The experience of riding a tuk-tuk is reflective of Bangkok itself—fast, fun and slightly dangerous. While the city’s most distinctive mode of transportation has traditionally hewn to a Southeast Asian stomping ground, the Dutch entrepreneurs behind the Tuk Tuk Factory are looking to change this. If they get their way, eco-friendly electric tuk-tuks will soon be a common fixture on European roads.
The Tuk Tuk Factory began with an outlandish idea. In 2005, two Dutchmen realized how much fun the three-wheeled transports could be and began importing them to Europe, where customers rented them for events. The Thai tuk-tuks were such a hit that the Dutch entrepreneurs came up with another idea: engineer an electric tuk-tuk in Holland and manufacture it in Thailand.
Development for the eco-friendly vehicle started in 2008. Four years later, in 2012, The Tuk Tuk Factory had sold over 100 electric tuk-tuks to clients all over the world. By 2020 they plan to be distributing a total of 2,000 units per year.
The company has capitalized on the charm and popularity of the tuk-tuk while at the same time paying attention to helping the environment and creating sustainable transportation options for the European market. As a testament to the company’s focus on fun, The Tuk Tuk Factory states on its homepage, “We believe that travelling is not simply getting from point A to point B. It is not about the destination, it is about how we get there.”
As of now the fledgling firm offers four models; the most widely distributed is the e-Tuk Classico, which strives to replicate its Thai counterpart in all aspects except its electric motor. Other models include the e-Tuk Cargo and the e-Tuk Vendo, both of which allow drivers to transport or sell products. Some of these electric tuk-tuks are even being used as food trucks!
Will these electric vehicles ever replace the current repertoire of noisy, polluting tuk-tuks jamming up Bangkok’s tourist areas? Probably not, but in the meantime it’s an exciting time for the Dutch entrepreneurs as they bring a little bit of Thailand to the rest of the world.
Interested meeting the entrepreneurs behind the e-Tuk and test-driving one yourself? Head down to the Bangkok entrepreneurs meet-up, taking place tonight.
FIND IT:
Bangkok Entrepreneurs, featuring the founders of the Tuk Tuk Factory
April 22, 7pm
Hemmingway’s Restaurant
Sukhumvit Soi 14
THB300 for walk-in guests, includes complimentary finger foods
