbike usage remains deeply embedded in the region’s daily life. But not all countries are riding at the same speed. The percentage of motorcycle users or owners calculated by dividing the total number of riders by the population reveals striking contrasts across the ASEAN landscape.
Who Tops the Two-Wheel Chart?
Vietnam leads the region with a staggering 72.8% of its population using motorbikes. That’s nearly 3 out of every 4 people on two wheels!
Brunei Darussalam follows with 67.2%, a surprising second place considering its small population and high income status. The high usage could be attributed to the flexibility and convenience motorbikes offer in daily life, especially for quick commutes and access to narrow roadways.
🇲🇾 Malaysia and 🇮🇩 Indonesia, both large countries with sprawling cities and diverse terrains, come in at 45.2% and 45.1% respectively. In both countries, motorbikes have become an indispensable tool not just for personal transport, but also for economic activity, from delivery services to small-scale trade.
Further down the list, Thailand (30.6%) and Cambodia (30%) still rely heavily on motorcycles, especially in rural and peri-urban zones where public transport infrastructure may be less developed.
Meanwhile, Laos (23.7%), Myanmar (11.4%), the Philippines (6.6%), Timor-Leste (4.8%), and Singapore (2.4%) round out the rest, each with varying levels of reliance on other transport systems.
Why Motorbikes Rule the Road
There’s a good reason why motorbikes are king in much of Southeast Asia:
- Affordability: With lower purchase and maintenance costs than cars, motorbikes are accessible to a wider population.
- Traffic navigation: In cities known for chronic congestion like Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, or Manila motorbikes are often the fastest way to get around.
- Compact urban infrastructure: Many Southeast Asian cities have narrow streets and alleys best suited for two-wheelers.
- Versatility: From transporting coconuts to delivering fried rice, motorbikes do it all.
In short, they’re not just vehicles they’re economic enablers.
In addition to practicality, motorbikes often carry cultural value. In countries like Viet Nam and Indonesia, they’re part of daily life and family routines whether it's dropping kids off at school, commuting to work, or running a small mobile business.
Why Are the Numbers So Low in Singapore?
With only 2.4% motorbike usage, Singapore is an outlier in the region. That’s no accident.
The city-state has long implemented policies that limit vehicle ownership through high taxes and a strict Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system. Add to that an efficient public transportation network, and it’s easy to see why most Singaporeans opt for buses and trains instead of bikes.
Safety regulations and land use planning have also shifted the urban mindset away from motorcycles. The emphasis has been placed on pedestrian-friendly design, integrated MRT networks, and reduced dependence on private vehicles of all types.
Motorbikes: The Backbone of Informal Economies
Beyond commuting, motorbikes power the region’s gig economy. In countries like Indonesia, Viet Nam, and the Philippines, motorcycle-based delivery services and ride-hailing apps (like Gojek, Grab, and Foodpanda) have created jobs for millions.
Motorbikes also serve as mobile shops, food stalls, and logistics tools in dense urban and remote rural areas alike. For many families, a motorbike isn’t just transportation—it’s a tool for survival, mobility, and access to opportunity.
Even in areas with minimal infrastructure, motorbikes can navigate difficult terrains, providing critical links between isolated communities and essential services.
What’s Next for Two-Wheelers in ASEAN?
As cities push toward electric mobility and better public transport, the role of motorbikes may evolve but they’re unlikely to disappear.
Governments are starting to encourage electric motorcycles, integrating them into climate action plans while improving road safety standards. Some countries, like Thailand and Indonesia, are already investing in domestic EV motorbike production to reduce emissions and stimulate new industries.
Urban planners are also rethinking road design to accommodate mixed traffic, with safety in mind. The future of two-wheelers in Southeast Asia will depend on balancing sustainability with accessibility and cultural continuity.
Data Sources & Attribution
The percentages of motorbike usage per country were compiled from various sources, including ASEANStats, Statista, and official government statistical bureaus from respective Southeast Asian countries, as featured in Seasia.co’s 2023 infographic.
