Can you improve upon a method of transport that is man-powered in the first place and doesn’t burn fuel in its use whatsoever? A Japanese manufacturer thinks that you can do is looking to mass produce one of the oldest ideas in continuous use in parts of Asia, primarily Japan and in China to some extent. The rickshaw first came into use in Japan in 1868, and the two wheeled cart was originally made from bamboo and powered simply by a man pulling the two extending poles that jut from the front of the cabin. Originally designed and typically used by the socially elite rickshaws grew in popularity for many decades and were a popular form of urban transport in cities throughout Japan, China and India. With the more modern arrival of pedicabs (bicycle rickshaws) and motorcycle equivalents the rickshaw has gone into steady decline, with many countries now actually banning the original mode of transpotrt due to concern about the welfare of rickshaw workers.

A Japanese inventor is promoting an idea that could bring an environmentally friendly version of the rickshaw into common practice once again. The design is called the “Meguru” and it is a three wheeled, three seater vehicle which will be part by a single lithium-ion battery. The fuel cell will allow for maximum speed of 40 kmh and plans are to install additional batteries to increase range.

“This is a true environmentally friendly car, instead of an air-conditioner, it comes with a pinwheel, and we are also thinking of adding a wind chime because it gives a refreshing sound to cool you down without the need of electricity. It doesn’t have a heater, but it’s equipped with blankets to keep you warm in the winter.”

The 'Meguru' electric rickshaw

Can the old idea be practical in the modern-day? The size certainly suggests that the concept is valid in crowded urban areas, measuring just 2.5m long, 1.2m in width. The construction also plans to be environmentally friendly, with the body and floor made with recycled bamboo with a retractable window designed to be the shape of a Japanese fan using ‘washi’ paper. The company hopes that the craftsmanship will be a selling feature in addition to being a valuable link with tradition. I must say I like the new idea far more than a man pulling around passengers from a higher social class but I think that the rumoured price (currently over $12,000) might be the biggest obstacle facing the return of the rickshaw.