Rickshaw

transportation · Asia · clever invention

Three-wheeled cart. A rickshaw is a small vehicle with two or three wheels designed to carry one or two passengers. The first rickshaws came from Asia and were simple enough that one person could pull them while walking or running.

Pulled by people. The original rickshaws, called pulled rickshaws, were drawn by a single person. Imagine being strong enough to run while pulling a cart with another human sitting in it, all day long.

Pedal power. Cycle rickshaws replaced pulled rickshaws because they were easier and faster. A driver sits on a bicycle at the front and pedals to move the cart, making it powered by leg muscles instead of running.

Engine versions exist. Auto rickshaws and electric rickshaws were invented later, using motors instead of human power. Now you can ride in a rickshaw powered by an engine or electricity, making the journey much faster and less tiring for the driver.

Tourism favorite. Though pulled rickshaws almost disappeared, they're still used in some places for tourists who want to experience this historic way of traveling. Riding in a traditional rickshaw is like taking a step back in time.