Thirty representatives will then be selected to take EV motorcycles into real service for one month free of charge. Data collected will be analysed to support possible expansion city-wide.
Study cites scale of ‘capillary transport’ and emissions impact
Research under the Thai-German Cooperation on Energy, Mobility and Climate (TGC EMC) project found Bangkok has more than 89,000 motorcycle taxi riders across over 5,300 stands, described as an essential “capillary transport” network.
The study estimated the current petrol-based system emits around 80,000–100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually and produces PM2.5 pollution equivalent to burning 3,800 rai of rice fields, or comparable to emissions from 2,000 older red public buses over a year.
Insa Illgen, TGC EMC project director at GIZ, said real-world trials would help gather feedback from users to refine charging systems and support measures, helping Bangkok move towards cleaner transport and better quality of life.
Sustainability team to help drive rollout
The BMA said the programme is a key step in integrating electric motorcycle taxis into everyday urban life to tackle long-running pollution problems while supporting grassroots livelihoods. The project is being supported by Porphrom Vikitsreth, adviser to the Bangkok governor on sustainability, and Assoc Prof Dr Yosapong Laonual, head of the MOVE Centre.
