EV Funding News

OMOWAY Secures “Tens of Millions” in Funding as Self-Balancing Smart E-Motorcycle Heads to Southeast Asia

• ByStartupStory     |    January 14, 2026

In a landmark move for the global electric vehicle (EV) sector, OMOWAY, the Singapore-based pioneer in intelligent two-wheelers, has successfully closed consecutive Pre-A and Pre-A+ funding rounds, raising tens of millions of US dollars. Announced on January 14, 2026, this “eight-figure” investment signals a massive leap toward the commercialization of what aims to be the world’s first mass-produced self-balancing electric motorcycle.

The funding round was led by high-profile institutional investors HongShan (formerly Sequoia China) and Rocket Capital, with significant participation from existing backers ZhenFund, Hui Capital, and the company’s founder, Todd He (a former executive from the Chinese EV giant Xpeng).

The “MotoRobot”: Introducing the OMO X

OMOWAY is positioning its flagship model, the OMO X, as more than just a scooter; it is a “MotoRobot.” While self-balancing technology has existed in prototype form for years (notably by brands like Honda and Yamaha), OMOWAY is the first to bridge the gap to industrial-scale production.

Key Technical Features:

• Active Self-Balancing: Utilizing AI-driven sensors and proprietary software, the OMO X maintains its balance at low speeds and in stop-and-go traffic, allowing riders to keep their feet on the pegs even when stationary.

• Halo Pilot AI Suite: A comprehensive safety system providing 360-degree obstacle detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and collision-avoidance braking.

• Autonomous Parking: The vehicle can navigate to a parking spot and raise itself onto its center stand without human intervention.

• Modular Design: The OMO X features a “multiform” chassis that can be configured as a step-through commuter, a sporty street bike, or a touring cruiser with panniers.

Strategy: Southeast Asia as the Launchpad

With the fresh capital, OMOWAY is shifting from R&D to aggressive market execution. The brand has chosen Southeast Asia—the world’s most concentrated motorcycle market—as its primary battlefield.

• Regional HQ in Jakarta: In late 2025, the company opened a 10-story Regional Headquarters (RHQ) in Jakarta, Indonesia.

• Distribution Network: OMOWAY has already partnered with over ten major local distributors, with plans to cover the core markets of Java and Bali by the first half of 2026.

• Localization: Beyond sales, the company is building a standardized after-sales system and a talent program to train over a thousand local professionals in “Motorcycle 3.0” technology.

Impact on the Global EV Market

The OMO X is expected to retail at a mid-premium price point of approximately $3,800 (€3,500). This positions it as a high-tech alternative to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) bikes and basic e-scooters, offering “auto-grade” safety features previously reserved for luxury electric cars like Tesla or Xpeng.

By lowering the “barrier to entry” for riding—making it safer and less physically fatiguing—OMOWAY hopes to attract a new demographic of urban commuters who were previously intimidated by the balance and safety risks of two-wheelers.

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