Overview
Rickshaw – etymology
Rickshaw in Tsingtao, 1914
Rickshaw in Japan, around 1897
The name ‘rickshaw’ has its origin in the Japanese. It is a shortened form of人力車 resp. ‘jinrikisha’:
人 jin = human
力 riki = power
車 sha = vehicle
Literally translated it means ‘human-powered vehicle’. In the traditional sense this term denotes vehicles for passenger transport, which are being pulled by a man. Since – in the course of time – there have been rickshaws developed with different drive types (cycle rickshaw, auto rickshaw), vehicles in the original design – for distinguishing – are also being called ‘pulled rickshaw’.
As an alternative and more modern term for such vehicles designations as pedicab or velotaxi are available. Nevertheless I prefer the name rickshaw. Because on the one hand we also offer sightseeing tours besides pure cab or taxi journeys. But above all I like the sound of the word rickshaw and its historical references.
The vehicles
I drive two different cycle rickshaws. Each one offers enough room for two adults and a child. Allow me to introduce the vehicles to you.
The traditional one (location: Berlin-Hermsdorf)
The so called ‘China Rickshaw’. Cabriolet feeling. 360° panorama… pardon, 330°, there is still the driver sitting before you. ;-) From the construction it is reminiscent of the traditional rickshaws from times long past.
The modern one (location: Brandenburg Gate)
The so called ‘City Cruiser’. Modern design. Illuminated in the dark. In comparison to a traditional rickshaw this vehicle reminds more of a car. In terms of sitting position it is counted among so called ‘recumbent bicycles’, although the driver is not in a recumbent position but rather in a sitting one. Therefore – for distinction – we have the german word ‘Sesselrad’, which literally translated means ‘arm chair bicycle’.
Contrary to my description in the Drivers menu – “We are on the road without a motor with pure muscle power.” – in this case I actually drive a vehicle with an electric motor… but hopefully not for long! Because I am already looking forward immensely to the rickshaw described below, which drives without motor. So exactly to my taste! :–)
The future one (not yet in use)
My heart’s project. The so called ‘VeloCruiser’: fibreglass cabin, aluminum chassis, full suspension, with doors and windows, effect lighting inside, car speakers, interior fittings by an upholsterer, with an electric blanket or heated seats (I still have to find out). In terms of sitting position truly a ‘recumbent bicycle’, this vehicle is visually even further away from the traditional rickshaw and indeed reminds rather of a futuristic car or maybe the front fairing of an ICE (high-speed trains predominantly running in Germany).