Yamaha's electric rickshaw goes where no taxies are allowed

What, you act like you've never seen a high-tech rickshaw before! Actually, this is really one of the silliest things we've ever seen—Yamaha or not— given that it's got an electric engine as well as a pedal-pushing cabbie. Why not just eliminate the pedals, eh? Perhaps because then it would be considered a "taxi", and wouldn't be allowed into Tokyo's World Expo area next year. Crazy… like a fox.

[Via Akihabara News]

[Tamyu @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I believe this is based on the same concept as my "battery" powered bicycle.
The battery itself doesn`t power the movement, it only amplifies the energy you use to pedal. You control the speed based on your pedalling, and the battery itself is used at a fairly low rate.
It makes riding a bicycle much easier... Especially if you have to ride up hill for a long time - it can be a lifesaver. I am assuming they made such a vehicle to use the least resources.

And another note. There is NO world expo in Tokyo!! It is in Aichi, next to Nagoya, REALLY far away from Tokyo and very close to me.

[Caratacus @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Looks more like a tuk-tuk than a rickshaw.

[Kat @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I'd like to see what Jesse James and his Monster garage could do with that.
Hell yea!

[Kat @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I'd like to see what Jesse James and his Monster garage could do with that.
Hell yea!

[steve webb @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Good for Yamaha, nothing wrong with a contemporary take on the Tuk Tuks that we know and love.

[Gerald @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

It looks very similar to a Velotaxi.
Check www.velotaxi.com

Best Regards


Gerald
www.rickshawforum.com