Battery-powered trishaws coming soon to Singapore's streets

Battery-powered trishaws will soon take to Singapore's streets. These new-generation trishaws were initiated by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) under its overall plan to enhance the quality of trishaw tours in Singapore. The new design was derived from a prototype by a Nanyang Polytechnic team and improved upon by local tour operator - Singapore Explorer Pte Ltd.

The new-generation trishaw is a wider and sturdier version of its predecessor. Several technical enhancements include a battery-operated motor, a lightweight fibreglass side-carriage for better maneuvering, and reinforced, stainless steel wheels which can carry up to 200kg. Each trishaw is equipped with a headlight, side mirror and indicator lights, for maximum safety on the roads.

But one thing will not change: the original design of the trishaw is retained for authenticity.

Passengers on board will also be treated to an all-new "guided" trishaw experience with pre-recorded commentaries available in English, French, German, Hokkien, Japanese and Korean.

Singapore Explorer's fleet of 100 trishaws will be ridden by experienced riders, both male and female, donning smart uniforms. All of them have received training and obtained Certificates in a Tourist Coach Captain course conducted by the Tourism Management Institute of Singapore (TMIS).

"We wanted our team of riders to be customer-friendly. That was why we put them through intensive training to make sure they are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about serving people," said Mr Francis Phun, Managing Director of Singapore Explorer.

The battery-operated motor, with speed variations, powers the trishaw to enable smoother rides up inclines. This will facilitate the riders, and enable more options for tour routes, the latter being subject to approval by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Traffic Police.

"Even with these modifications, the STB has taken care to ensure that the authentic design of the trishaw and the experience of the ride are retained," said Mr Charles Leong, the STB's Senior Director for Tourism Business.

He added, "The modern sightseer expects greater comfort, safety and enjoyment, with a touch of novelty. The industry must therefore continue to innovate and upgrade their products and services to provide new experiences for visitors. We hope Singapore Explorer's effort will encourage others to follow."

Singapore Explorer received a grant from the STB under the Tourism Development Assistant Scheme. The company has also been granted the right to operate the tours under the new Trishaw Block Registration Scheme for trishaw riders.

The scheme, jointly formulated by the LTA and the STB, took effect from February 2002. Under this scheme, travel agents and tour operators are required to submit concept proposals to the STB for assessment. Proposals endorsed by the STB are submitted to the LTA, which will issue block licences directly to the applicant. To ply designated routes, individual riders must be registered with licensed trishaw tour operators.

Singapore Explorer's trishaw tours will commence in Little India on 1 October 2002. The company will also run tours on Sentosa to offer a contrast to city trishaw tours.