TBC News

MSMEs are quietly slashing transport costs by 70 percent, and it is changing how small businesses move goods, staff, and money.

The big shift is this: Filipino MSMEs dealing with rising fuel prices are turning to electric motorcycles not as a “future upgrade,” but as a way to survive today’s operating costs. The entry point is not buying vehicles outright, but leasing them.

E88 Ventures Inc., a Philippines based Electric Mobility company, is pushing lease-only and lease-to-own electric motorcycle models aimed directly at businesses that cannot absorb large upfront costs.

The appeal is simple. Instead of spending heavily on fuel-powered transport that can exceed ₱6,000 monthly, companies using E88 electric motorcycles can cut mobility costs by at least 70 percent while getting more predictable energy pricing.

That predictability is a major draw for MSMEs where cash flow is tight and fuel spikes can instantly disrupt operations. The system also bundles motorcycle use, maintenance, insurance, and unlimited battery swapping into one cost structure, reducing downtime and surprise expenses.

Behind the vehicles, E88 runs an ecosystem built around electric motorcycles, battery leasing, and a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform, supported by swapping stations designed to keep operations running continuously instead of waiting for charging cycles.

The company says its model is built for local MSMEs that need financing flexibility, reliability, and cost stability. Interest is rising among fleet operators and enterprise users, with some businesses even exploring electric motorcycles as employee mobility benefits rather than just delivery tools.

E88 is currently operating in Luzon and is preparing to expand into Visayas and Mindanao as demand grows for cheaper and more sustainable transport options. To encourage adoption, it is offering demo programs for businesses testing the shift.

“Our focus is making electric mobility accessible to businesses without the burden of upfront costs,” said Francis Simisim, CEO of E88. “Through our lease and lease-to-own options, companies can immediately benefit from lower costs and improved sustainability. We encourage businesses to experience this through our demo programs.”

For many MSMEs, the real story is not electric bikes. It is survival with fewer fuel shocks.