Taipei, July 16, 2009 (CENS)--Good news for the electric-scooter industry for the government recently announced that the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) would begin to subsidize each certified e-scooter with plug-in detachable lithium-ion battery pack with NT$8,000 to NT$11,000 (US$246 to US$339 at US$1: NT$32.5).

To encourage more makers jump into the strategically promoted industry, MOEA will also subsidize up to NT$24.5 million (US$753,846) for e-scooter makers with sales volume exceeding the threshold set by the Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) under MOEA.

At least two local companies, including E-Ton Power Tech Co., Ltd. and Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd. (KYMCO), have applied to IDB for the subsidy. While another two to three e-scooter makers are expected to submit applications, IDB said.

The e-scooter subsidy program would kick off from November this year for e-scooters and the subsidy for each model is either NT$8,000 (US$246) or NT$11,000 (US$339) according to the vehicle`s performance.

In the first year, IDB expects to subsidize 20,000 e-scooters and the total subsidized volume is expected to reach 160,000 units until 2012.

Taiwan Government`s e-Scooter Subsidy Program
Consumers	1. NT$8,000 for ultra-light e-scooter. 2. NT$11,000 for light e-scooter.
Battery-recharging Operator	NT$100,000 for each recharger.
e-scooter Maker	2009: NT$16 million for companies selling more than 8,000 units. 2010: NT$24.5 million for companies selling more than 14,000 units. 2011 & 2012: NT$20 million for companies selling more than 16,000 units.
Source: IDB under MOEA.

(by Quincy Liang)