Vijayawada: Tri-cycle goods rickshaws have transformed in Vijayawada as these vehicles were previously driven by manpower. But now, it has become easy for them. They have installed bike or scooter engine motors which has made commuting easy. Even ice cream vendors have made these vehicles and run a business. Usually, tri-cycle rickshaws are used to carry goods. Now, mechanics have added a motor to it. Drivers are happily travelling long distances with it. Previously, when they tried climbing flyovers, they found it very hard. Because of this, vehicles following them would have to stop, which led to traffic jams.
With the addition of a motor, there will be no such problem. With manual rickshaws, they made 5 to 6 trips. But with this, they are making more than 12 trips a day, which has increased their income. M. Kanakaiah, who is a tri-cycle rickshaw puller said, “Actually, I want to leave this job due to my age. This motor has extended my retirement age. This is very helpful in the ups and downs we have to face. We are also getting a mileage of 30 kmpl. As these are old motors, they sometimes give trouble. However, it is very useful.”
Qadar, who has set up a motor in his rickshaw, has opined that this will help rickshaw pullers carry out their businesses, despite their age and health problems. He said, “Actually, this was started for old people, who cannot pull the rickshaw manually. We fit motors of mopeds or scooters, which have become useless. It will cost Rs 10,000 to Rs 13,000 generally”. Some rickshaws disappear with age, but few have got a second innings with this creative idea. It is adding the lifespan of rickshaws and mechanics too. Based on this, few people are converting their bikes into ice cream carriers.
