Soleckshaw: Solar-Electric Cycle Rickshaw

Image source: CMERI

In many countries including India, China, Bangladesh and Pakistan, the cycle rickshaw is used as a form of transport for short distances. But cycle rickshaws have been regulated and banned as their slower speed hampers the smooth flow of automobile traffic and adds to congestion.

Higher incidences of Tuberculosis found among rickshaw wallahs (rickshaw pedallers) of Delhi have been attributed to the increased intake of polluted air during pedalling. The fatigue resulting from Tuberculosis prevents infected rickshaw wallahs from earning their daily bread and pushes them further into poverty due to long-duration treatment needs.

The Soleckshaw, a dual-powered cycle rickshaw, developed by the Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) in India, has been in successful use for more than a year in the Indian capital. It is partly driven by pedal and partly by a battery that can be charged by solar energy. The Solekshaw can reach a speed of more than 12 kilometres per hour and combines good ergonomics and aesthetics with economics. Equipped with a mobile phone charger and an FM radio, it costs less than 8000 Indian Rupees ($180).

This eco-friendly solution not only helps rickshaw wallahs to maintain good health but also results in lesser congestion. Improved versions of the Solekshaw are expected to be ready for launch during the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi.