ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Business trends

Grab and e-scooter rivals hit regulatory bumps in Southeast Asia

New rules slow two-wheeled option for beating traffic in Jakarta and Singapore

E-scooter sharing services such as GrabWheels face restrictions in Indonesia after a deadly collision. A press conference in May, Jakarta. (Photo courtesy of Grab)

JAKARTA/SINGAPORE -- For a while, ride-hailing unicorn Grab's electric-scooter sharing service seemed to enjoy a rare prospect in Jakarta: an open road.

GrabWheels, introduced in May on the outskirts of Indonesia's capital, gradually expanded into central Jakarta and caught on among young people, giving them a way to zip through traffic-clogged streets.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more