Bangkok has introduced the "EV for Win Riders" initiative to transition motorcycle taxis to electric vehicles. Launched by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and supported by partners like Germany’s GIZ, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, and the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand, the project aims to reduce pollution and operational expenses for riders in the city.

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BMA Governor Chadchart Sittipunt emphasized the importance of motorcycle taxis to Bangkok's transport network and highlighted the environmental and economic benefits of switching to electric vehicles. The transition is part of a broader strategy to lower carbon emissions and improve air quality. The initiative begins with a pilot model that offers motorcycles through a lease-to-ride approach, costing between 75–140 baht daily, with available charging and battery-swapping facilities.

The initial phase will involve over 200 motorcycle taxi riders and street sweepers from Din Daeng and Phaya Thai. Participants will trial electric motorcycles and provide feedback, with 30 riders selected for a month-long complimentary service period. Data from these trials will guide potential expansion across the city.

Research from the Thai-German Cooperation on Energy, Mobility and Climate project highlights the environmental impact of over 89,000 motorcycle taxis in Bangkok, which currently emit substantial carbon dioxide levels. The project's trials aim to gather user feedback to enhance charging systems and support the city's clean transportation goals.

The program is part of the BMA's effort to integrate electric motorcycles into daily life, addressing pollution and enhancing livelihoods. The initiative is supported by Porphrom Vikitsreth, sustainability adviser to the Bangkok governor, and Assoc Prof Dr Yosapong Laonual, head of KMUTT's MOVE Centre, reported The Nation.

Key Takeaways

• Bangkok's pilot project aims to transition motorcycle taxis to electric power.

• Over 200 riders will participate in trials to assess costs and benefits.

• The initiative seeks to cut emissions and support clean transportation.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Nation · 16 Feb 2026

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I hope they upgrade them passenger seats!

Good initiative.

I had never been on or driven a motorcycle in my life till I met my b/f in my 60s and we lived in BKK for a year or 2. Driving down a main road holding a suitcase with traffic whizzing past inches away on both sides was an entirely new experience ...

These days we take the skytrain or a taxi car.

Can't hear the damn thungs creeping up on the footpaths.

Dangerous🙃🙃

I will not miss the noise or smell of the bikes - and I am a confirmed petrol head

So, just to be clear, these are not "Motorcycle Taxi" like those fellows with the orange vests outside of BTS/MRT stations that will bring you locally to your destination for a few baht, so much as rental electric motorcycles more closely akin to the bicycles which are already available to rent.

The picture illustration would present the later.

I'm confused as to why these are called taxis if in fact the passenger is the driver, and there's no seat provided for a separate passenger.

Thank you❤️. I hope that this initiative will spread to all win-riders and also delivery riders, who are swarming in quiet sois and villages round the clock, most with their exhaust systems modified to make as much noise as possible.

Good move. 2-stroke engines are very polluting. Not worried about CO2: we breathe it out; just plant more trees. It's the filthy stuff that pollutes our air. And then there's the noise pollution.

2 hours ago, Cat Boy said:

So, just to be clear, these are not "Motorcycle Taxi" like those fellows with the orange vests outside of BTS/MRT stations that will bring you locally to your destination for a few baht, so much as rental electric motorcycles more closely akin to the bicycles which are already available to rent.

The picture illustration would present the later.

I'm confused as to why these are called taxis if in fact the passenger is the driver, and there's no seat provided for a separate passenger.

Picture/photo?

Must be a silent one.

Not on my phone.

🙃🙃

19 minutes ago, ericbj said:

Good move. 2-stroke engines are very polluting. Not worried about CO2: we breathe it out; just plant more trees. It's the filthy stuff that pollutes our air. And then there's the noise pollution.

Do you see a lot of 2 stroke motorbike taxis?

6 minutes ago, ericbj said:

Good move. 2-stroke engines are very polluting. Not worried about CO2: we breathe it out; just plant more trees. It's the filthy stuff that pollutes our air. And then there's the noise pollution.

You don't care about CO2 but our children most certainly will. A few years ago I heard that a car doing 30mph emits the same amount of CO2 as 900 people breathing. Small motorcycles are around 4 times more efficient so equivalent to roughly 200 people each. Multiply that by the number of bikes around and you will see how insignificant your breathing is in comparison.

Add in the noise and other pollution they cause makes this move seem very sensible if done correctly.

2 hours ago, Cat Boy said:

So, just to be clear, these are not "Motorcycle Taxi" like those fellows with the orange vests outside of BTS/MRT stations that will bring you locally to your destination for a few baht, so much as rental electric motorcycles more closely akin to the bicycles which are already available to rent.

The picture illustration would present the later.

I'm confused as to why these are called taxis if in fact the passenger is the driver, and there's no seat provided for a separate passenger.

It says it is for 200 win riders to trial so doesn't sound like they are for personal rent. Maybe the picture is not of the bikes that they end up using.

3 hours ago, Cat Boy said:

So, just to be clear, these are not "Motorcycle Taxi" like those fellows with the orange vests outside of BTS/MRT stations that will bring you locally to your destination for a few baht, so much as rental electric motorcycles more closely akin to the bicycles which are already available to rent

Nonsense, has the article very clearly stated, they are specifically aimed at motorcycle taxi riders (Wins) who can rent the motorcycles, with the addition of some street sweepers.

1 hour ago, ericbj said:

Good move. 2-stroke engines are very polluting. Not worried about CO2: we breathe it out; just plant more trees. It's the filthy stuff that pollutes our air. And then there's the noise pollution.

2-stroke motorcycles have not been able to be registered in Thailand for 25 years!

1 hour ago, Lucky Bones said:

Picture/photo?

Must be a silent one.

Not on my phone.

🙃🙃

Click on "view full record" and you'll see an (irrelevant) picture of a fleet of Robin Hood delivery rider motorcycles.

1 hour ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Click on "view full record" and you'll see an (irrelevant) picture of a fleet of Robin Hood delivery rider motorcycles.

Cheers Lou.

Gotta know where to look sometimes.

Yup....certainly aren't m/c taxis as I know them.

Wouldn't want to try Sukum on those.

Death on 2 wheels.🙃🙃

2 hours ago, Upnotover said:

Do you see a lot of 2 stroke motorbike taxis?

A Yammy RD 350 would be an experience.

No sittin' pillion with hands on knees.🙃🙃

7 hours ago, Barrydives said:

I hope they upgrade them passenger seats!

Yes, definitely 😮

3 hours ago, Lucky Bones said:

Picture/photo?

Must be a silent one.

Not on my phone.

🙃🙃

Fantastic idea, if, like most initiatives in Thailand, it ever comes to be funded and pursued across Bangkok first, then the provinces. Delivery drivers are far more ubiquitous than orange vests so should start with them.

I do agree, they can sneak up on you, esp for the hard-of-hearing. Bear in mind, nobody wants to hit you! In the City, traffic goes first, stand aside. These days, many drivers, not motorcycles, are polite enough to slow down or stop when someone wants to cross.

I think 75-140 baht would be reasonable for most riders. Electric bikes are about 25% more expensive than petrol. I've had a random few come to the house and occasionally even an electric car.

I don't understand swapping batteries. Don't you just plug them in? How long does a charge last? 16 hour shift, 8 to charge work?

I now wear chainsaw earmuffs out on the street.

3 hours ago, chang1 said:

It says it is for 200 win riders to trial so doesn't sound like they are for personal rent. Maybe the picture is not of the bikes that they end up using.

2 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Nonsense, has the article very clearly stated, they are specifically aimed at motorcycle taxi riders (Wins) who can rent the motorcycles, with the addition of some street sweepers.

2 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Nonsense, has the article very clearly stated, they are specifically aimed at motorcycle taxi riders (Wins) who can rent the motorcycles, with the addition of some street sweepers.

6 hours ago, Cat Boy said:

So, just to be clear, these are not "Motorcycle Taxi" like those fellows with the orange vests outside of BTS/MRT stations that will bring you locally to your destination for a few baht, so much as rental electric motorcycles more closely akin to the bicycles which are already available to rent.

The picture illustration would present the later.

I'm confused as to why these are called taxis if in fact the passenger is the driver, and there's no seat provided for a separate passenger.

22 hours ago, chang1 said:

You don't care about CO2 but our children most certainly will. A few years ago I heard that a car doing 30mph emits the same amount of CO2 as 900 people breathing. Small motorcycles are around 4 times more efficient so equivalent to roughly 200 people each. Multiply that by the number of bikes around and you will see how insignificant your breathing is in comparison.

Add in the noise and other pollution they cause makes this move seem very sensible if done correctly.

These articles may be of interest as regards pollution by motorbikes:

https://motorgearexpert.com/how-much-do-motorcycles-pollute/

https://gearjunkie.com/motors/motorcycle-vs-vehicle-emissions

Must carry your own helmet? Required by law to wear on motorcycles.