A scooter-sharing system has appeared on the streets of Taiwan, but it is not clear whether these standing scooters can be operated legally.
On the perimeter of the campus of National Taiwan University, a line of standing electric scooters has seemingly popped-up overnight. This is Taiwan’s very first scooter-sharing system, provided by a Singapore-based company. However, there are questions about the legality of operating such vehicles on the streets.
The transportation ministry says these standing scooters are unclassified vehicles. Therefore they are not allowed on the road.
Wang Yan-chu, a section chief with Taipei’s transportation department, says that because the school’s campus is private property, scooters can be ridden inside as long as University officials approve.
The university says that the school’s student association decided to bring the scooters in for a trial run. School administrators say they will remind students to stay safe while using them. Unlawful operation of these scooters will result in a fine of up to NT$3,600.