Abstract
The main aim of this article is to present research findings related to the design of an electric rickshaw for use in Kolkata, India, identifying weaknesses in the current cycle rickshaw, developing a design solution to address problems found, and exploring the possibility of utilising solar power. Through research and testing it was found there were many design issues, concerns with health and safety, comfort, and ergonomics. All problems found were addressed by implementing design upgrades. The testing of the current cycle rickshaw identified the power and energy required to implement an electric drive system, where a 500 W 24 V DC motor and a battery capacity of 220 ampere hours was used in conjunction with a pedal assist system to provide a range of up to 52 km. A conceptual prototype was developed to prove the successful application of a pedal assist system, which was established as a viable option for design. The design has been critically evaluated and the relevant issues discussed.
Highlights
A conceptual prototype was developed to prove the successful application of a pedal assist system, which was established as a viable option for design
The rickshaw would be inexpensive to construct, the feasibly of the solar aspect has not been explored and must be carried out before the project can be classed as a total success
Poor comfort was aFurther, reason thought the idea of making rickshaws motorised would increase their satisfaction of the service, of dislike for 20% of the people asked, while 20% found the service was too hard on the drivers, and and required luggage space
Summary
The rickshaw represents over a century of rich Indian culture. Brought to the country from China, the rickshaw was a hand-pulled vehicle used by traders for transportation of goods. In 1914, the traders asked the governing body for permission to allow the transportation of people as passengers. The request was granted, and rickshaws became a mode of transport for the elite, it is used by people of all classes. Since its introduction in 1880, the rickshaw has advanced and evolved into different categories of vehicle: Hand-pulled, cycled, and motorised. Cycle rickshaws began to appear in India around 1930; as the price of bicycles began to fall, the popularity of cycle rickshaws began to rise, and by 1935 the cycle rickshaw outnumbered its hand-pulled counterpart [1]. The auto rickshaw was introduced in 1957 [2] powered by a 250 cc, 8 horsepower,
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