Design of an Electrically Powered Rickshaw, for Use in India

Colin Cochrane, Tariq Muneer and Bashabi Fraser
Additional contact information
Colin Cochrane: School of Engineering and Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh EH10 5DT, UK
Tariq Muneer: School of Engineering and Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh EH10 5DT, UK
Bashabi Fraser: School of Engineering and Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh EH10 5DT, UK

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 17, 1-22

Abstract: The main aim of this article is to present research findings related to the design of an electric rickshaw for use in Kolkata, India, identifying weaknesses in the current cycle rickshaw, developing a design solution to address problems found, and exploring the possibility of utilising solar power. Through research and testing it was found there were many design issues, concerns with health and safety, comfort, and ergonomics. All problems found were addressed by implementing design upgrades. The testing of the current cycle rickshaw identified the power and energy required to implement an electric drive system, where a 500 W 24 V DC motor and a battery capacity of 220 ampere hours was used in conjunction with a pedal assist system to provide a range of up to 52 km. A conceptual prototype was developed to prove the successful application of a pedal assist system, which was established as a viable option for design. The design has been critically evaluated and the relevant issues discussed.

Keywords: ssustainable transport; battery powered vehicle; electric propulsion (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/12/17/3346/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/12/17/3346/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:17:p:3346-:d:262355

Access Statistics for this article

Energies is currently edited by Ms. Agatha Cao

More articles in Energies from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().