In India it is called a rickshaw, in Thailand a tuk-tuk and in Malta it will be the dudu, a little bug, which will offer commuters the chance to go green.
It is essentially a bicycle with a tiny carriage at the back that can take two people – three, if you are super slim – and you can sit back and let the rider take you to your destination. A fleet of these fuel-free taxis will be operating in Sliema, St Julian’s, Valletta and Paceville by the end of June.
Chris Ellul Vincenti, who set up dudu.com.mt, said he got his inspiration from the time he lived abroad.
“I grew up in London where they’re basically all over the place. I loved using them because you zip through traffic and you get to see more of the place while you’re being cycled to your destination,” he said.
These days, he pointed out, many were exasperated by public transport but, at the same time, they wanted to make less use of their car.
“Somehow, we all feel we ought to be living a greener life,” he said.
This spurred him to bring the rickshaws to Malta and kick off a year-long process that included obtaining a licence from Transport Malta for the rickshaws to be able to grace the roads.
“So, come June, if you’re shopping and you want to go from Sliema to Valletta you can just hail a dudu, just like you hail a cab when you’re in London,” Mr Ellul Vincenti said.
The cost of the trip will be related to the distance but it cannot be more than €5 per trip. Before the ride, commuters can also negotiate the rate.
The dudus, he said, would also be available for fun events.
“They’ll be available for rent for other events like weddings, birthdays and so on.” And riders will be accessorised for the occasions. “With top hat, tails and the works,” he said. The rickshaws will be based at Portomaso and, after a two-day training course, riders will be able to rent bikes for five-hour sessions for €17.
“They will be free to circulate and whatever they earn, they can pocket... There is no cap on how much riders earn and we don’t make a cent on the trips,” he said.
Initially, dudu.com.mt will have 22 bikes at their disposal. So far, there has been a very good response from students be-cause they can decide their working hours.
The pedal-powered, zero-emission bikes have a small electric motor to assist the riders, so although it will be like a workout, the cycling will not wear them out and commuters will be ensured of a trip “as snug as bugs” on the dudu.
History of the rickshaw
The rickshaw began as a two-wheeled passenger cart pulled by one man with one passenger.
The first known use of the term was in 1887.
Pulled rickshaws created a popular form of transportation, and a source of employment, within Asian cities in the 19th century.
Their popularity declined as cars, trains and other forms of transportation became widely available. However, in recent years, the popularity of bicycle rickshaws has taken a surge, particularly in the main cities in Europe, such as London and Paris, where they are hailed as a green way to beat the traffic.