Drivers wanted

October 3, 2008 - Casual musings by Massie Santos Ballon, Cleantech Group

It's the rickshaw everyone wants to drive. 

At least, that's the kind of reaction India's Council of Scientific and Industrial Research is hoping to get for the newly-launched "soleckshaw." (Sorry fans of the Tata Nano).

And with the tagline "Robust and ergonomically designed to take the drudgery out of the rickshaw driving," who could possibly resist?

The three-wheeled electric and solar-powered vehicle is designed not just to raise national employment rates but also reduce carbon emissions.

The soleckshaw can seat two and has a top speed of 15 kilometers an hour (9.3 mph). It's also supposed to reduce problems associated with unbalanced loads and uphill treks.

Pedal power on level ground

Plans are apparently in the works to make these new rickshaws as affordable for drivers as the current vehicle models.

No word yet on whether or not the floral garlands cost extra.

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