Uber fined 700,000 TWD for illegal motorcycle taxi pilot in Taipei

Uber has been fined 700,000 TWD following a pilot program for motorcycle passenger services in Taipei’s Beitou District. The company had launched the service in July as a free “cultural experience” to address local transportation needs, but authorities determined the operation violated the Highway Act, which restricts commercial passenger transport to vehicles with four or more wheels.

The total fine consists of 500,000 TWD for the service provider, 100,000 TWD for the Uber platform, and 100,000 TWD for the participating driver. Uber Taiwan General Manager Morgan Mo stated that while the service has been withdrawn and there is currently no timetable for its relaunch, the company is collecting feedback from passengers and drivers to use in future discussions with regulators.

Uber filed an administrative appeal regarding the fines on August 21. While the company aims to address specific local mobility gaps, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications maintains that motorcycles do not provide sufficient passenger protection and has no current plans to amend laws to permit commercial motorcycle transport.