{"id":1437,"date":"2026-09-09T10:04:47","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T08:04:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/?post_type=racconti_di_viaggio&#038;p=1437"},"modified":"2026-09-09T10:14:30","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T08:14:30","slug":"tuk-tuk","status":"publish","type":"racconti_di_viaggio","link":"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/en\/travel-stories\/tuk-tuk\/","title":{"rendered":"The Tuk Tuk: the three-wheeled vehicle that has become a symbol of mobility and tourism"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <strong>tuk tuk<\/strong> is one of the most recognisable means of transport in the world: lightweight, open-sided and able to go where a car could not.<\/p>\n<p>Known as a practical solution for urban mobility in Asia, the tuk tuk is now also widespread in Europe, where it is often chosen for <strong>tourist tours, short transfers and city experiences<\/strong>, including those organised in Bergamo.<\/p>\n<p>Behind the tuk tuk&#8217;s three wheels lies a more complex history than might first appear, shaped by technical development, urban mobility and tourism. And, especially in <strong>Italy<\/strong>, there are also a few misconceptions to clear up, starting with the frequent confusion with the Piaggio Ape.<\/p>\n<h2>What is a Tuk Tuk?<\/h2>\n<p>A <strong>tuk tuk is a three-wheeled vehicle<\/strong>, often open or partially covered, designed to carry passengers over short and medium distances.<\/p>\n<p>The term originally refers to the <strong>motorised three-wheeler found mainly in Southeast Asia<\/strong>, where it operates as an urban taxi used primarily for short journeys by people travelling into the city centre, running errands or catching a train.<\/p>\n<p>Over time, the definition has broadened: today, \u201ctuk tuk\u201d is also used to describe three-wheeled vehicles operating in contexts other than the original one, including <strong>tourism and European cities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the differences between models and countries, some features remain central to the <strong>definition of a tuk tuk<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>a three-wheel configuration, with one steering wheel at the front and two at the rear,<\/li>\n<li>a driver&#8217;s cabin positioned in front of the passenger compartment, often without side doors,<\/li>\n<li>compact dimensions designed for easy manoeuvring in urban centres,<\/li>\n<li>primarily used for short journeys, either as a city taxi or for tourist tours,<\/li>\n<li>maximum speed of 45 km\/h.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1429 size-medium\" title=\"Infographic on the main technical characteristics of a tuk tuk: capacity, powertrain, speed, dimensions, weight, range, charging and urban use\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/infografica-caratteristiche-tecniche-tuk-tuk-1080x720.webp\" alt=\"Infographic on the main technical characteristics of a tuk tuk: capacity, powertrain, speed, dimensions, weight, range, charging and urban use\" width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/infografica-caratteristiche-tecniche-tuk-tuk-1080x720.webp 1080w, https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/infografica-caratteristiche-tecniche-tuk-tuk-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/infografica-caratteristiche-tecniche-tuk-tuk.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/>\n<h2>Brief history and evolution over time<\/h2>\n<p>The history of the tuk tuk is intertwined with that of other three-wheeled vehicles that emerged in Asia during the twentieth century, each with its own origins and development.<\/p>\n<p>Reconstructing the various stages precisely is not straightforward, as the available sources often provide partially different accounts: what follows is an overview based on the <strong>most widely shared elements<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3>What does the word tuk tuk mean?<\/h3>\n<p>According to the most widely accepted theory, the name \u201c<strong>tuk tuk<\/strong>\u201d is onomatopoeic and reproduces the distinctive, repetitive <strong>sound<\/strong> made by the small engines, often two-stroke, used in these vehicles.<\/p>\n<p>In <strong>Thailand<\/strong>, the motorised vehicle is also known as <strong>\u201csamlor\u201d (or, more precisely, \u201csamlor khruang\u201d)<\/strong>, an expression made up of \u201csam\u201d (three) and \u201clor\u201d (wheel).<\/p>\n<p>However, the term \u201csamlor\u201d originally also referred to the <strong>non-motorised pedal-powered tricycle<\/strong>: in different local contexts, the two names are therefore not perfect synonyms, even though in common usage, especially outside Thailand, they are often treated as equivalents.<\/p>\n<h3>Who invented the Tuk Tuk?<\/h3>\n<p>There is no single, universally recognised source that attributes the invention of the tuk tuk to one person or one country. The most commonly cited starting point is the human-powered rickshaw, or jinrikisha, which appeared in <strong>Japan<\/strong> around <strong>1869<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>From that point onwards, however, sources do not describe a direct mechanical transformation of the same vehicle, but rather a <strong>continuity of function<\/strong>: from the <strong>1930s onwards<\/strong>, the light urban mobility once provided by the jinrikisha was gradually taken over by a family of different vehicles, including pedal-powered rickshaws and the first motorised commercial three-wheelers.<\/p>\n<p>The latter emerged in Japan as a category in their own right, with their own mechanical origins linked to motorcycles and scooters, rather than as a direct evolution of the jinrikisha. It is to a model from this second category, the <strong>Daihatsu Midget<\/strong>, introduced in Japan in <strong>1957<\/strong> and exported to several Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, from the late 1950s onwards, that the more concrete and documented origins of the vehicle can be traced: adapted and modified locally, these vehicles gave rise in Thailand to the model now associated with the name tuk tuk.<\/p>\n<p>It is within this series of developments, rather than in a single act of invention or a direct mechanical descent from the jinrikisha, that the history of the vehicle should be understood.<\/p>\n<h4>The Piaggio Ape<\/h4>\n<p>The <strong>tuk tuk should not be confused with the Piaggio Ape<\/strong>, the three-wheeled commercial vehicle born from an idea by Enrico Piaggio, developed by engineer Corradino D\u2019Ascanio and marketed in Italy from <strong>1948<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>On this point, sources are not entirely consistent: some accounts describe the development of the Asian tuk tuk as independent from that of the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/en\/ape-calessino\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ape Calessino<\/a><\/strong>, while others suggest that Piaggio models had already reached Asia in the 1950s and helped inspire the first motorised versions of the Thai samlor.<\/p>\n<p>In the absence of a single, verifiable version of events, it is better not to present the Ape as the certain ancestor of the tuk tuk or to treat the two vehicles as synonyms: they remain <strong>two families of three-wheeled vehicles with only a partly shared history<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1427 size-full\" title=\"Piaggio Ape Calessino\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Ape-calessino-Piaggio.jpg\" alt=\"Piaggio Ape Calessino\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Ape-calessino-Piaggio.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Ape-calessino-Piaggio-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\n<h3>Where did Tuk Tuks originate?<\/h3>\n<p>If Japan provided the mechanical foundations for the first commercial three-wheeled vehicles exported to Asia after the Second World War, it was in <strong>Thailand, and particularly in Bangkok, that the tuk tuk became a recognisable icon<\/strong> from the 1960s onwards.<\/p>\n<p>From there, the vehicle spread to other Asian countries, such as <strong>India<\/strong> and <strong>Sri Lanka<\/strong>, and later to Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, adapting to very different local needs and regulations.<\/p>\n<h3>From everyday transport to tourism<\/h3>\n<p>For decades, the tuk tuk remained primarily an informal means of public transport, used by the local population for <strong>everyday journeys<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Its transformation into a tourism vehicle was driven by <strong>practical characteristics rather than aesthetics<\/strong>: the open passenger compartment makes it possible to see the city without the barrier of a window, its compact dimensions allow it to travel along narrow streets and roads that a coach could not navigate, and being driven by a local driver turns every ride into a small story about the city.<\/p>\n<p>The wind on your face, narrow streets suddenly opening up, the sound of the engine blending with the noise of the road: it is a way of seeing a place that differs from travelling by car or tourist bus.<\/p>\n<p>This combination of practicality and added value has led many tourism operators, both in Asia and Europe, to adopt the tuk tuk for <strong>organised city tours<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1430 size-full\" title=\"Tuk Tuk Tour with Bergamo By Tuk Tuk\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Tour-in-Tuk-tuk-con-Bergamo-By-tuk-Tuk.jpg\" alt=\"Tuk Tuk Tour with Bergamo By Tuk Tuk\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Tour-in-Tuk-tuk-con-Bergamo-By-tuk-Tuk.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Tour-in-Tuk-tuk-con-Bergamo-By-tuk-Tuk-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\n<h2>What does a modern Tuk Tuk look like and what are its characteristics?<\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>three-wheel configuration<\/strong> is the feature that distinguishes the tuk tuk from any car and defines its behaviour on the road. Compared with a car, this vehicle has a smaller footprint and a tighter turning radius, characteristics that allow it to move easily through confined spaces such as narrow streets, historic centres and areas with regulated traffic access.<\/p>\n<p>However, the exact <strong>dimensions<\/strong> <strong>vary considerably from one model to another<\/strong>: an Asian tuk tuk designed for carrying goods has different proportions from a European model intended for tourist tours, so it would be incorrect to assign a single set of measurements to the entire category.<\/p>\n<h3>How is it driven?<\/h3>\n<p>The controls <strong>vary depending on the model<\/strong>. Many traditional Asian tuk tuks are based on motorcycle mechanics and are driven using handlebars, with brake and accelerator controls similar to those of a scooter.<\/p>\n<p>Some modern three-wheeled vehicles used for tourism in Europe, on the other hand, feature a steering wheel and controls that are closer to those of a car, depending on the configuration chosen by the manufacturer.<\/p>\n<p>In both cases, this is a matter of control ergonomics, separate from the legal requirements needed to drive the vehicle, which depend on the type-approval category and are discussed later in this article.<\/p>\n<h3>How many seats does a Tuk Tuk have?<\/h3>\n<p>The <strong>number of seats also varies significantly from one model to another<\/strong> and cannot be generalised. Asian tuk tuks designed for passenger transport typically accommodate two to three people in addition to the driver, but there are also versions for collective transport with larger seating configurations.<\/p>\n<p>Models used for tourist tours in Europe, such as those used in Bergamo, <strong>generally carry up to four people per ride<\/strong>: however, it is always advisable to check the exact capacity with the operator before booking.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1435 size-full\" title=\"Romantic tour in Bergamo ideal for couples with our vehicles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Tour-in-tuk-tuk-romantico-per-coppie.jpg\" alt=\"Romantic tour in Bergamo ideal for couples with our vehicles\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Tour-in-tuk-tuk-romantico-per-coppie.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Tour-in-tuk-tuk-romantico-per-coppie-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\n<h3>What are the top speed and engine capacity?<\/h3>\n<p>In this case too, <strong>there is no universal value<\/strong>. Tuk tuks with internal combustion engines usually have an engine capacity of approximately 150 to 250 cc, depending on the model and target market, with a top speed generally ranging between 50 and 60 km\/h.<\/p>\n<p>In electric models, the concept of engine capacity does not exist: performance is measured in terms of <strong>electric motor power, expressed in kW<\/strong>, and the top speed declared by different manufacturers generally ranges between 45 and 55 km\/h, again with differences related to type approval and the country of use.<\/p>\n<h3>How much does a Tuk Tuk weigh?<\/h3>\n<p>The weight of a tuk tuk <strong>depends on the type of powertrain, the materials used for the bodywork and the seating configuration<\/strong>, and should not be considered a fixed value that can be compared across different models.<\/p>\n<p>In electric tuk tuks, the battery pack has a significant impact on the overall weight compared with models with internal combustion engines, but the extent of this difference varies considerably depending on the capacity and technology of the battery installed.<\/p>\n<p>To find out the actual weight of a specific model, it is always necessary to refer to the <strong>manufacturer&#8217;s technical specifications or the vehicle registration document<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3>How does an electric Tuk Tuk work?<\/h3>\n<p>In an electric tuk tuk, the <strong>internal combustion engine is replaced by an electric motor powered by a battery pack<\/strong>, generally lead-acid or lithium depending on the model and price range.<\/p>\n<p>Since there is no engine capacity, performance is described using parameters such as motor power, battery capacity, range and top speed.<\/p>\n<p>It is important not to assign a standard range to the electric version: some commercial models claim an indicative range of between 50 and 120 km, but these are <strong>figures referring to specific models, not a category-wide standard<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Actual range depends on the model, battery type, load, route and operating conditions, and should always be checked against the technical specifications of the individual vehicle; the same applies to charging times, which vary considerably depending on the battery technology installed.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1428 size-medium\" title=\"Infographic on the main advantages of a tuk tuk tour: urban mobility, agility, sustainability and tourist experience\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/infografica-vantaggi-tour-tuk-tuk-1080x720.jpg\" alt=\"Infographic on the main advantages of a tuk tuk tour: urban mobility, agility, sustainability and tourist experience\" width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/infografica-vantaggi-tour-tuk-tuk-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/infografica-vantaggi-tour-tuk-tuk-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/infografica-vantaggi-tour-tuk-tuk.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/>\n<h2>Can a Tuk Tuk be driven on the road?<\/h2>\n<p>The possibility of driving on the road <strong>depends on the vehicle&#8217;s type approval and the regulations of the country<\/strong> in which it is used, and the rules cannot be generalised worldwide.<\/p>\n<p>In Italy and the rest of the European Union, tuk tuks registered for road use generally fall within the category of <strong>L5e motor tricycles<\/strong>, defined by Article 47 of the Italian Highway Code as three-wheeled vehicles symmetrical to the longitudinal axis with an engine capacity exceeding 50 cc, in the case of internal combustion engines, or a maximum design speed exceeding 45 km\/h.<\/p>\n<p>To drive them, <strong>Article 116 of the Italian Highway Code<\/strong> provides for different driving licences depending on the power of the vehicle:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the <strong>A1 driving licence<\/strong>, obtainable from the age of 16, allows the holder to drive tricycles with a power of up to 15 kW;<\/li>\n<li>for tricycles with higher power, an <strong>A driving licence<\/strong> is required, obtainable from the age of 24, or from the age of 21 if the driver has held an <strong>A2 driving licence<\/strong> for at least two years,<\/li>\n<li>or, within Italy, a <strong>B driving licence<\/strong> if the driver is at least 21 years old.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It should also be remembered that, when the vehicle is used for profit and for public transport, <strong>a professional Ka or Kb licence is always required<\/strong> to drive it, together with registration in the relevant professional register for motorised rickshaws, subject to passing a provincial examination.<\/p>\n<p>These are technical thresholds subject to possible regulatory updates, so it is always advisable to check them with a driving school or the motor vehicle registration offices before getting behind the wheel.<\/p>\n<h3>Rules outside the European Union<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Outside the European Union, the rules change significantly.<\/strong> In many Asian countries, such as Thailand, India and Sri Lanka, the tuk tuk operates as a taxi with a specific commercial licence, often reserved for local drivers with requirements different from those needed for a standard driving licence.<\/p>\n<p>Those who organise or take part in a tuk tuk tour, whether in Italy or abroad, generally rely on an <strong>authorised operator<\/strong>, who takes care of the vehicle&#8217;s regulatory compliance and driving requirements.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1431 size-full\" title=\"Tuk Tuk on the way to the Astino Valley in Bergamo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Tuk-tuk-in-movimento-verso-la-valle-di-astino.jpg\" alt=\"Tuk Tuk on the way to the Astino Valley in Bergamo\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Tuk-tuk-in-movimento-verso-la-valle-di-astino.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Tuk-tuk-in-movimento-verso-la-valle-di-astino-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\n<h2>Where can Tuk Tuks be found?<\/h2>\n<p>Today, the tuk tuk can be found in <strong>very different contexts<\/strong>, from everyday public transport in Asian metropolises to tourist experiences in European historic centres. Here are some useful examples to help understand its spread, without claiming to be exhaustive.<\/p>\n<h3>In Italy<\/h3>\n<p>In Italy, in the tourist tour sector, the term \u2018tuk tuk\u2019 is sometimes also used to refer to the Ape Calessino, the Piaggio three-wheeled vehicle reinterpreted in a vintage style: many operators still use this term in their communication aimed at visitors, even though it is a <strong>vehicle with different origins from the Asian tuk tuk<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The vehicle can mainly be found in the historic centres of art cities and coastal destinations, including <strong>Bergamo<\/strong>, <strong>Milan<\/strong> and <strong>Matera<\/strong>, where it is particularly useful for visiting the Sassi without having to tackle the district&#8217;s changes in elevation on foot, as well as in southern destinations such as <strong>Polignano a Mare<\/strong> and <strong>Ostuni<\/strong>, where the historic centre is well suited to a guided tour.<\/p>\n<h3>In Europe<\/h3>\n<p>In Europe, the tuk tuk has become widespread mainly on the Iberian Peninsula.<\/p>\n<p>In <strong>Lisbon<\/strong>, according to several journalistic sources, the vehicle began to spread significantly more or less from <strong>2014<\/strong>, following the growth of urban tourism, and is now a common sight in the historic neighbourhoods of the Portuguese capital: here, the tuk tuk makes its way through the narrow streets of <strong>Alfama<\/strong>, past laundry hanging from windows and the tracks of tram number 28, in an urban setting perfectly suited to a small and manoeuvrable vehicle.<\/p>\n<p>The phenomenon has since spread to other cities on the Iberian Peninsula, including <strong>Porto, Barcelona and Madrid<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3>Around the world<\/h3>\n<p>Outside Europe, the tuk tuk remains above all an <strong>everyday means of transport<\/strong>. In Thailand, especially in <strong>Bangkok<\/strong>, it is a city symbol recognised internationally; in <strong>India<\/strong> and <strong>Sri Lanka<\/strong>, it represents one of the most common forms of urban and extra-urban taxi transport.<\/p>\n<p>It also has an established presence in other Southeast Asian countries, such as <strong>Cambodia<\/strong>, as well as a more recent spread in some parts of Africa and the Middle East, for example in the <strong>Marrakech<\/strong> area, where it is used both for local transport and for experiences aimed at visitors.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1432 size-full\" title=\"Typical traditional tuk tuk used as an urban taxi in Bangkok, Thailand\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tuk-tuk-tradizionale-thailandia-bangkok.jpg\" alt=\"Typical traditional tuk tuk used as an urban taxi in Bangkok, Thailand\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tuk-tuk-tradizionale-thailandia-bangkok.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tuk-tuk-tradizionale-thailandia-bangkok-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\n<h2>How much does a Tuk Tuk ride cost?<\/h2>\n<p>The price of a tuk tuk ride <strong>depends on several factors<\/strong>: the duration of the tour, the number of participants, whether it is a private experience or shared with other passengers, the city and the operator chosen. For this reason, comparing two prices only makes sense when the services are genuinely comparable in terms of duration, format and number of people involved.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>In Bergamo, for example, Bergamo By Tuk Tuk offers several itineraries to choose from: these range from a mini tour of around 10 minutes to more comprehensive routes lasting 80\u201390 minutes, taking in the Venetian Walls, the city&#8217;s hills and the Astino Valley, with <strong>prices calculated per vehicle, for up to four people, rather than per person<\/strong>. Updated details on itineraries, schedules and prices can be found on the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/en\/tuk-tuk-tours\/?utm_source=blog&#038;utm_medium=box_info&#038;utm_campaign=tuk_tuk&#038;utm_content=EN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tours page<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Other Italian and European cities also offer examples of published prices. These are useful not for creating a direct comparison, since format, duration and market differ from case to case, but rather for showing how the same variables affect the final price.<\/p>\n<p>In <strong>Matera<\/strong>, a shared tour of around 45 minutes aboard an Ape Calessino is offered locally at approximately \u20ac20 per person, with a minimum of two participants, while a private tour of around two hours, offered through the same international booking platforms used elsewhere, starts at around $45\u201350 per person: the difference mainly reflects the format, private versus shared, and the duration, rather than a more expensive market in itself.<\/p>\n<p>In <strong>Lisbon<\/strong>, to give another example that is not directly comparable with the previous ones, a private four-hour tour for a group of up to six people is offered at around \u20ac270\u2013280, while shorter shared experiences in the same city start at significantly lower prices.<\/p>\n<h3>What affects the cost of a tour?<\/h3>\n<p>These figures, <strong>checked at the time this article was written, September 2026<\/strong>, on local operator websites and booking platforms, remain indicative: they change over time depending on the season and the booking channel used, and should always be checked directly with the operator before booking.<\/p>\n<p>Rather than drawing up a price ranking, it is worth remembering <strong>what determines the cost of a tuk tuk experience<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the duration of the itinerary,<\/li>\n<li>the type of service, private or group-based,<\/li>\n<li>the number of participants,<\/li>\n<li>and any extras included, such as food stops or admission to monuments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_1433\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1433\" class=\"wp-image-1433 size-full\" title=\"Mirco Cavagnera, driver at Bergamo By Tuk Tuk\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Mirco-Cavagnera-conducente-di-Bergamo-By-T-uk-Tuk.jpeg\" alt=\"Mirco Cavagnera, driver at Bergamo By Tuk Tuk\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Mirco-Cavagnera-conducente-di-Bergamo-By-T-uk-Tuk.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Mirco-Cavagnera-conducente-di-Bergamo-By-T-uk-Tuk-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-1433\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ready for your tour with Bergamo By Tuk Tuk?<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Why is a Tuk Tuk ride worth it?<\/h2>\n<p>Beyond the curiosity surrounding the vehicle itself, a tuk tuk ride offers <strong>several concrete advantages compared with other ways of visiting a city<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The open passenger compartment allows you to <strong>see the surrounding environment without the barrier of a window<\/strong>, while its compact dimensions make it possible to reach panoramic viewpoints or narrow streets that a tourist coach could not travel through.<\/p>\n<p>In many cities with hilly or pedestrianised historic centres, such as Bergamo Alta or the Sassi of Matera, the tuk tuk makes it possible to <strong>cover changes in elevation and distances<\/strong> that would require more time and effort on foot.<\/p>\n<p>Some elements recur in this type of <strong>experience<\/strong>, regardless of the city:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>a wide, open view of the surrounding environment, useful for taking photographs and getting your bearings,<\/li>\n<li>an eco-friendly and completely silent tour with electric vehicles,<\/li>\n<li>the possibility, where circulation is authorised, of reaching limited traffic zones or areas that are difficult to access using other vehicles,<\/li>\n<li>the presence of a local driver, often able to share anecdotes and local curiosities,<\/li>\n<li>more flexible visiting times compared with a walking tour on routes with significant changes in elevation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It is a truly immersive 360\u00b0 experience that <strong>complements a visit on foot rather than replacing it<\/strong>: particularly useful for those with limited time, for visitors exploring the city with children or people with mobility difficulties, or simply for those looking for a different perspective on streets they may have already visited before.<\/p>\n<p>In <strong>Bergamo Alta<\/strong>, for example, on stretches where tuk tuk circulation is permitted, the journey gives you time to look around precisely in those places where, on foot, you would more often be watching your steps than the view.<\/p>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1434 size-full\" title=\"Modern model of the three-wheeled vehicle\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tuk-tuk-moderno-tour-turistico-1.jpg\" alt=\"Modern model of the three-wheeled vehicle\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tuk-tuk-moderno-tour-turistico-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/tuk-tuk-moderno-tour-turistico-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\n<h2>FAQ<\/h2>\n<h3>Who makes tuk tuks?<\/h3>\n<p>There is no single manufacturer or brand universally associated with them. Among the historic manufacturers in the internal combustion three-wheeler segment is India&#8217;s Bajaj Auto, one of the world&#8217;s largest producers of this type of vehicle; in Italy, Piaggio produces the Ape, a three-wheeled commercial vehicle that differs from the Asian tuk tuk in terms of its origins and development, but is often used in a similar way for tourist tours. Other specialised manufacturers, particularly in Europe and Asia, are now also working on electric models.<\/p>\n<h3>Is a tuk tuk electric or petrol-powered?<\/h3>\n<p>Both versions exist. Traditional models have an internal combustion engine, while electric tuk tuks powered by a battery pack have also become increasingly widespread in recent years. The choice depends on the model, the market and the intended use: both internal combustion and electric vehicles can be found on tourist tours in Europe.<\/p>\n<h3>Can a tuk tuk enter limited traffic zones?<\/h3>\n<p>Not automatically. Access to limited traffic zones depends on the rules of the individual municipality and on any authorisation granted to the vehicle or operator, rather than on an intrinsic characteristic of the vehicle. Any access must therefore be checked on a case-by-case basis, according to the authorisations provided for by the municipality.<\/p>\n<h3>How many people can a tuk tuk carry?<\/h3>\n<p>Capacity varies from one model to another, and there is no fixed number that applies everywhere. Tuk tuks designed for passenger transport can generally accommodate between two and four people in addition to the driver, depending on the type approval and configuration of the vehicle. In the models used for tourist tours in Bergamo, capacity is generally four passengers.<\/p>\n<h3>What animal is a tuk tuk?<\/h3>\n<p>A tuk tuk is not an animal: it is a three-wheeled motor vehicle. The confusion probably arises from the fact that &#8220;Tuk Tuk&#8221; is also the name of a character in the Disney animated film <em>Raya and the Last Dragon<\/em> (2021), a fictional creature that accompanies the protagonist. Outside this cinematic reference, the term always refers to the three-wheeled means of transport.<\/p>\n<h4>Read, discover and travel around Bergamo and its surroundings<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/en\/travel-stories\/mountains-near-bergamo-orobie\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-cmp-ab=\"2\">In the green heart of the Orobie: discovering the Mountains of Bergamo<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/en\/travel-stories\/san-vigilio-in-bergamo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-cmp-ab=\"2\">San Vigilio: a view from Bergamo to infinity<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/en\/travel-stories\/bergamo-lazaretto\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-cmp-ab=\"2\">Bergamo&#8217;s Lazzaretto: Life beyond Life for 600 years<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/en\/travel-stories\/medieval-villages-near-bergamo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-cmp-ab=\"2\">10 Medieval Villages near Bergamo not to be missed<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/en\/travel-stories\/malpaga-castle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-cmp-ab=\"2\">Malpaga Castle: a journey through time among ladies, knights and enchanted flowers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bergamobytuktuk.com\/en\/travel-stories\/craft-beer-and-breweries-in-bergamo-and-province\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Craft Beer in Bergamo: an ancient local tradition and beyond its borders<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":1438,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","categorie":[73],"class_list":["post-1437","racconti_di_viaggio","type-racconti_di_viaggio","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","categorie-cultura"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Tuk tuk: what it is, history, features and how it works<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover what a tuk tuk is, its history and how this iconic three-wheeled vehicle works. 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