Rickshaws

Rickshaws are a common mode of local transportation in Asia and Africa. The word "rickshaw" originally meant a human-drawn vehicle with 2-3 wheels. However, derivatives like cycle rickshaws and auto-rickshaws have largely replaced the original pulled rickshaws over time.

The word "rickshaw" comes from Japanese jinrikisha (人力車), meaning a "human-powered vehicle". On pulled rickshaws, one or two passengers sit on an elevated seat at the back and the rickshaw-puller pulls at the front. Although once highly popular across Asia and Africa, pulled rickshaws were widely phased out after World War II in favor of its derivative vehicles. They are mainly used in tourism rather than practical transport.

Derivatives of the pulled rickshaw include:

• Cycle rickshaws or pedicabs — blend of bicycles and pulled rickshaws, consisting of three wheels. Similar to pulled rickshaws, one or more passengers sit on an elevated seat at the back and a person pedals from the front.
• Auto-rickshaws or tuk-tuks — motorized version of pulled and cycle rickshaws, consisting of three wheels. They use a variety of fuel, with LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) and CNG (compressed natural gas) being most common.
• Electric rickshaws or e-rickshaws — similar to auto-rickshaws but powered by electricity.

In general, three-wheeled rickshaws are cheaper than four-wheeled taxis and even public transportation. However, depending on local regulations, rickshaws are banned on some roads and localities.

When getting a rickshaw, you can either negotiate the fare or go by the meter. It's better to go by the meter if available—a negotiated fare means you might be charged a higher than normal rate.

If possible have a rough idea of where you are going. Also, make sure the driver knows where they are going, since some will claim to know the destination without really having any clue as to where it is. Dishonest drivers sometimes make unnecessary detours in order to charge higher prices.

When arriving at a major airport or station, use the official rickshaw stand if available, as the touts in the arrival hall are are likely to be waiting to scam unsuspecting visitors.

Ride-hailing services may also cater to auto-rickshaws, and you are more likely to get an honest driver.

• 23.72888990.3944441 Dhaka — home to rickshaw art (রিকশাচিত্র rikshāchitro).
• 22.567588.372 Kolkata — the only city in India where pulled rickshaws are still common, albeit increasingly rare due to the uber-popularity of auto-rickshaws.

• If you are staying in a place with good public transportation using it might often work out to be better than rickshaws.
• Many city centers are entirely walkable and if you aren't mobility impaired a two or three kilometer stroll is entirely doable. Also walking is a great way to get to know a place and you can simply enter any interesting shops, restaurants or museum you might pass without the driver having to look for (often scarce) inner-city parking space.
• Cycling is another way to get around, and several cities around the world have implemented bike-sharing programs that are a great alternative for visitors as well as locals. Bikes are available for rent in many more places.