Automobile accessory shops in the city are hoping scooter and motorbike riders will warm up to their detachable umbrellas that promise a cool and comfortable commute during both hot and rainy days.
“These umbrellas are a new concept for motorists in Tamil Nadu, mainly because of the hot summer weather, but they have been in use in places like Hyderabad and Telangana for over a year now,” M.P. Shivam, in-charge, Kay Jay Auto Unit, told The Hindu .
The patented accessory sold by the shop is manufactured in New Delhi, though the material for the umbrella canopy is imported from Taiwan. “For a smooth ride, it is important for the umbrella to be steady, so the fabric for the canopy is of a thicker quality than regular umbrellas,” added Mr. Shivam.
The shop offers the attachments in two sizes, for scooters and similar vehicles at Rs. 1,500 and for motorbikes at Rs. 2,000. Prices are inclusive of installation.
The umbrellas have found favour with women riders, said D.J. Venkatesh Durai, proprietor, DJ Automobiles Company. “Many women are forced to wear arm-length cotton gloves and masks to prevent tanning and direct exposure to the sun. This umbrella helps them to stay comfortable in the heat.”
The store has been selling the new accessories, manufactured in Hyderabad, since April, and so far has sold approximately 50 pieces, said Mr. Durai. The smaller two-wheeler models are priced at Rs. 1,850 and for bikes, it goes up to Rs. 2,500, both inclusive of installation.
The umbrellas are available online, said Mr. Shivam, but installation could be a problem. “Our mechanics are trained to fix these attachments on the vehicles, so it is better to buy them offline,” he suggested. “We are in talks with manufacturers to create our exclusive supply, which will help to bring down costs,” added Mr. Durai. But while riders could expect a cooler and UV-protected ride, they would have to rethink their driving habits too, said both the auto parts dealers. “We have been test-driving 2 of our vehicles for the past fortnight in Tiruchi, and have found that the umbrella attachment is quite convenient to use. But it may disturb other vehicles or pedestrians in dense traffic, especially in big cities, so it is safer to maintain a five-meter distance,” said Mr. Shivam, who has been selling the accessories to customers in Bangalore, Neyveli and Vellore based on telephone queries.
“You cannot overtake bigger vehicles when you have an umbrella fitted on, so riders should learn to adjust their speed according to the surrounding traffic,” added Mr. Durai.
A senior official from the local Regional Transport Office said there is no clause in Motor Vehicle Act that allowed the new umbrella attachments. However both store owners said that the accessory was being used without RTO endorsement certificates in other states.
