Example of Applications of Electric Two-and-Three-Wheelers in the Global South

The use and application of electric two-and-three-wheelers varies across the Global South.

This article will primarily explore how some regions use these types of vehicles.

Motodop & motoromuk, transport examples in Cambodia

In Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, in the absence of reliable public transport, two-wheelers and para-transit services account for the majority of passenger movements. Between 48% and 80% of all trips between 1 and 20 km are made by two-wheelers.

• Para-transit: transportation service that supplements larger public transit systems by providing individualized rides without fixed routes or timetables.

The next graph shows the distribution of trips per kilometer in Cambodia.

Click to expand. Cambodia Trip Distribution. PEM Motion (2024)

Motodop

A motodop, or motorcycle taxi, is the cheapest and fastest way to get from A to B. However, it’s also one of the riskiest modes of transportation. Driving laws in Cambodia are lax, and the streets are unsafe.

Motodop in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Isidors Fugue (2013)

Motorumok

The central public transport system in the suburbs of Phnom Penh is considered risky to operate, mainly due to the fast and heavy truck traffic. The motorumok could potentially serve as a feeder transport mode for buses in the future.

Motorumok in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Unsplash (2021)

Three-wheelers public transport example in Hawassa, Ethiopia

Improving road infrastructure has been one of the main drivers for the growing number of two-and-three-wheelers in Hawassa, Ethiopia. Between 2005 and 2013, the number of three-wheelers increased from 57 to more than 2400.

The total number of three-wheeled vehicles operating in Ethiopia is 88,015 as of June 2020, according to statistics from the Federal Transport Authority. Three-wheelers constituted most of the public transport trips as minibusses could not compete with Three-wheelers in terms of speed, time, and cost efficiency. The primary services in Ethiopia are taxis and delivery vehicles.

Tuk-tuks in Ethiopia. Addis Fortune (2016)

Two-and-three-wheeler taxis, urban public transport in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the widespread use of two-and-three-wheelers as informal public transport is driven by cost-efficiency, traffic congestion, last-mile connectivity, and accessibility. These smaller vehicles, including motorcycles and tricycles, offer a practical solution to navigating congested urban traffic, reaching remote areas with poor road infrastructure, and providing crucial last-mile connectivity. They are cost-effective for operators and create job opportunities. Additionally, cultural factors and government regulations influence their usage.

Efforts are underway to improve safety and regulate these modes of transport while improving the overall public transportation system to serve Nigeria’s urban population better. Public transport buses are used for 13% of trips. Informal public transport services provided by two-and-three-wheeler make up a share of 51%.

Some of the reasons Nigerians are attracted to using two-and-three-wheelers are their reliability, short waiting times, comfort and affordability.

Public transport density in Bangalore, India

Bangalore has one of the densest public transport systems in India. Despite this, the use of two-and-three-wheelers has remained consistently high over the last twenty years. In fact, 44% of households in the city own two-wheelers. Two-and-three-wheelers are the primary mode of transport, accounting for 70% of trips between one and ten kilometers. Buses, on the other hand, are the preferred mode of transport for trips over 10 kilometers.

Bangalore and Mumbai have tried to create separate lanes for three-wheelers. In 2002, Bangalore began enforcing lane segregation for motorised three-wheelers on arterial roads to ensure that they no longer obstruct other modes of transport. This lane segregation was implemented using physical barricades. Ultimately, these attempts were unsuccessful as the three-wheelers resisted the dedicated lanes due to the lack of overtaking width.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the global adoption of electric two-and-three-wheelers signifies a transformative shift towards sustainable urban mobility.

These environmentally friendly vehicles offer a compelling solution to urban pollution and congestion, while improving accessibility and reducing the carbon footprint of transportation.

As the world embraces the advantages of E-Mobility, these compact vehicles are becoming pivotal in shaping the future of urban transportation.