COE for Motorcycles: Category D Complete Guide
Category D is the COE category for motorcycles, and it operates with dynamics quite different from the car categories. With a smaller quota, a different buyer profile, and unique demand drivers, understanding Category D requires its own dedicated analysis. This guide covers everything a current or aspiring motorcycle owner needs to know about the COE system as it applies to two-wheelers.
Category D Basics
Category D covers all motorcycles and scooters regardless of engine capacity. Unlike the car categories, where vehicles are split between A and B based on engine size, all two-wheelers compete in a single pool. This means a 100cc scooter and a 1,000cc superbike are bidding for the same COE.
Current Pricing and Trends
As of early April 2026, Category D premiums stand at approximately $11,589. This represents a dramatic increase from the sub-$5,000 levels seen as recently as 2021. The price trajectory has been sharply upward:
| Year | Average Category D Premium | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $3,500 | - |
| 2021 | $4,200 | +20% |
| 2022 | $6,800 | +62% |
| 2023 | $9,500 | +40% |
| 2024 | $9,800 | +3% |
| 2025 | $10,500 | +7% |
| 2026 (Q1) | $11,200 | +7% annualised |
What Is Driving Motorcycle COE Higher?
- Delivery services: The growth of food delivery platforms (GrabFood, Foodpanda, Deliveroo) has created strong demand for motorcycles among gig workers.
- Private hire: Motorcycle ride-hailing services add another demand layer.
- Car ownership alternative: As car COE premiums remain above $90,000, more Singaporeans are turning to motorcycles as an affordable personal transport option.
- Tight quotas: The Category D quota is small in absolute terms, making it sensitive to even modest demand increases.
Total Cost of Motorcycle Ownership
| Component | Class 2B (up to 200cc) | Class 2A (201-400cc) | Class 2 (above 400cc) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle price | $5,000-$8,000 | $10,000-$18,000 | $15,000-$40,000 |
| COE (Cat D) | $11,589 | $11,589 | $11,589 |
| ARF | $1,500-$2,500 | $3,000-$5,500 | $4,500-$12,000 |
| Insurance (annual) | $400-$800 | $600-$1,200 | $800-$2,000 |
| Road tax (annual) | $64 | $86-$172 | $172-$340 |
| Fuel (annual, 8,000km) | $600-$800 | $800-$1,200 | $1,000-$1,800 |
| Maintenance (annual) | $300-$500 | $400-$800 | $600-$1,500 |
For a Class 2B scooter — the most common type used for commuting and delivery — the total on-the-road price is approximately $18,000-$22,000. Monthly running costs are $250-$400. Compare this to a car at $1,800+ per month, and the motorcycle's affordability advantage is clear.
The COE-to-Vehicle Price Ratio Problem
One of the most striking aspects of Category D is the ratio of COE to vehicle price. For a Class 2B scooter costing $6,000, the COE at $11,589 is nearly double the motorcycle's value. This is a unique distortion in the COE system — in no other category does the COE so dramatically exceed the vehicle price. It has prompted calls for policy review, including suggestions for a tiered motorcycle COE based on engine capacity or a separate quota for commercial-use motorcycles.
Bidding Strategy for Motorcycle COE
The Category D bidding dynamic differs from cars in several ways:
- Smaller price increments: Because premiums are lower in absolute terms, the bidding increments are proportionally larger. A $500 overbid on an $11,000 COE is a 4.5% premium — significant.
- Higher volatility: The small quota means that a few dozen extra bids can swing the premium by several hundred dollars.
- Less sophisticated bidding: Many motorcycle buyers are individuals or small business operators who may not bid as strategically as car dealers do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Category E COE for a motorcycle?Technically yes, but it would be economically irrational. A Category E COE currently costs over $130,000, compared to approximately $11,500 for Category D. No motorcycle warrants a $130,000 COE.
Is there a separate quota for electric motorcycles?No. Electric motorcycles compete in the same Category D pool as petrol motorcycles. The Category D quota is not split by powertrain type. Electric motorcycle registrations are still very small in Singapore, so their impact on Category D demand is minimal for now.
Should I wait for motorcycle COE to come down?The structural drivers of motorcycle COE increases — delivery demand, car ownership displacement, tight quotas — show no signs of reversing. While short-term dips are possible, the trend has been firmly upward since 2020. Unless a policy change expands the motorcycle quota, waiting may result in paying even more.