Bajaj 3-Wheeler is now off the U.S. market
We recently had a short email exchange with the president of Bajaj USA, Al Kolvites, and we were informed that the 3-wheelers, known as rickshaws in some other countries, are no longer available in the states. Kolvites cites the manual transmission as one major reason as to why the 3-wheelers didn't sell very well in the U.S. Apparently, modifications were needed to make the machines DOT and EPA compliant, and Bajaj did not see the point of making the required changes considering the low number of units actually sold in the U.S. Kolvites says that he had asked for an automatic transmission version to sell here, but Bajaj declined, saying that most of their customers preferred the shift-it-yourself tranny and the mileage benefits that generally accompany them.
Bajaj USA has sold out of the inventory of 3-wheelers, meaning that if you want one, you'll need to scour the used market. We're truly sad to hear that the venerable rickshaw is no longer available in the states, especially considering the fuel mileage that the unique machines were capable of.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dan Davis 6:00PM (5/02/2008)
Wow I cannot IMAGINE why that didn't sell over here.
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Roger Vandevert 2:51AM (9/22/2009)
It did not sell well...but it did sell. Why? Al Kovites the importer, stated that Bajaj was unwilling to make an automatic for the American market. The pampered American market was unwilling to learn how to shift the handle bar 4-speed. Then pending emissions restrictions. They are clean burning 4 strokes with catalytic converters...what the hell else do they want!? They sell like hotcakes all around the world, but liberals insist on saving the world (as if they could). I despise political correctness and that's where the Autorickshaw found itself in California. I have two of them now and even did a total engine rebuild successfully with all new parts (thanks to ARGOUSA parts dept and Java Ctcles in Athens GA.
ug 6:48PM (5/02/2008)
Doesn't everyone dream of driving an electric rickshaw?
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Joseph 10:04PM (5/02/2008)
Fuel economy doesn't matter if the exhaust gas is one thousand times the pollution coming out of a regulated automobile.
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Kevin Nugent 10:40PM (5/02/2008)
Like really i cant IMAGINE why in gods name that did not sell . I will not even start in the appearance , but in all seriousness not to say a pregitous remark , that thing looks like it came directly from India and should stay there. it really does not look like it belongs in the us
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DJ 8:28PM (5/29/2008)
You can make fun of it, and laugh all you want, but the 70+ miles per gallon I am getting to and from work, these past few years, suits my bank account just fine. You can say I am laughing all the way to the bank !!
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joe 10:13AM (1/28/2009)
I travel in Ethiopia regularly. These machines a incredibly durable and versitle. I'm not sure when, but this type of vehicle will make a market entrance in the US. I remember that the US postal service used the Cushman 3 wheeler for years.
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Roger Vandevert 10:11PM (5/02/2009)
see tuktukusa.com They have landed.
Bob Souza 3:22AM (4/19/2009)
NV Hoppers..We are making this work in Napa Valley..We purchase the last 4 out of San Francisco dealer...and everyone just love these rickshaws...check out our web-site NVHoppers.com
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erik 1:46PM (4/25/2009)
Bob, I like how you are making that work! sweet idea! perfect place to run them... How are they holding up with the daily grind?
e-mpls.
Bob Souza 12:54AM (4/25/2009)
very little problems, just need to keep things tight, the roads here are very rough
Roger Vandevert 9:52PM (5/02/2009)
Try my website to see how I am daily using the 2005 Bajaj FE 175cc 4-stroke Delivery scoot:
www.motorespresso.com
Moto-Espresso Coffee Carts are a regular site in Monterey, CA. Stop or wave me down for a delicious drip-brew coffee, espresso, hot chocolate or capucino.
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