Thinking of renting or buying an electric scooter? Read this first

[Gaybutton]

I have actually given some thought to renting an electric scooter for a couple weeks. My car is going into the shop at the end of the month and will be there for about 2 weeks. I thought about renting one of these for local getting around while I'm minus my car, but lately use of these scooters have become legally controversial and few, including police, are sure about what is and is not required.

Until I'm sure and everything is clarified (which in Thailand could range from tomorrow to never) for me renting or buying one of these scooters is out of the question.

I think I'll just get around the old fashioned way - walking. I can also go where I need to go using Bolt taxis, which is probably less expensive than renting a scooter anyway.
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Legal Corner: What is the Legal Status of Electronic Scooters in Thailand?

ByAdam Judd

20 May, 2024

n this week’s legal corner presented by Issan Lawyers, we take a look at one of the top stories of the week in Pattaya-electronic scooters that have appeared from a mobile app company and have caused quite a bit of controversy and discussion.

Of course, many have asked if the scooters are legal. The answer to this is a bit tricky as there aren’t firm national rules and it can vary by area, such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The bikes coming to Pattaya, however, have caused a lot of agencies and officials to meet to attempt to flesh these out as reported here by The Pattaya News.

The laws regarding electronic scooters in Thailand are not entirely clear-cut and can vary by region. However, here are some general points to consider:

– **Safety and Legality**: In Bangkok, electric scooters are considered a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. It’s recommended to always wear a helmet and stay alert to the variety of vehicles and road conditions. The laws may be reworked in the future for clarity, according to the Thai government, but riders should adhere to traffic laws and good safety practices.

– **Road Rules**: Motorists, including those on electric scooters, often disobey road rules, which can lead to chaotic and dangerous situations. It’s crucial to be vigilant and follow the rules to ensure safety.

– **Public Road Usage**: Technically, it is forbidden to use electric scooters on public roads in Thailand without registration or insurance above 500 watts. Violations can result in fines. In practice, these requirements are not always followed.

– **Power Output Regulations**: In Thailand, electric scooters with a power output of up to 500 watts are legal without registration & insurance. Anything above this requires proper registration. The bikes in Pattaya are well below this limit, according to the owner of the electronic bike company.

The penalty for riding an unregistered scooter in Thailand is **1,000 Baht** (approximately **USD 31.48**, **EUR 27.48**, or **GBP 23.77**).

Additionally, riding without a helmet is a common offense that might lead to being pulled over by the Thai road police. It’s essential to adhere to traffic regulations and ensure that you have the necessary documentation when riding a scooter in Thailand.

Consider reaching out to Issan Lawyers, contact information below, for assistance with any problems you may have had or questions regarding legal matters, including criminal case related problems or traffic-related legal problems.

Isaan Lawyers specializes in providing legal services for expats and overseas nationals in Thailand.

https://isaanlawyers.com

https://thepattayanews.com/2024/05/20/l ... -thailand/

[2lz2p]

Pattaya Suspends Electric Scooter Rentals Amid Legal Concerns

https://aseannow.com/topic/1327518-elec ... t-18926602

[Jun]

There isn't much quality in the AseanNow debate.

These are equivalent to slow motorcycles & probably should be compared with them.
If users have appropriate licenses, wear a helmet and have the good sense to stay away from faster roads, such as Sukhumvit, they seem like a better idea than motorcycles. Mainly due to lower speeds and lower pollution.

On the other hand, I suppose there is the slight risk of them burning down apartment complexes, when the batteries catch fire. I did notice a roadside battery swap facility just off Pattaya Klang, which seems like a good idea.

[Gaybutton]

If users have appropriate licenses, wear a helmet and have the good sense to stay away from faster roads, such as Sukhumvit, they seem like a better idea than motorcycles.

I see several locals in my area riding around on these scooters. They seem fine for local, very local, getting around. So far I have seen none of these people wearing a helmet.

We don't even know yet whether any type of licensing or even wearing a helmet is required at all. The police don't know either.

Slow is not always safe. These things go too slow and with the way these people drive their regular motorbikes and cars I wouldn't want to have to deal with them constantly passing me at close range.

As I said, in my own situation I'd rather take Bolt taxis, ride on the back of a Thai friend's motorbike, or just walk while waiting to get my car back. But buy or rent one of these electric scooters? Forget it.

[Jun]

Slow is not always safe. These things go too slow and with the way these people drive their regular motorbikes and cars I wouldn't want to have to deal with them constantly passing me at close range.

I agree that slow is not always safe, but it also depends on where the scooter is used and how good the scooter is.

Here's the one I hired in Bagan in 2015. I'm not sure what the top speed was as I didn't try to go above 30 mph. This would be fine for local travel, avoiding roads like Sukhumvit.
This is the only motorcycle type vehicle I've ever hired and I loved it.

[Dodger]

We have a fair amount of senior expats in Bang Saray who use these regularly and it seems perfect for their lifestyles. Most are older...many with handicaps...and it's most common to see them buzzing around the sois in the morning hours around the markets and beach front. I've never seen one drive out of town on Sukhumvit...that would be suicide and probably illegal as well.

Electric motorbikes seem like a perfect solution for elderly people who are either not agile enough anymore to handle full-sized gas motorbikes and/or have disabilities which prevent them from driving them. It sure beats being immobile and seems to improve the quality of life for these folks as well.

I'm all for them.

[Gaybutton]

it's most common to see them buzzing around the sois in the morning hours around the markets and beach front.

Are they wearing helmets?

[Dodger]

Are they wearing helmets?

Right or wrong, we rarely see a helmet worn by anyone in Bang Saray including the two somewhat comical members of our trusty police force (Laurel & Hardy).

I'm not sure why but the people here actually drive "normal", i.e., slower - with a much higher level of courtesy, than other places I've driven in Thailand...especially Pattaya, where it's every-man-for-himself at every turn.

Honestly, I would think twice about navigating around a mega-city like Pattaya in one of these. Not because of their design, but because places like Pattaya are simply not safe enough for anyone to drive - let alone a senior citizens who lacks the reflexes needed to react quickly.