TGC EMC project trains mechanics and e-motorbike taxi riders in electric motorcycle maintenance
On 16 and 17 August 2025, the Thai-German Cooperation on Energy, Mobility and Climate (TGC EMC) project, Transport Component, implemented by GIZ, in cooperation with the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT), King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), the Traffic and Transportation Department (TTD), Bangkok Metropolitan administration (BMA), and BMA Vocational Training School (Din Daeng), successfully organised a two-day intensive training programme on electric motorcycle maintenance at the Bangkok Vocational Training School.
The programme, designed for motorcycle taxi drivers and mechanics, was aimed at building hands-on knowledge, skills and practical know-how to support Bangkok’s shift towards decarbonised and electrified transport. As part of TGC EMC’s broader mission to help Thailand reach its carbon neutrality target by 2050, it is one of several initiatives aimed at building a supportive ecosystem that advances the adoption of electric motorcycles for a cleaner, more sustainable public transport and feeder system in the city.
A focus group discussion previously conducted with motorcycle taxi drivers revealed that one of the key barriers preventing wider adoption of EV motorcycles was the lack of confidence and limited understanding of how to maintain and repair them. Many riders perceive EVs as less efficient compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles, while the limited availability of maintenance services and skilled EV mechanics reinforces these concerns. Addressing these barriers is therefore crucial, as tackling the knowledge gap has direct implications for changing decision-making behaviour among drivers when considering EV adoption.
Over 20 participants received a short training course on electric motorcycle maintenance services through lectures, demonstrations and workshops conducted by experts from EVAT, Bangpakong Vocational College (Chachoengsao), the Alternative Energy Foundation of Thailand, and Bangkok Vocational Training School (Din Daeng).
In line with TGC EMC’s gender-responsive approach, the training emphasised inclusivity in Bangkok’s transport transition. Gender mainstreaming is central to ensure that women and men receive benefit equally, while safeguarding safety in first- and last-mile mobility. This first training session included one female participant, highlighting the potential for broader engagement for women in the EV transition. Future programmes will further promote women riders and mechanics, addressing gender imbalances and contributing to more inclusive and secure transport systems.
Participants learned to identify key components of electric motorcycles such as batteries and electrical circuits, understand the functioning of motor, brake and control systems, and as such, perform preventive maintenance and carry out safe repairs. Riders gained essential maintenance knowledge on how to maintain their electric motorcycles. This training equipped them with greater confidence to use EV motorcycles in their daily work life. The programme provided mechanics with the ability to diagnose and repair electric motorcycles accurately and safely.
By the end of the training, mechanics and riders were able to demonstrate their newly acquired skills through hands-on practice. Participants enjoyed the practical approach as the programme bridged gaps in their knowledge and prepared them to adapt to the transition towards an electrified feeder system.
The success of this first training session has sparked discussions about expanding the initiative to other districts and reaching a larger number of riders and mechanics across the city. With growing interest and strong institutional backing, the programme marks a significant milestone in Bangkok’s journey towards sustainable and inclusive urban mobility.
Dr Dominika Kalinowska
Director Transport Projects Thailand
Email:dominika.kalinowska(at)giz.de