London pedicab drivers endangering passengers by adding batteries
Just as in many cities around the world, rickshaws have become an increasingly common mode of transportation in London. Bicycle rickshaws (also known as pedicabs) are efficient and emissions free. However, they are not designed for high speeds and passenger safety devices are minimal. Normally, when an operator is pedaling, this isn't a problem.
What is a problem is when operators decide to hybridize their pedicabs. In this case, hybridizing means adding a battery and motor to a rickshaw. London police say as many as 80 percent of the pedicabs in the British capital have been adapted with electric drive that allows them to hit speeds of up to 20 mph. The problem is that these vehicles are not designed to go that fast and a number of accidents have occurred as a result of losing control. London police have begun setting up checkpoints to inspect pedicabs and seize those that have been hybridized. Kind of gives a new meaning to silent but (potentially) deadly. Thanks to Jamie for the tip!
[Source: BBC]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nick 5:39PM (12/07/2008)
What about simply limiting their speed??
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kballs 5:48PM (12/07/2008)
Let's seize all cars because people can drive them too fast and lose control and cause a collision. Let's also outlaw all new technology because it's scary and possibly dangerous and we don't understand it.
Can't police just use a radar gun on them? Is there even a speed limit for pedicabs in London that can be enforced by law? How about holding the drivers accountable for crashes? Mandated crash insurance with medical and property liability coverage? There are so many ways to solve this problem other than outlawing new technology.
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kert 5:55PM (12/07/2008)
Yeah, lets toss the baby out with a bathwater !
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moogy 10:10AM (12/08/2008)
Just limit the speed... Simple no?
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Mike 10:14AM (12/08/2008)
Indeed. My car can do 130 mph, probably more if I were to flash the ECU and remove the speed limiter. The highest speed limit in the US state where I live (NY) is 65 mph. I guess the government should try to shut down Volkswagen, eh?
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michael 3:53AM (1/27/2009)
And they wonder why they lost the war!
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