12 February 2020

Couple Launch New Taxi & Tour “Tuk-Tuk” Service On Isle Of Wight

If you’ve ever been to foreign destinations such as Manila or Bangkok, you’re probably familiar with the peculiar-shaped 3 wheeled taxis named tuk-tuks. These small vehicles, inspired by the rickshaw bikes, are incredibly popular with tourists. Now, a local couple is aiming to bring the tuk-tuk to the Isle of Wight.

“The Isle of Wight Tuk Tuk Co.” was established in 2019 by the entrepreneur Scout Gregory, and his wife Kayleigh. Inspired by the fleet of tuk-tuks they saw during a honeymoon in the town of Apulia, Italy, the couple decided to bring the idea to the island.

History of Tuk-Tuks In The UK

This isn’t the first time the vehicle has been used in the UK. Visitors to areas such as Cardiff and the Cotswolds can also have the chance to ride them. The vehicles have been incredibly popular across the country, especially for their unique design.

However, these vehicles haven’t all been met with positive reactions since their introduction to the UK. A proposal to introduce the three-wheeled vehicles to the Dumfries & Galloway region in Scotland was recently turned down by the council, citing concerns such as lack of airbags and its vulnerability to falling over, as well as the potential risk of drunk passengers and children falling out due to the lack of doors.

What The Company Offers

From the start, the Isle Of Wight tuk-tuks have already proven to be a huge hit with both locals and tourists. As co-owner Scout Gregory told The Isle Of Wight Observer, “We have been overwhelmed with the amount of positive responses that we have received since we first started taking bookings; we were fully booked for New Year’s Eve and have been extremely busy since.”

Passengers can call for a tuk-tuk from anywhere on the island as a private taxi. The firm also offers tours across the island from Yarmouth Harbour, with prices ranging from £35 to £55.

Couples can also use the company’s “Date Night” service. Partnering with The Cow Restaurant, couples will be picked up in a Bianco white Piaggio Ape Calessino 200 Tuk Tuk. They will then be driven around many different sites across the island, before arriving at The Cow Restaurant. After you’ve enjoyed a three-course meal, your tuk-tuk will take you back to where your date night began.

For more information, check out their website here.