By Prerna Priyanka
For someone who can drive a car just fine, I almost chickened out riding an electric scooter. When I arrived at Waitui Scooter’s little shop tucked along Palm Road in Wailoaloa, Nadi, I didn’t expect to walk out having had a lot fun and finding a new friend.
But that’s exactly what happened. Taniela Denislao, acting operations manager at Waitui, greeted me with a smile, and his warm personality immediately put my nervousness to ease.
Waitui Scooters is a family-run business founded by Charles and Leanne Dyer, with Jayden D’Vauz as director. Taniela and his colleague Justin look after day to day operations.
The idea, I learned, came from a moment that changed their lives. After losing several loved ones, Charles and Leanne found themselves rethinking everything. Their new motto became “You only live once.” It was during a stay in Fiji that they saw a young Fijian riding past on a scooter. That simple sight turned into their light-bulb moment.
“They knew right then that this was something they wanted to bring home to Fiji,” Taniela said. “Not just for fun, but as something meaningful.”
Waitui Scooters was officially registered in February 2024, and by March 2025, their online platforms were ready. The company’s goal was clear: offer an eco-friendly, safe, and convenient way for both locals and visitors to explore the island.
“Everything here is built around being green,” Taniela told me. Fiji’s tourism sector has been pushing sustainability in recent years, and Waitui fits neatly into that vision.
“We’re reducing emissions, cutting down reliance on fuel, and giving tourists a cleaner way to move around. It’s small, but small things matter,” he added.
The scooters themselves are impressive, custom-built and sturdy, with headlights, indicators, LED visibility lights, a horn, and helmets provided for every rider. Although they can go up to 50 km/h, Waitui locks the speed to 20 km/h for safety on local roads and footpaths.
Before I tried one, Taniela took me through a safety briefing. “We don’t just hand you the scooter and hope for the best,” he said. “We want everyone safe, comfortable, and confident.”
A full charge scooter takes around four hours, and each battery is swapped out often to ensure quality.
“We take safety seriously,” Taniela explained. “Every rider goes through a short briefing before they head out. We provide helmets, explain how to use the indicators and headlights, and make sure everyone feels confident.”
Trying the scooter myself felt surprisingly natural. At first, I was quite hesitant – but then it was easy to balance, smooth to ride, and quiet. No fumes, no engine noise, just the wind and the sound of my own laughter as I tried a few cautious loops around the carpark.
The business has not been without challenges. Fiji does not yet have dedicated scooter lanes, and regulations around new transport technologies are still evolving.
“We had to work hard to understand the legal side and find our place in the system,” Taniela explained. Building public trust was another hurdle.
“People weren’t used to seeing scooters like these. Some were unsure at first. But once they try it, they get it.”
Today, the response is growing. Tourists love the freedom and novelty, while locals see the practical value. “We get all sorts of riders of all age groups. Some want to explore. Some just want an easier way to get around. Everyone has a different story,” Taniela said.
Community involvement is also at the heart of Waitui’s identity. They hire locally and listen to customers closely.
“We want people to feel like they’re part of something, not just renting a scooter,” he said.
Partnerships have been trickier for them. Resorts have been hesitant so far—but the company is forming new connections with tour operators.
One of their current collaborations is with Vavavi’s Cook & Scoot, which blends cultural experience with mobility. “We’re not giving up,” Taniela added. “We know the right partners will come.”
Looking ahead, Waitui’s long-term vision stretches far beyond Wailoaloa. The team hopes to expand across Fiji and even the wider Pacific, improve battery technology, boost safety, and keep the experience affordable.
“E-mobility is the future,” Taniela told me. “Not just for tourism, but for everyday life here. We want Fiji to be ready.”
By the time we were done trying out the scooter, I felt I had experienced something more than a casual ride. There’s a real sense of purpose behind Waitui. It’s not flashy. It’s not trying too hard. It’s simply a small team with a big heart, believing in cleaner transport, cultural respect, and giving back to the community.
Waitui Scooters is located at Shop 5, Lot 3, Palm Road. Waitui Scooters also offers guided tours to Nadi town, a scenic beach tour and more.
