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The Different Types of Electric Three-Wheelers

The Different Types of Electric Three-Wheelers.
A man riding an electric three-wheeler in the street.
© Carbon Copy.
Many electric three-wheelers share common features, and the speed they can achieve is often at the center of the discussion.

This article will:

  • Explain the different classifications of electric three-wheelers.
  • Highlight the various speed capabilities across different types of three-wheelers.
  • Provide examples to illustrate the nomenclature of electric three-wheelers worldwide.

Categories of electric three-wheelers

  • Category I Motor Rickshaw: Achieves a maximum speed of 20 km/h.
  • Category II Motor Rickshaw: Achieves speeds exceeding 20 km/h but less than 45 km/h.
  • Category III Motor Rickshaw: Reaches speeds surpassing 45 km/h.

Three-wheeler in the street. Three-wheeler. Unsplash (2021)

How are three-wheelers commonly referred to around the world?

Here are some examples of diverse names and terminology used to describe three-wheelers around the world.

  • Auto-rickshaws in India.

A man driving an auto-rickshaw in India. Auto-rickshaw usage. Unsplash (2018)

  • Tuk-tuks in Cambodia, Guatemala, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

A tuk-tuk in Cambodia, with a landscape in the background. Tuk-tuk. Unsplash (2020)

  • Baby taxis in Bangladesh.

An aerial view of a baby taxi parked in the street. Baby taxi parked. Unsplash (2020)

  • Tricycles in the Philippines.

Tricycle in the street of a city. Tricycle in the street. Unsplash (2020)

  • Larger vehicles, such as tempos in Bangladesh, Nepal, and India carry as many as ten passengers.

A group of people stand next to a parked tempo. Tempo parked. Unsplash (2020)

  • Bajaji in Tanzania

A very large group of bajajis parked. Bajajis in the street. PV Magazine (2022)

Conclusion

In conclusion, electric three-wheelers present an efficient and sustainable alternative for urban transportation needs.

Their outstanding characteristics include compact dimensions, which facilitate maneuverability in congested areas and contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions. In addition, their aerodynamic design and advanced technology ensure optimum performance and a comfortable ride.

With their increasing range and the ongoing development of charging infrastructure, these vehicles promise to be a viable solution to future urban mobility challenges.

This article is from the free online

Electric Two-and-Three-Wheelers: Steering the Mobility Revolution

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FutureLearn - Learning For Life

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