Design

An auto rickshaw is generally characterized by a sheet-metal body or open frame resting on three wheels, a canvas roof with drop-down sides, a small cabin in the front of the vehicle for the driver (sometimes called an auto-wallah), and seating space for up to three passengers in the rear. They are generally fitted with an air-cooled scooter version of a two-stroke engine, with handlebar controls instead of a steering wheel. Many auto rickshaws follow the original design of the Piaggio Ape C, from 1956, which was originally based on the Vespa. Auto rickshaws are light duty vehicles.

Hiring an auto rickshaw sometimes involves negotiating a fee with the driver. In the major cities of India, such as Chennai, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Bangalore and Delhi, drivers are required to install fare meters in their auto rickshaws. These meters are calibrated according to the city guidelines. In addition, traffic-regulating authorities have implemented a schedule of predetermined fares. For example, in Chennai in 2006, the predetermined fare within the central city was approximately Rs. 50.