I did some research in Laos where electic scooters are classed as bicycles and therefore don't require registration etc. and was very attracted to the idea of owning one in CM for trips around town. I just tried some out at the Vestor dealer on Charonemuang Road but I understand there are other dealers with different brands around the city. Does anyone have any experience owning or using an electric bike or scooter (I mean the type similar to a Vespa, not the old foot powered sort!).

The cost of buying the Vestors seems higher than in Laos but the cost of running one looks OK. Your comments and experience would be appreciated.

Rather late in coming, but there are a lot of choices out there. Here's a list of just those made in China, some of which are available here in Thailand (I have seen them at Robinson and Central dept stores, for example):

http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/E_Bike.html

And at the very top end, probably not available in Thailand yet, if ever:

http://www.enertiabike.com/

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/vehicle...ycle-039308.php

I recently did a visa run to Chong Chom(spelling?) and in the nearby market they had some nice looking Chinese electric bikes for 13k Bht. For the price they looked a bargain. Style wise I guess you could describe them as Mio'ish.

Anyones guess how reliable they are but I did notice a few of the locals were using them as runabouts at the market.

Wifey was very tempted to buy one, maybe next visa run there if we visit friends in Surin again soon.