An Epic Journey with a Vespa Sidecar
Riding from Indonesia to Thailand with a Vespa Sidecar was more than just an ordinary trip for us. It was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure filled with challenges and unforgettable memories. We are the Scooter99 team, and this cross-border story was made possible by riding a Vespa LX 150cc equipped with a fiberglass sidecar. In this blog, we share how we conquered thousands of kilometers across four Southeast Asian countries with our beloved three-wheeled classic scooter.
As true Vespa enthusiasts, our idea for this long-distance tour was born from the desire to prove that even a classic scooter with a sidecar can handle international journeys. In the end, our trip from Indonesia to Thailand via Singapore and Malaysia was completed safely. How did we prepare? What obstacles did we face on the road? Let’s dive into the full story below.
Quick Facts
- Start: Jakarta, Indonesia
- Countries Covered: Indonesia → Singapore → Malaysia → Thailand
- Duration: 1 month (round trip)
- Vehicle: Red Vespa LX 150cc + lightweight fiberglass sidecar
- Equipment: Spares, toolkit, jerrycan, full riding gear
- Documents: Passport, IDP, STNK, insurance, Carnet (TH), Autopass + ICP (SG)
Preparing for the Vespa Sidecar Tour
Vehicle: Red Vespa LX 150cc with a lightweight, rust-free fiberglass sidecar.
Equipment: Spare parts (spark plugs, cables, bulbs), tool kit, small jerrycan for fuel, and complete riding gear.
Documents: Passport, international driving license, vehicle registration, travel insurance, Carnet de Passage (for Thailand), and an Autopass Card (for Singapore).
Preparation was the key to this international adventure. We modified our Vespa with a fiberglass sidecar built by Scooter99, giving us extra stability and luggage capacity. This sidecar had already been tested on previous cross-country rides, giving us confidence that it could withstand any road conditions.
The red Vespa sidecar we rode proved reliable over thousands of kilometers. With its lightweight yet sturdy fiberglass body, it combined vintage style with modern durability—an ideal partner for long-distance touring.
Handling the Paperwork
Cross-border riding requires more than just courage. For Singapore, known as one of the strictest countries for foreign vehicles, we needed to prepare an International Circulation Permit (ICP) and an Autopass Card (for Vehicle Entry Permit). Fortunately, Malaysia was much simpler—no Carnet was required, and immigration at Melaka was relatively smooth.
Thailand, however, required extra effort. A Carnet de Passage was mandatory for temporary vehicle import. We arranged this through IMI (Ikatan Motor Indonesia) before departure. While the paperwork process was tiring, it was essential to ensure our journey ran smoothly at each border.
Exploring Indonesia and Singapore
The first leg of our trip took us from Jakarta to Batam, before boarding a ferry across to Singapore. The contrast was immediate—well-organized roads, orderly traffic, and the skyline of a modern city welcoming our arrival. We captured this special moment in our video of the ride into Singapore, where our red Vespa sidecar drew curious glances in the heart of the city.
Crossing into Malaysia
From Singapore, we entered Malaysia through Johor Bahru. Wide highways and solid infrastructure made riding smoother and more comfortable. We stopped in Melaka, a UNESCO heritage city, before continuing north to Kuala Lumpur. Our Malaysia travel video shows how the Vespa sidecar quickly became a head-turner. The warm welcome from the Vespa community in Kuala Lumpur was unforgettable—some even escorted us as we rode towards the Thai border.
Adventure in Thailand: Pushing the Limits
Crossing the Bukit Kayu Hitam – Sadao border into Thailand marked a whole new chapter. A different language, script, and culture awaited us. We rode through Hat Yai and along the southern Thai coast. Steep climbs and the tropical climate tested our Vespa’s 150cc engine with the added weight of the sidecar, but with patience, rest stops, and determination, we made it through.
This part of the journey is featured in our Thailand riding video, showing how a Scooter99-built sidecar endured thousands of kilometers across international roads.
Reflections
This expedition not only proved the durability of an Indonesian-made fiberglass Vespa sidecar but also showcased how a local product from Scooter99 can accompany cross-border tours without major issues. Since 1999, Scooter99 has been exporting fiberglass sidecars worldwide, making them part of the global Vespa community.
For anyone inspired by this story, Scooter99 offers a range of fiberglass sidecars to transform your Vespa into the perfect touring companion. Who knows? Your next adventure could take you across borders in timeless classic style. ????????????
Lessons & Tips from Our Journey
Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your Vespa is in top condition. Change the oil, check brakes and tire pressure, and bring essential spares.
Ride Steady: Touring with a 150cc scooter + sidecar isn’t about speed—it’s about consistency. 40–60 km/h is the sweet spot.
Luggage Management: Use the sidecar space wisely but don’t overload it. Balance is key.
Navigation & Communication: Bring offline GPS maps, local SIM cards, and learn simple phrases for each country.
Community Support: Connect with local Vespa clubs—they can offer help, shelter, and even mechanical support.
Patience & Flexibility: Weather and roadblocks may force you to adjust plans. The journey is as important as the destination.
