A Cycle rickshaw

Rickshaws (or rickshas) are a mode of human-powered transport: a runner draws a two-wheeled cart which seats one or two persons. The word rickshaw came from Asia where they were mainly used as means of transportation for the social elite. However, in more recent times rickshaws have been outlawed in many countries in Asia due to numerous accidents. Many Western cities like New York City have adopted bicycle rickshaws but with different names like pedal-cabs. In London they are known as pedicabs. The term "rickshaw" is today commonly used for those vehicles as well, but this article deals exclusively with runner-pulled rickshaws. The word "rickshaw" originates from the Japanese word jinrikisha (NBAR9BŽCA, NBA jin = human, R9B riki = strength, ŽCA sha = vehicle), which literally means "human-powered vehicle."