Search This Blog

Thursday, March 21, 2024

FB: Southeast Asia Scooter-Motorbike Culture!

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!)


 








 







 






 


 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 


 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No comments:

Post a Comment

FB: Singapore!

  Singapore! We visited between Christmas and New Years Day. This is a little late but here we go! 😁 FYI, Singapore sits at the bottom ...