TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei City officials on Wednesday declared Uber's newly launched scooter ride-hailing trial illegal, warning participating riders could face fines and have their scooter license revoked.
Uber launched its monthlong eMoto pilot program in Taipei's Beitou District, describing the free service as a cultural experience. The program immediately drew criticism from city officials, who said it violates Taiwan's transportation laws, per UDN.
Taipei Transportation Commissioner Hsieh Ming-hong (謝銘鴻) condemned the launch in a Facebook post, noting the company faces a fine of up to NT$25 million (US$785,000). He said the service lacks a comprehensive insurance and liability framework, exposing passengers and riders to unnecessary risks.
The Taipei City Public Transportation Office said the service is illegal under current law. Riders caught providing commercial scooter ride-hailing services can be fined up to NT$200,000 and have their scooter licenses revoked. The office said it strongly opposes business models that deliberately circumvent existing regulations and undermine the legal passenger transport market, according to a press release.
Officials said they have received complaints from taxi companies and labor unions, which argued the eMoto program violates the Highway Act. The city said it would not permit operators to bypass transportation laws under the guise of pilot programs, testing, or trial operations.
The office said Taiwan's current regulations do not allow scooters or motorcycles to provide commercial passenger transportation services. It added that passenger transport laws are intended to ensure operator qualifications, driver oversight, public safety, and passenger protections, per a press release.
Furthermore, in the event of a traffic accident, the office said disputes over insurance coverage, legal responsibility, and passenger compensation could arise.
