No More Rain for Scooter Riders! 'Cockpit Scooter with Air Conditioning and Charging Seats', No Helmet Required/Electric Tricycle Driving Rights/Parking New Regulations All in One Look

A new type of vehicle that allows commuting by scooter without fear of wind and rain is causing a stir. In Chiayi City, a man driving an enclosed electric tricycle was caught and faced a hefty fine and vehicle confiscation. The incident stemmed from a man named Liu purchasing what is commonly called "old man's joy" electric tricycle online at the end of 2022, spending over 100,000 yen including shipping, customs, and tariffs. The vehicle was used as a means of transportation for about 4 kilometers from home to the company, with a green acrylic board hanging at the rear for internal identification. However, the police pointed out that the vehicle did not pass the vehicle type safety inspection by the Ministry of Transportation, and illegal driving on general roads can be subject to a fine of 36,000 NT dollars and immediate confiscation. Additionally, displaying a self-made license plate that has not been officially issued may also face legal responsibility for forgery of special documents.

To meet the demand for such wind and rain protection alternatives, the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of the Interior have amended the Road Traffic Safety Rules and officially included cockpit scooters in the regulations. These vehicles are equipped with a fully enclosed cabin and steering system on a three-wheeled scooter frame, combining the protective comfort of cars with the maneuverability of scooters.

As an example, the two-seater model "Lean3" released by a Taiwan-Japan joint venture startup has a pre-order price starting at 328,000 NT dollars, a length of 2,470 mm, a width of 970 mm, a top speed of 80 km/h, and is equipped with air conditioning and charging seats, providing a new choice for urban dwellers who don't want to get wet in the rain and are troubled by car parking problems. However, although the regulations are already in place, market vehicles must go through complete inspection and registration procedures, and it is estimated that the earliest legal registered vehicles will be able to drive on general roads in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Many citizens have questions about driver's licenses and safety regulations. Although cockpit scooters are registered as ordinary heavy motorcycles, the operating interfaces such as the steering wheel, accelerator, and brake pedals are based on cars, and the regulations clearly state that the driver must have a car license for small cars or above.

If the driver only has an ordinary heavy motorcycle license and drives, it will be deemed as driving without a license, subject to a fine of 6,000 to 12,000 NT dollars and the vehicle will be immediately towed; if there is no license at all, the fine will be 18,000 to 36,000 NT dollars.

In terms of driving rights and safety equipment, drivers can drive on the fast lane and do not need to make a two-stage left turn. Helmets are not required to be worn inside the vehicle, but everyone must fasten their seat belts as required, with a fine of 1,500 NT dollars for violations; at the same time, driving on national highways, various expressways, Tamsui Bridge, and slow lanes is strictly prohibited.

In terms of parking management, the central government authorizes local governments to set regulations based on road conditions, and the enforcement standards of various metropolitan areas are different. Taipei City stipulates that vehicles can only be parked in small car spaces on the side of the road, and parking in general motorcycle spaces is completely prohibited.

New Taipei City adopts an open attitude, allowing parking in small car spaces, large heavy motorcycle spaces, and general motorcycle spaces. If you choose to park in a motorcycle space, you will be charged twice the motorcycle rate for that section.

Kaohsiung City requires parking in small car spaces, but in cases where space is sufficient, it allows more than one vehicle to be parked in the same car space, and the small car rate will be charged. In addition, all counties and cities across Taiwan strictly prohibit cockpit scooters from driving or parking on sidewalks and arcades, with fines ranging from 600 to 1,200 NT dollars for violations.