Rickshaws
Table of Contents
Introduction
Once human-powered with a person pulling with two poles in the front, modern rickshaws then switched to fossil fueled models, and are now becoming increasingly available as electric.
Massive Cut to GHG Emissions
"Rise of electric rickshaw is a big deal in countries like India where air pollution has been a major problem for several years. And a study found that an electric rickshaw cuts between 3 and 6 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. This ratio is roughly the same as the car emits annually in the United States.
The reason behind this ratio comparison is that even though e-rickshaws are more fuel-efficient in comparison to a mid-sized family sedan they are driven all day long instead of being parked for most of the time." - Electric Theory
Batteries
Rickshaws generally lead-acid batteries. Click the Lead Acid Batteries button to learn more.
Benefits of Rickshaws
Small for Urban Travel
Being smaller than cars, helps these little vehicles get around urban areas without creating as much traffic.
Electric Vehicles
Traditional rickshaws were pulled by a person walking or running between two poles, then they became motorized, and began contributing to dangerous urban emissions. However modern models are increasingly electric, meaning cleaner air for the communities where they are used, lower running cost, and reduced maintenance issues. - AP News
Lower Running & Maintenance Costs = Better Income
Electric rickshaws are turning out to be a great investment for struggling families, providing more stability than those who have to worry about wildly fluctuating fossil fuel costs.
Clean Air Revolution
2 and 3 wheel transportation options in India "[account] for 90% of the country's nearly three million electric vehicles, they are at the forefront of India's transition to clean transportation.
...
In the case of electric rickshaws, they help decarbonize small trips.
"The market is basically pushing it and it's taking care of last mile mobility..." https://www.voanews.com/a/India's Transition to Electric Vehicles Powered by Three and Two Wheels
Reduced Noise Pollution
Electric and hydrogen-powered rickshaws are quieter than fossil-powered engines.
Resources
If you are considering buying or converting to an electric or hydrogen rickshaw, click the Find a Charging Station button to find out where your local charging stations are located.
Similar Options
Cargo Bikes
These specialized bikes and trikes use pedal power with the option of battery assistance for uphill stretches, longer journeys, and faster moving traffic. They come in many shapes and sizes, including custom shelving, freezer boxes, and even taps for coffee or beer. They can be used for transporting children, pets, groceries, delivering goods, picking up trash, recycling, or compost, or even as mobile libraries.
Pedicabs
These use pedal power with the option of battery assistance for uphill stretches, longer journeys, and faster moving traffic.
These are often bike or trike style vehicles with a seat or bench in the rear for school children, tourists, family members, or even vendors with their goods.
Organizations
Asia
India
Skills India
Companies
International
MAXPRO cargo bikes, pedicabs, and parts store.
Omega Seiki Mobility "is part of the Anglian Omega Network, which is present in 6 countries, namely India, U.A.E., Switzerland, Thailand, Japan and Hong- Kong." This company currently offers electric vehicles including rickshaws, and has announced the intended release of hydrogen vehicles.
Asia
Hong Kong
Omega Seiki Mobility "is part of the Anglian Omega Network, which is present in 6 countries, namely India, U.A.E., Switzerland, Thailand, Japan and Hong- Kong." This company currently offers electric vehicles including rickshaws, and has announced the intended release of hydrogen vehicles.
India
Jessun: E Rickshaw "Pioneers in the industry, we offer jessun electric rickshaw, passenger e rickshaw, jessun e rickshaw, jessun battery operated rickshaw and battery operated e rickshaw from India."
CityLife EV "is one of the leading manufacturers, exporters of environment-friendly Battery Operated E-Rickshaws. At CityLife, quality has always been a paramount factor as the company has always believed that products’ quality has got the crucial role to play in pushing the growth of any business. Thus, by making proper use of high-end technology and well-trained expert, we have been able to make and design rickshaws meeting the international standards. Our manufactured E-Rickshaw is well known for its ease of operation, efficient design and sturdy construction. Owing to this, the offered range of E-Rickshaws is highly needed as eco-friendly transportation vehicles. Moreover, the offered range of E-Rickshaws is available at the industry best prices."
Lohia Auto "is working towards better transportation that is transformational and sustainable. We are using leading edge innovation to provide last mile connectivity that is smooth, convenient, and affordable. The green technological changes with Lohia Auto are enriching to make leap and bound to the future. Going ahead we will create new cutting-edge technologies and innovations to create last-mile connectivity in both passenger vehicles and deliveries, which will create an affordable convenient and smooth transportation often of man & material."
Omega Seiki Mobility "is part of the Anglian Omega Network, which is present in 6 countries, namely India, U.A.E., Switzerland, Thailand, Japan and Hong- Kong." This company currently offers electric vehicles including rickshaws, and has announced the intended release of hydrogen vehicles.
Japan
Omega Seiki Mobility "is part of the Anglian Omega Network, which is present in 6 countries, namely India, U.A.E., Switzerland, Thailand, Japan and Hong- Kong." This company currently offers electric vehicles including rickshaws, and has announced the intended release of hydrogen vehicles.
Thailand
Omega Seiki Mobility "is part of the Anglian Omega Network, which is present in 6 countries, namely India, U.A.E., Switzerland, Thailand, Japan and Hong- Kong." This company currently offers electric vehicles including rickshaws, and has announced the intended release of hydrogen vehicles.
United Arab Emirates
Omega Seiki Mobility "is part of the Anglian Omega Network, which is present in 6 countries, namely India, U.A.E., Switzerland, Thailand, Japan and Hong- Kong." This company currently offers electric vehicles including rickshaws, and has announced the intended release of hydrogen vehicles.
Europe
MAXPRO cargo bikes, pedicabs, and parts store.
Poland
MAXPRO cargo bikes, pedicabs, and parts store.
Switzerland
Omega Seiki Mobility "is part of the Anglian Omega Network, which is present in 6 countries, namely India, U.A.E., Switzerland, Thailand, Japan and Hong- Kong." This company currently offers electric vehicles including rickshaws, and has announced the intended release of hydrogen vehicles.
Grants & Funding
North America
USA
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) Program "provides $5 billion in grants to states, local governments, tribes, and territories to develop and implement ambitious plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. Authorized under Section 60114 of the Inflation Reduction Act, this two-phase program provides $250 million for noncompetitive planning grants, and approximately $4.6 billion for competitive implementation grants." (not confirmed)