Taiwan companies optimistic on enclosed-cabin scooter plan

Taipei, Feb. 4 (CNA) Taiwanese scooter manufacturers reacted positively to a Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) announcement that it plans to allow enclosed-cabin scooters on public roads as soon as the second half of this year.

The MOTC said Wednesday that drivers of the three-wheeled enclosed-cabin scooters would be required to hold a light vehicle license.

The vehicles will bear scooter license plates, have road rights equivalent to light vehicles, and be barred from national highways, freeways and expressways, the ministry said.

Aeon Motor told CNA it was optimistic about the planned opening and hopes the government will provide concrete and clearly defined rules, including details on how the vehicles will be used in real-world traffic conditions.

The company said it has previously developed three-wheeled scooters that have been sold in Europe, the United States and Southeast Asia.

Sanyang Motor told CNA it holds a "cautiously optimistic" view of the enclosed-cabin scooter market as Taiwan's transportation policies gradually align with international practices.

The company said it will only decide whether to introduce enclosed-cabin scooters to its product line, along with launch timelines and pricing plans, after regulations become clear and internal evaluations are completed.

Gogoro told CNA it does not rule out various possibilities for electric vehicles, adding it will disclose further information if new developments emerge.