Suitcase scooters powered by Li-ion batteries are popular in China where it was invented but they are not meant to be used on public roads.
And even when used indoors or at transport hubs such as railway stations or airports, different countries have different rules. Some ban them from use or restrict their usage, so users of such devices would do well to check on local laws if they are in a foreign country.
A Chinese tourist in Thailand recently came under fire for riding her motorised suitcase on a busy road in Bangkok.
The incident, which took place on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road near Don Mueang International Airport, showed the woman casually using her mobile phone while riding the suitcase without a helmet. The Facebook video clip and image above by “Social Hunter 2022”, quickly drew attention, with many Thais criticising her disregard for safety and questioning why authorities did not intervene.
Thailand’s traffic police said it did investigate the case but the woman had already left Thailand by the time the video went viral.
It said motorised suitcases cannot be registered as vehicles and are not allowed on public roads under the country’s Vehicles Act and Road Traffic Act of 1979.
Similar incidents have occurred elsewhere, including Japan, where a resident was charged for using a motorised suitcase on a public pavement without a licence in March.
Japanese authorities define such devices as mopeds, and they need to be licensed and their use on public roads restricted as some do not come with headlights, signal lights or brakes.
Down south, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority considers motorised suitcases as personal mobility devices or e-scooters, and they are banned for use on public footpaths or roads.
They are also not to be used at the Changi airport in the interest of public safety. But passengers can carry them onboard planes or as checked baggage if the batteries are removable along with other criteria attached.
The motorised suitcases, however, can be used on cycling paths provided they meet the Land Transport Authority’s conditions on weight, width, fire safety standard and a top speed of 25kmh, The Straits Times reported.
As motorised suitcases continue to be a novelty in many regions, users need to check local regulations before riding them in public spaces to avoid legal issues and ensure safety.
