Green Options

The plans to adopt the Solar Rickshaw, like the ones in Delhi, in other cities such as Chandigarh makes one wonder about the misplaced focus and euphoria of reducing the carbon footprint of a already zero-emission vehicle, the cycle-rickshaw. Solecshaws are indeed a great step forward, but in this euphoric hype several important issues and questions are conveniently pushed under the rug

Media hype completely puts things out of perspective. In the case of technology, I am afriad that such euphoria will kill the technology with raised expectations that will not be fulfilled. I fear the same for Delhi’s ’soleckshaw.’

The Soleckshaw, a new solar powered, motorized version of India’s humble rickshaw, has been unveiled this month in Delhi, and is being touted as a solution to traffic jams, pollution woes, and backbreaking human labor.

Logging its first miles in Delhi, the soleckshaw can be pedaled normally or powered by a 36-volt solar battery. Developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, (CSIR) the new solar-powered taxis have hit the streets for a test drive.  The soleckshaws include FM radios and the ability to power up cell phones while driving.  The battery allows the taxi to travel 15 km per hour (9.3 mph) for up to 42 miles.

CSIR director Sinha said:  “In the age of global warming, the soleckshaw, with improvements, can be successfully developed as competition for all the petrol and diesel run small cars.”

There are about 8 million rickshaw drivers in India. It is hoped that the new, solar power rickshaws will enhance the vehicle’s image, and allow it to become an even more favorable mode of transportation.  It is thought that the new powered rickshaws will attract an entirely new middle class clientele.

Who would have imagined, a luxury rickshaw in Beijing.  China’s Legal Evening Post says the tricycle, dubbed “The Other Rickshaw”, was designed and produced by BMW.

The company that owns the vehicle, Chen De Bao, says it’s the only rickshaw of its kind in the world.

According to the article, the passenger area is the original rear half of a Mini car body, completely equipped with safety belts, gold-plated dragons and various [...]