Uber launches motorcycle ride-hailing service in Bangkok

Smartphone ride-hailing service Uber is placing a bet on motorcycles in the Thai capital, adding motorbike rides to its arsenal of on-demand services.

The scheme is a pilot project, so it’s unclear if it will spread to other cities-but Uber does point out that it’s designed for emerging markets with bad traffic situations. “This kind of congestion undermines everyone’s quality of life”, the US firm said in a statement.

Commenting about the new operation, Douglas Ma, the Uber Asia Expansion Head said, “I’m really excited to say Thailand is the first country to launch a two-wheeled motorcycle product in all of our cities”. But more recently, commuters have been able to hail them via apps like Grab Bike, which will be one of UberMoto’s biggest rivals if it ever ventures outside Bangkok.

The launch of UberMOTO follows reports that Uber has suffered enormous losses in China.

Once your request has been accepted by the nearest driver, you’ll see your driver’s details straight away-name, photo and the details of the motorbike. As part of this joint effort, Uber will be donating helmets to young students and adults with the help of Thai Traffic Police and HAC through various community outreach and education initiatives.

Uber is also putting a focus on safety. Each motorcycle driver will have to pass the same background checks as vehicle chauffeurs, and will be obliged to provide helmets for their passengers. “UberMoto” is the new bike taxi service which the company has introduced in the city. The launch comes just weeks after cash payments were rolled out in Thailand, ensuring more people in Bangkok now have access to Uber’s technology.