rickshaws

A rickshaw is a small, low-cost form of transport used to carry passengers over short distances. The term covers various types of vehicles that share a common purpose: to provide inexpensive urban transit. Rickshaws range from human-powered designs to motorized and electric variants, and they are used in cities around the world, though most common in Asia and parts of Africa and Latin America.

Types of rickshaws include hand-pulled rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, auto rickshaws, and electric rickshaws. Hand-pulled rickshaws are drawn by a person and typically consist of a small two-wheeled cart with a passenger seat. Cycle rickshaws are three-wheeled vehicles with a passenger compartment powered by a cyclist. Auto rickshaws are three-wheeled motorized taxis, using small internal combustion engines, while electric rickshaws run on batteries and are common where charging infrastructure exists. Each type is adapted to local road conditions, fuel availability, and regulatory frameworks.

Historically, rickshaws originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and spread across Asia. They became a staple for short urban trips, offering mobility for low-income workers and businesses. Today, regulation varies by city and country, covering licensing, fares, emissions, and safety standards. In many places, rickshaws supplement or replace more expensive motorized transport, though concerns about traffic safety, labor conditions, and congestion persist.

Environmental and social considerations shape current trends. Cycle and electric rickshaws can reduce per-passenger emissions compared with cars, but issues such as battery safety, maintenance, and worker protections influence policy decisions and market adoption.