An Overview of the Auto-Rickshaw

Yash Trivedi



The tuk-tuk, or the auto-rickshaw, is a three-wheeled motorized vehicle used as a taxi. It is most commonly seen in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Locals use them to get around big cities which is why they’re popular in densely populated cities, such as Bangkok, Thailand, or Mumbai, India. Most auto-rickshaws run off of gasoline, diesel, or CGN (compressed natural gas), but did you know that their first known use was actually over 100 years ago and that it was made in a country where it’s barely recognized today? Today we will be talking about the auto-rickshaw, its origins, and why it’s so popular today.


First off, where did it come from? Well, the auto-rickshaw originally came from the pulled rickshaw and cycle rickshaw, which was invented in Japan in the 1860s. The job of pulling or cycling the rickshaws was often seen as degrading and for peasants. From Japan, rickshaws began to be more popular in China and around 100 000 had been imported from Japan into Shanghai. A little later, the Indian city Shimla caught on, as well as Kolkata. However, Japan and China lost interest in the vehicle as automobiles took over in the 1920s-1930s. Though having lost use in their birthplace, the rickshaw moved to an entirely new continent, Africa. It is now used in Tanzania and other parts of East Africa for shorter ventures. 






Now that we’ve established its origins, let’s find out why it’s so popular today. Firstly, and most obvious, its affordability. In its early days, due to the majority of rickshaw operators being peasants, the rickshaw gave itself the title of being cheap and useful. Secondly, because of the auto-rickshaws' use in crowded and densely populated cities, it’s often able to squeeze through traffic, speeding up the journey. Thirdly, tourism. Because of the previously listed reasons, combined with the fact that most auto-rickshaws have no doors, it’s great for tourism. They’re seen as an “exotic” form of transportation so a lot of money has been pumped into the industry by tourism. The auto-rickshaws’ success across Asia and Africa has been attributed to these reasons.



In conclusion, the tuk-tuk, or auto-rickshaw has stolen the hearts of many, with its cute design and modest travel price. Though it had humble beginnings, it has grown into a three-wheeled giant. It will forever be appreciated throughout the world.


Sources