Origin and Evolution of Tuk-Tuks
The vehicles known as Tuk-Tuk originated in Japan by Daihatsu and it was Thailand who subsequently went into production with these vehicles many years later. Thailand built Tuk-Tuks cost between 95’000 Baht and 150’000 Baht. In fact we cant get enough of them. The tuk-tuk is no longer common in Europe. Traditionally they are three-wheeled open vehicles used for passenger transport. In 1886, Germans placed a patent for a three-wheeled vehicle closely resembling the modern-day tuk-tuk.
Tuk-Tuks Worldwide
Electric tuk-tuks with smooth, quiet rides are gaining popularity in India, China, Bangladesh and beyond. The tuk-tuk is starting to spread across Africa as affordable transportation. They are known by many terms in various countries including auto, auto rickshaw, baby taxi, mototaxi, and tukxi. Autorickshaws are especially common in countries with tropical or subtropical climates.
Legal Status of Tuk-Tuks
A tuk tuk is a three-wheeled vehicle and by the Indian law, it’s considered as a Light Motor Vehicle. Tuk tuks are legal in the US. Laws on three wheelers vary from state to state, and they impact whether you should register, license, and insure the vehicle as a motorcycle or car, if you can use them for mobile vending, which lanes and roads can be used, and what maximum speed is allowed.
Tuk-Tuks in the UK and US
The Tuk Tuk Factory has signed a licensing agreement with eTuk USA to allow the company to manufacture and sell an electric version of the vehicle. The company’s founders hope the eco-friendly vehicles will become the next hip mode of transportation for urban dwellers and tourists across the country.