TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Uber is reportedly exploring a scooter ride-hailing service in Taiwan through a proposed pilot program in Taipei’s Beitou District, though the Ministry of Transportation and Communications said such services are not permitted under current law.
Social media users shared screenshots of recruitment notices for Uber’s “Beitou testing project service center,” seeking scooter drivers starting Wednesday, per CNA. Invited drivers were reportedly asked to prepare documents, including a driving record certificate showing no accidents, identification, vehicle registration, and a driver’s license.
Taipei Taxi Drivers’ Union Spokesperson Well Lee (李威爾) said Uber had initially proposed cooperating with Taipei’s Department of Information and Tourism on a historical and cultural promotion initiative tied to Beitou, CNA reported. During the Japanese colonial era, scooter passenger transport emerged in the district because of poor road conditions and limited transportation access, but the practice later faded.
Lee said amendments to the Highway Act later established clearer rules governing commercial passenger transport, prompting Taipei tourism officials to consult transportation authorities, who deemed the proposal illegal. He added that none of Taiwan’s nine existing transportation service categories permit scooter passenger transport.
According to Lee, Uber hoped to use Beitou’s cultural and historical background to match food delivery drivers with passengers through the app. He warned the arrangement would be illegal for delivery drivers and leave consumers without adequate protections, urging authorities to intervene quickly.
The transport ministry said Article 34 of the Highway Act limits commercial passenger transport to approved highway bus operators, urban bus operators, and taxi operators, according to CNA. Scooter drivers for ride-matching services could face fines of up to NT$200,000 (US$6,300), while platform operators could be fined up to NT$25 million and risk suspension of vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses.
The ministry said scooter passenger transport does not qualify as a legal commercial transport model under current rules, meaning operators cannot obtain commercial-use insurance. The ministry warned insurers could refuse compensation in accidents involving illegal ride-hailing services, leaving drivers and passengers without full protection.
Department of Public Transportation and Supervision Director-General Hu Ti-chi (胡迪琦) told CNA that local governments oversee taxi operations, but scooters are inherently more dangerous because riders lack the protection of a vehicle body. He added that the ministry does not support such a service.
The ministry acknowledged that Beitou has a unique history of scooter transport tied to its terrain and hot spring tourism industry. It said any existing local practices should be managed through local ordinances without further expansion, rather than being used as a basis for legalizing scooter ride-hailing nationwide.
Uber said the project remains in the evaluation stage, CNA reported. It is working with its partner fleet operator, Uber Formosa Co., to explore digital innovations that could improve local transportation services and safety while promoting green and smart transportation.
