Power of Sun

It’s being touted as the poor man’s Nano. Powered by solar energy and pedals, eco-friendly Soleckshaw rickshaws hit the streets on Thursday. Designed by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in eight months, these rickshaws will be battery operated. ‘‘The battery that’s inbuilt will be charged by solar energy. It will transmit the energy to a gear system which will move the three wheels of the rickshaw. Though pedalling is not required, if pedalled the Soleckshaw will gain more power,’’ said A Roy, who was part of the team that developed the new rickshaw. Hailing the innovation and its affordability for the underprivileged, Union science and technology minister Kapil Sibal said: ‘‘There is a need for urban transport which is comfortable and affordable for the underprivileged. The Soleckshaws will be their Nano.’’ RIDING HIGH Power source Solar energy, pedalling. Assisted by an in-built electric motor Design Better aesthetics, made of advanced fibre and equipped with mobile recharging facility and FM radio How it moves Chain driven Brakes On all three wheels Seating Two passengers with a payload of 200kg excluding the driver Speed limit 115kmph Weight of the rickshaw structure 115kg