BANGKOK, THAILAND – Bangkok’s city administration worked with the German development agency GIZ to support motorcycle taxi drivers in switching to electric two-wheelers to cut costs and reduce air pollution.
Pilot project launched under Thai-German cooperation
The programme “EV for Motorcycle Taxi Riders” was officially launched on Monday as part of the Thai-German Cooperation on Energy, Mobility and Climate. The initiative was backed by King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi and the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand, which provided technical expertise and industry links.
High emissions from Bangkok’s motorcycle taxi fleet
According to a GIZ study, more than 89,000 motorcycle taxis were registered at around 5,300 official stands in Bangkok, shaping the daily commute in the metropolis. The study found that this fleet generated between 80,000 and 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, as well as about 16 tonnes of PM2.5 fine dust, which was classified as particularly harmful to health.
Test phase for riders and city cleaners
As part of the pilot, more than 200 motorcycle taxi drivers and street cleaners of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) in the Din Daeng and Phaya Thai districts were able to test different electric motorbikes. Participation cost between 75 and 140 baht per vehicle, a fee that included charging and the use of battery swapping stations.
Data collection to guide potential expansion
From the test group, 30 riders were selected for a one-month free trial to gather detailed operational data on driving patterns, costs and charging behaviour. This information was intended to help the BMA and GIZ decide whether to expand the programme to more districts and a larger number of drivers.
Debate over Bangkok’s transport transition
Thousands of motorcycle taxis continued to define the cityscape and its air quality, while Bangkok now relied on electric power to lower expenses and emissions. The initiative prompted a wider discussion over whether this marked a breakthrough for clean mobility or would struggle due to infrastructure and everyday practicality.
“Is this the breakthrough for clean mobility, or will it fail because of infrastructure and everyday practicality?”
said Bangkok Post, source commentary.