The Million Improvised Electric Rickshaws in Bangladesh: Preliminary Survey and Analysis

Electric vehicles have had great success in the US, as seen from the rapid rise of Tesla cars and its pioneer Elon Musk. But there is an ongoing less known parallel revolution in Bangladesh, with the rise of about a million electric rickshaws. A preliminary survey of these electric rickshaws was conducted, and their stakeholders were interviewed. These rickshaws are basically a home-grown solution to the local transportation problem, and have developed without any central organized support or design. In view of their new technology and questionable stability, they don't yet have official recognition, and are permitted only in side roads and in rural areas. Several different designs were encountered in the streets of Dhaka city. The main problem is that their high speeds are not what the rickshaw chassis was designed for, which makes them prone to accidents. They are driven by four lead-acid batteries in series with an inverter supplying a brushless DC motor. This paper recommends enforcing speed limits, lowering seats, installing coiled spring suspensions, and adding brakes on rear wheels, all of which are likely to improve stability and safety. As the electric rickshaw is contributing greatly to the economy and convenience of the people, it is suggested that the vehicles be accommodated phase-by-phase within new rules and regulations. The preferred strategy would be to work with the industry, rather than be prescriptive and impose difficult and expensive standards for their construction and operation.