ELECTRIC CYCLE RICKSHAW (ELECSHA)

The Existing Rickshaw - The Existing Rickshaw is obsolete & non-dynamic for usage so there was a need for a improvised version.
  • Rickshaw have hardly changed since their introduction in 1930s. The poor design of the existing rickshaw, which are about one million in number, takes a heavy toll on the health of the rickshaw puller as the gearing & mechanical advantage of the pedal are very poor, thus it requires to exert a lot of energy over a little slope. The existing breaking system are obsolete, there are only front breaks & while going down the hill at high speed breaking produces a catapult effect. Also the setting arrangement & luggage space is very uncomfortable.
Efficient rickshaw - An Efficient rickshaw is designed with improvised features to optimize usage.

Features:
  • Ample luggage space, to optimize space.
  • Five speed gear.
  • Back-wheel breaking along with the front wheel breaking.
  • Better aerodynamics & physical features.
  • Better suspension.
  • It is light-weight as it is made of steel angels.
  • It is estimated to have a life of about 7-10 yrs.

    Note - Expected to cost Rs. 5,000 as against the existing cost of Rs. 3,000- Rs. 4,000 per rickshaw.

What is Elecsha?

On the new efficient rickshaw, another feature of “Power Pedaling” is added & this version is called Elecsha. It has the potential to provide attractive alternative to petrol & diesel powered three wheelers.

Features:
  • Battery Driven – It is completely battery driven.
  • 3-Gears - It is powered with 3-gears.
  • Back-Wheel Braking - It has the modified Back-Wheel braking system.
  • Energy Consumption Rate - It consumes energy at the rate of about 103 whr/per km..
  • Cost - An estimate cost would be about Rs.50, 000- Rs 60,000 in mass-production as against a cost of Rs. 75,000-Rs 1,00,000 of a petrol/diesel powered three wheeler.
Elecsha is a completely battery driven Electric cycle rickshaw modifying the rickshaw by making it a 3-gear one with a back-wheel braking. It consumes energy at the rate of about 103 whr/per km. It uses 1KW DC motor, suitable lead acid batteries &a smart interface card, that can provide a suitable transportation system in urban areas Elecsha can provide environmental friendly, energy-efficient and cost-effective transport in rural and urban areas. It aims to reduce pollution and provide for large-scale employment. It has pedal assisted electric cycle rickshaw that runs on a 36 V, 100 A-hr lead acid batteries which provide a 1.3 kW PMDC (permanent magnetic direct current) motor and a smart interface card. The electric rickshaw is designed to go about 60-70 km in one charge and its running cost will be only 6 paise/person per km.

Battery charging options-
  • Having an onboard charger and plugging it in any electrical charger.
  • Developing a network of battery-charging stations on major rickshaws.
It is a concept in which there will be battery charging stations on the prominent rickshaw stations & the electricity to power these batteries can come from any renewable power plants like biomass, solar, wind, etc. hence the elecshaw will truly be called renewable-energy transportation-system.

Benefits Of Elecsha:
  • Cost-effective –Running cost of a petrol powered three wheeler is 85 paise/person-km where as the electric rickshaw running cost will be 6 paise / person-km about 14 times lesser, it runs for 80-90 km per charge.
  • Large-scale employment - It gives a source of extra income to rickshaw pullers. It provides dignity to rickshaw pullers
  • Energy-efficient - It could covers much greater distance in one day.
  • Environmental friendly - It is non-polluting & very silent transportation system & reduces pollution.
Note –
  • Pedal assisted electric bicycle - Japanese companies Yamaha & Hero Honda sold about 2,00,000 such bicycles. These bicycles run at 30-40 km at a speed of 20-25 km/hr in one charge They are presently being sold at $1500.
REMARKABLE INNOVATION BY JAMANALAL BAJAJ AWARDEE 2001:

SHRI ANIL KUMAR RAJVANSHI
DIRECTOR NIMBKAR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE (NARI)
P.O. BOX 44, TAMBAL, PHALTAN-415 523
MAHARASHTRA
INDIA

Website: www.nariphaltan.virtualave.net