BUET’s Battery Rickshaw Breakthrough for Better Road Safety
Twelve types of battery-powered rickshaws currently in use in Bangladesh have been found to possess significant safety flaws, according to the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). Although these rickshaws can reach speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour, they lack sturdy braking systems, side mirrors, and indicators, resulting in frequent accidents. In response, a group of BUET researchers has designed a new, safer auto-rickshaw model specifically suited for Dhaka's roads. These rickshaws will require registration, and drivers will receive formal training.
This announcement was made by Mohammad Ejaz, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), during a press briefing on Sunday, April 27.
Further inquiries revealed that the six-member research team was led by Professor Md. Ehsan of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Other team members included Professors E. Salam Akand and Md. Aman Uddin of the same department, along with Professor Md. Ziaur Rahman Khan from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE). Research Engineers Md. Asaduzzaman and Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan also contributed to the project.
According to reports, the BUET-designed rickshaw incorporates 16 distinctive features. It will measure 3.2 meters in length, 1.5 meters in width, and 2.1 meters in height, making it comparable in size to the traditional rickshaw. The vehicle can comfortably carry between 325 and 425 kilograms. Safety enhancements include hydraulic disc brakes on all three wheels and an additional parking brake. Despite its maximum speed of 30 kilometers per hour, the new rickshaw promises improved safety. On a full charge, it can travel approximately 120 kilometers. Additional features include headlights with high beam, low beam, and Daytime Running Lamps (DRL), as well as a canopy and a glass windshield.
The estimated cost for the battery alone is between 50,000 and 60,000 taka, with the frame and body adding to the total. Entrepreneurs believe the new rickshaw can be marketed for approximately 150,000 taka.
Sharing news about the new auto-rickshaw design at the inauguration ceremony for road, sidewalk, and drainage construction in Mirpur-11 Palash Nagar, DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz stated, "Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) is working on a new auto-rickshaw design. Once it is implemented, drivers will be trained and licensed. Battery-powered auto-rickshaws will not be allowed on main roads."
Addressing the city’s residents, the DNCC Administrator said, "Provide us with information about illegal auto-rickshaw garages in your neighborhoods, and we will shut them down. Homeowners’ associations should take initiatives to prevent illegal auto-rickshaws from entering their areas. We are trying to restore order to the roads. BUET is working on a new auto-rickshaw design, and once completed, drivers will be trained and licensed. Battery-powered auto-rickshaws will not be permitted on the main thoroughfares."
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including DNCC Chief Executive Officer Abu Saeed Md. Kamruzzaman, Chief Engineer Brigadier General Md. Moin Uddin, Additional Chief Engineer Mohammad Arifur Rahman, Regional Executive Officer Md. Ziaur Rahman, Supervising Engineer Khandaker Mahbub Alam, Aminul Haque, Convener of Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP, and Anisur Rahman, President of the Palash Nagar Homeowners’ Association.
