More and more two-wheelers fitted with umbrellas are on the city roads as riders hit upon all possible solutions to escape from the soaring mercury.
They find these umbrellas convenient for short trips in the city without getting their skin burnt under the sun. Priced between Rs. 1,800 and Rs. 2,200 the umbrellas come in different colours, separately for motorbikes, and scooters.
Taiwan
M. Ghulam Rasool of P&T Colony who is promoting the product in the city said that these umbrellas are imported from Taiwan.
“The product came to the city only two weeks ago. There are 10 sub dealers in the city, who are fitting the product in around 30 two-wheelers a day. Its popularity is on the rise,” he said.
Rasool and his friend A. Mohammed Sherief saw the product in whatsapp and started marketing it here.
They claim that the product is aerodynamic, can protect riders and their family from the sun and rain, remove it when not needed. It is also wind resistant. The vehicles can speed up to 60 km an hour without affecting the umbrella or the vehicle.
“The target audience are marketing executives, aged persons and women,” Mr. Rasool said.
But the umbrella is a little bigger than the length and breadth of the two-wheeler and occupies a fair share of the road.
There is a possibility for the umbrella to disturb other road users.
The promoters, however, said that the size of the umbrella cannot be shrunk as it would affect the aerodynamics.
A senior Regional Transport Officer said that there is no provision under the Motor Vehicle Act to have a cover for two-wheelers.
Rule
Any alterations and modifications in the vehicle that exceeded its permitted space and capacity will have to have an endorsement from the RTO, according to motor vehicle rules.
The officer said that they have not checked such vehicles as very few vehicles use them.
People are using it to protect themselves from the soaring temperature.
We have not got any complaints so far. We will check its stability and safety aspects, the officer added.
