Cycle rickshaws have been a common, local method of transportation across the world, particularly across South Asia.
First appearing in Japan in the Meiji period around 1868, cycle rickshaws replaced the slow palanquins and were cheaper than horses. They also were able to get around narrow streets more easily. They then spread to Simlaand, India and then onto China and the rest of the continent. In fact, Bangladesh’s Dhaka has been notably dubbed the rickshaw capital of the world due to the number on the city’s streets.
It is thought that two million cycle rickshaws are in India, travelling some seven billion passenger kilometres a year.
However when they compete with the automobile and with unlicensed drivers, things can get messy. As some cities begin to ban these pedal-powered machines, like them or loathe them, cycle rickshaws are a cheap and environmentally considerate, non-polluting way to get around the city.
Western cities have looked to these rickshaws over the years and tried to copy the success. In Edinburgh, you’ll find many cycle rickshaws particularly during the Edinburgh International Festival, where it is more tourism that drives the interest rather than the practical needs to get from A-B. Similarly in London, Bath and Oxford they have increased in popularity, with the latter offering tours through many of the city’s nostalgic streets that are closed to motorized traffic. To book a guided tour of Oxford, visit the commended Oxon Carts website.
The child of rickshaws, the pedicab, whereby an electric motor assists the design, found a place in New York until it was banned in 2008, allowing only muscle-powered versions. Germany’s answer lies in Berlin with its CityCruiser, also known as velo taxi, boasting a 500-watt electric assist motor, which has encouraged copycat versions in China.
The traditional cycle rickshaw, however, still has its popularity. While health complaints abound for the rickshaw pullers, with uncomfortable seating, poor designs and manufacture, this has not stopped projects from collaboration platforms such as the Global Design Studio from setting about improving them. Meanwhile, in Kathmandu, Nepal, Shiro Hosojima has created a wind-human hybrid rickshaw that connects a windmill made from a simple drum that is attached to the pedicab’s rear wheels. When the vehicle begins moving, hey presto, the movement is then aided by the wind power!
While there are still some redesigns being undertaken, it might be worth reminding designers intending to make our transportation of the future that the best design ideas come from those who use the end product.
Do you have any innovative bike ideas? jorg&olif would like to hear from you.
Image credit: joiseryshowaa
