E-RICKSHAW AND E-CARGO

E-rickshaws are small vehicles, with three wheels and use electric power from batteries to run. They use an electric motor as engine which draws electric power from the rechargeable batteries installed in the rickshaw body. These battery operated vehicles are perfect for small distant transport, both cargo and people; they are perfect for running on narrow streets because of their small size. But the biggest reason for their popularity is low operating cost and zero pollution. They are like normal rickshaws but powered by electric motor instead of petrol or diesel motor. They are best for pollution free, environmental friendly transport system in short distances. Actually they are not capable of running long distance.

E-rickshaws are now one of the preferred modes of transport in streets because of its low maintenance cost, low fuel cost, eco-friendly, no noise pollution, easy to drive and last but not the least livelihood, e-rickshaw is a boon to the common Man. Without putting in much physical efforts and without investing much amount of money, the earning is quite good for an e-rickshaw driver and hence it is an important means of livelihood for many.

These e-rickshaws consist of 3 wheels with a differential mechanism at rear wheels. Basically these vehicles have a mild steel tubular chassis. The motor is brushless DC motor manufactured mostly in India and China. The electrical system used in Indian version is 48V DC can run 90-100 km/full charge. Basic seating capacity is driver plus 4 passengers

These vehicles are now started using in transporting light weight goods as e-loader. Hence there are lots of opportunities of income.

There are two types of e-rickshaw:

1. E-Rickshaw (Passenger)

2. E-Rickshaw (Cargo)

1. E-Rickshaw (Passenger)

“E-rickshaw” means a special purpose battery operated vehicle having three wheels and intended to provide last mile connectivity for transport of passengers for hire or reward, provided

i) Such vehicle is constructed or adapted to carry not more than four passengers, excluding the driver, and not more than forty kilograms luggage in total;

ii) The net power of its motor is not more than 2000 W;

iii) The maximum speed of the vehicle is not more than 25km/h

Electric rickshaws (also known as Tuk Tuk, e-rickshaw) have been becoming more popular in some cities since 2008 as an alternative to auto rickshaws and pulled rickshaw because of their low fuel cost, and less human effort compared to pulled rickshaws. They are being widely accepted as an alternative to Petrol/Diesel/CNG auto rickshaws. They are 3 wheels pulled by an electric motor ranging from 650-1400 Watts. They are mostly manufactured in China, only a few other countries manufacture these vehicles.

Battery-run rickshaws could be a low-emitter complementary transport for the low-income people, who suffer most from a lack of transport facility, if introduced in a systematic manner according to experts.