Photo Credit: THE STAR/Filepic
At current permit prices, drivers would need nearly S$20,000 to own and ride an entry-level motorcycle worth S$5,000. That’ll eventually trickle down to delivery riders who zigzag the island on low-end bikes, SMU Lecturer of Political Science Nathan Peng said. He noted that higher prices will add to the already-widening inequality among residents, though it’s difficult to predict the extent of the impact with limited data available. “I don’t think motorcycles, for most, are a lifestyle choice. If they could afford to take a Grab to work, they may not buy a motorcycle because of concerns like safety and comfort. Why would they take on the extra risk if they had a choice?”, he added.At current permit prices, drivers would need nearly S$20,000 to own and ride an entry-level motorcycle worth S$5,000. That’ll eventually trickle down to delivery riders who zigzag the island on low-end bikes, SMU Lecturer of Political Science Nathan Peng said. He noted that higher prices will add to the already-widening inequality among residents, though it’s difficult to predict the extent of the impact with limited data available. “I don’t think motorcycles, for most, are a lifestyle choice. If they could afford to take a Grab to work, they may not buy a motorcycle because of concerns like safety and comfort. Why would they take on the extra risk if they had a choice?”, he added.