“Trisikad” Out, “E-Trikes” In as Future Mode of Mobility in Barangay Hipodromo

 By: Jhesha Ninna P. Baliong

Fig 1: The horse race track shape of
Barangay Hipodromo.
[1]

        Horses have always been a part of Cebuano culture. Even now, the Kalesa’s are still used as a means of transportation in some parts of Cebu. [1] Barangay Hipodromo located at the North District of Cebu City is named after the old Cebu City Hippodrome which is a known horse racing track but now became a human settlement. [2] Since it’s a horse track before, it has a shape of an oval that makes it unique to any barangay in the city but it never known to have kalesa as its means of transportation. Jeepneys, buses and vehicles which are all common public transportations cannot pass through inside this barangay since the road is narrow which therefore not suitable as a route for this modes of transportation. As a matter of fact, even though this barangay is small in with a land area of 0.4307 km² [3], it is still tiring for some people especially to those living in the northern edge of the barangay which is opposite to the entrance to go back and forth especially with running errands to the market which is located near the entrance of this barangay. As a barangay with a population of 9,574 household according to 2020 census, it has their own decent means of mobility around their area which is trisikad. [4]

Phasing Out of "Trisikad"

        Last February 7, 2023, a post was made by Alex Estrada on “Taga Hipodromo ka kung?” facebook page. It is said in the post that it is timely that Brgy. Hipodromo should change into a modern e-trike from an old school trisikad for the welfare of those old age and PWDs trisikad drivers. [5] As a resident myself of the said barangay, I have noticed the decline of numbers of trisikad in retrospect to when I was younger. But what mostly is the concern here of the author is that he wanted to give those with PWDs a chance to have a livelihood, and lessen the traffic within the barangay due to old and slow drivers that tends to cause disputes between drivers. In this post some agrees and other disagrees. So now let us find out whether or not it is really beneficial to our barangay to transition from old school trisikad to modern e-trike.

What is Trisikad?

Fig. 2: Lines of “Trisikad”(pedal-sidecar)
waiting for passengers.[8]

           In Brgy. Hipodromo, countless of drivers located beside the Pacific Foundry waited in line for their passengers. These drivers are riding their trisikad which is a local Cebuano term for a pedal bike extended with a third wheel and a compartment enough for the passengers' comfort. Tri for three wheels, sikad the Cebuano verb which means to make use of a pedal. [6] Most trisikad in Barangay Hipodromo are bicycles with sidecar that has a roof and a signature big umbrella against rain and heat for drivers. The trisikad drivers nowadays are mostly men of old age and driving it has been their long-time livelihood and main source of income.

What is an “E-Trike”?

Fig. 3: E-Bike 3 wheels with roof [9]

        In Cebu city, especially in carbon market area, a new mode of transportation has become increasingly popular which is spotted in there and that is E-Trike. A 3-wheel electric bike or an electric trike is a bike with 3 wheels for steadiness, powered by an electric motor that relies on rechargeable power batteries. There are various electric trikes for sale in the market, with fat tires, better grip, and long-lasting batteries that are eco-friendly, highly comfortable, fast, and provide a means to travel cost-effectively. [7] While it may be the future of eco-friendly transportation but it is still in debate if it is possible for Barangay Hipodromo to fully transition to this new mode of mobility.

Trisikad vs E-Trike

        Along in the comments in the posts mentioned above [5], most people argue “Why should trisikad be phase out?”, “Why should it must stay” and “Why or Why not should the transitioning to e-trike happen?” Below will be the list of benefits and drawbacks of using trisikad or e-trike.

Benefits of using Trisikad

·         Good Exercise

Using trisikad provides good exercise for drivers since they use their muscles during pedalling.

·         Cheap Initial Cost

Buying trisikad is much cheaper compared to those electronic bikes since there is no motor.

·         Low Cost Maintenance

        What it means here is that, for those trisikad drivers that do not have electricity in their home, trisikad is much easier to maintain with only oiling the gears and changing flat tires which is also relatively cheaper compared to E-Trike.

·         Safety

        Safety is guaranteed when it comes to riding trisikad. Since it is not fast and are not allowed in city’s thoroughfares or highways were major accidents happen.[8]

Drawbacks of using Trisikad

·         Load Limit

        Trisikad cannot carry multiple people since it is designed to carry at least two passengers, but in case there's a group of three, it is the discretion of the driver to say yes that will depend on the weight of the passengers. This limits the pace as well as the strength of the driver.

·         Fast Exhaustion

        Since trisikad drivers uses their strength in pedalling, they tend to get tired easily especially when the heat of the sun is too strong and in noontime. Old age can also be a major factor for fast exhaustion since most of the trisikad drivers in Brgy. Hipodromo.

·         Slow Pace

        When trisikad drivers are tired, they tend to slow down delaying our time to get to our destination. Old age can also be a major factor for fast exhaustion since most of the trisikad drivers in Brgy. Hipodromo

·         Traffic

        Since the pace is slow, it causes traffic especially in Brgy. Hipodromo where the roads are narrow and only one vehicle at a time can pass through. The traffic sometimes cause disputes and arguments between the drivers.

Benefits of an E-Trike

·         A viable option for all ages

        Electric tricycles are suitable for seniors, persons with disabilities, children and healthy adults alike. Seniors with poor physical balance and muscle strength can easily ride an e-trike. It will keep them fit and is easy to operate. Whether you are already old and very slow, cripple or have body deformities, e-trike is a viable option for a livelihood.

·         Environmental Friendly

        It is beneficial for the environment. Its eco-friendly mechanism and electric motor make little noise. It also produces no carbon-based smoke and is highly efficient. The elements of a 3-wheel electric bike may be recycled rather than thrown away, making it an excellent choice for environmentalists.

·         Cargo and load bikes

        Numerous e-trike types can carry payloads of up to 450 pounds. Most individuals prefer e-trikes to bikes because they are safer. Furthermore, its cutting-edge technology saves you a lot of money on shipping.

·         Health benefits

        A flat tire electric tricycle is fantastic for muscular strength, cardiovascular and respiratory health, and mental stability, in addition to all of the economic and environmental benefits. Because it is a highly aerobic activity, it helps to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and arthritis.

·         Cost-effective

        An electric tricycle will save you money on gas because of its modern style and environmentally friendly approach. It is low-maintenance and may be purchased for a few thousand dollars. 

·         Fun to ride and easy to pack

        Riding an electric fat tire trike is a lot of fun. Its sophisticated technological design enables it to go efficiently on rough paths, hills, snowy locations, and parks. Certain e-trikes may be folded, making them suitable and easy to transport.

Drawbacks of an E-Trike

·         Low charging capacity

        Electric trikes are only suitable for shorter distances. Because of its charging batteries, it can hardly take you up to a route of 5-6 hours. You’ll have to recharge if you want to travel more, and the recharging takes enormous time. But still in terms of arriving faster in your destination within Brgy, Hipodromo, e-trike is faster than trisikad.

·         Heavy to lift

        They are considerably heavy, and lifting them (in case it is stuck in mud or flood especially it rainy seasons is common in the Philippines) is very difficult.

·         Safety Issues

        As per mentioned in the comments in the posts [5], It was the drivers of e-trike that compromises the safety of passengers since they recklessly drive because of its enhance efficiency and features that the drivers tends to abuse.

·         Expensive and Costly repairs

        E-trikes are an expensive investment especially for poor drivers in Brgy. Hipodromo. It has a price range of 10,000 to 50,000 pesos or more depending on the brand and if mechanisms and designs are much advance.[9] [10] It may not require much maintenance however their parts are incredibly costly if yours need repair. Such costly parts are electric motor as well as the tires. [7]

Transitioning Progress

        The phasing out of trisikad and transition to electronic tricycles is still a mere suggestion right now. But if barangay officials of Hipodromo will hear out and be open minded to the suggestions of its people, the future of an eco-friendly transportation is just within reach. However, guidance and financial cost must be assisted to future drivers of these e-trikes. If the barangay is willing to donate or find sponsor for e-trikes then only the proper and safe ways to navigate the e-trike will be the remaining thing that the drivers will be minding about.

References

[1]        “Fun Fact: Brgy. Hipodromo was a former horse racing track,” Apr. 28, 2020. https://sugbo.ph/2020/brgy-hipodromo-horse-racing-track/ (accessed Feb. 19, 2023).

[2]        “Hipodromo.” http://wikimapia.org/1586179/Hipodromo (accessed Feb. 19, 2023).

[3]        “Hippodromo (Barangay, Cebu City, Philippines) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map and Location.” https://www.citypopulation.de/en/philippines/cebu/072217031__hippodromo/ (accessed Feb. 19, 2023).

[4]        “Hippodromo, Cebu City Profile – PhilAtlas.” https://www.philatlas.com/visayas/r07/cebu-city/hippodromo.html (accessed Feb. 19, 2023).

[5]        A. Estrada, https://m.facebook.com/groups/hipodromo2011/permalink/6312036575493884/?mibextid=Nif5oz

[6]        A. #cebu • 5 Y. Ago, “Trisikad - Means Of Transportation In Our Hometown,” Steemit, Apr. 18, 2018. https://steemit.com/cebu/@ayyeenn/trisikad-means-of-transportation-in-our-hometown (accessed Feb. 19, 2023).

[7]        “Pros and Cons of Buying an Adult Electric Trike.” https://www.addmotor.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-buying-an-adult-electric-trike (accessed Feb. 19, 2023).

[8]        Twitter, Twitter, and Twitter, “E-bikes, trikes registered to comply with Cebu regulation.” https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1195420 (accessed Feb. 19, 2023).

[9]        “ORIGINAL BRAND NEW WANFUL ELECTRIC BIKE 3WHEELS | Shopee Philippines.” https://shopee.ph/ORIGINAL-BRAND-NEW-WANFUL-ELECTRIC-BIKE-3WHEELS-i.416849202.2974822454 (accessed Feb. 20, 2023).

[10]      “RFM Leisure Cargo v2 | Official Website of RFM Electric Drive.” https://www.rfmebike.com.ph/products/e-triwheels/rfm-leisure-cargo-v2 (accessed Feb. 20, 2023).