Southeast Asia Scooter-Motorbike Culture:
What can these small underpowered two wheelers carry? The
more accurate question is, what can't it carry! Having traveled all over S.E.
Asia we've been able to experience this unique form of everyman's
transportation in many different styles and situations. With the cost of an
automobile being out of reach for many people here, these small bikes allow any
who wish to be mobile and free and a chance to GO GO GO! The bonus you get is
by riding one allows you to slide through the overcrowded streets and avoid the
oh so common daily congestion found in most cities here. Even Rochelle has
joined the pack here in Malaysia for her daily ride to work! These
scooter/motorbikes are used to deliver items. ALL KINDS AND SIZES OF ITEMS (see
pics). They are used as food delivery, two wheeled family 'mini-vans', food
carts, mobile repair shops, general stores and much, much more! Seeing four
people on one is common, sometimes even five! Animals ride on or behind on
trailers, and toddlers sleep in bliss, their heads resting on the handlebars
and gas tanks. Each country and city handles these bikes differently with
different rules. But seeing all the differences is fun, humorous, scary, and at
time shocking, but once you travel around you can see what a difference it
makes to the Southeast Asian peoples. The whole thing is crazy to western
minds, but I can't imagine life without them, or want it any other way...
Basic
info on what is a Scooter or Motorbike in SE Asia:
A 'scooter' is automatic with no foot pedals
usually, and has a step through frame.
A
'motorbike' is one that needs to be manually shifted with a foot pedal (though most don't need a clutch).
A 'Moped'
has pedals AND a motor. You pedal hard to get moving, then the motor will take
over.
A 'Superbike' is anything over 250cc (I know I know, but
that's big here!)
