Brussels electric tuk-tuk scheme plans relaunch

The organisers of Brussels' electric tuk-tuk taxi service are planning a relaunch after seven months in operation - with new vehicles better equipped to deal with the city's cobblestones.

Mobiloo launched in April after nearly five years of administrative delays, with two rickshaws serving De Brouckère, Gare du Midi, Porte de Namur and Place Flagey - and fares starting at €4. There had initially been plans to expand the fleet to about a dozen.

Founder Steve Munga said the reactions from the first customers were positive, but the vehicles needed to be more robust. The first two rickshaws have been removed from circulation and will only be used for special events.

"They had to deal with the paving in the city centre, and the first tuk-tuks were not well equipped," Munga told brusselnieuws.be. "The old model was like a Citroën, the new one will be like a Porsche."

The new vehicles will have a more solid construction and enhanced shock absorbers, plus a longer battery life. Passengers will still be able to listen to their personal music collection, access wi-fi during the ride and book or pay with their phone.

The idea for Mobiloo was first put forward in 2010, and suffered delays getting the necessary authorisation and licence plates from the Brussels authorities.

Mobiloo also plans to launch in Liège, subject to authorisation. A similar scheme, called Triobalade, has been operating in Mons since 2011.