We bought a rickshaw in the USA (is it street legal though?)

Summary

After a month of travel in Mexico and Brazil, a couple returns to the U.S. and makes an impulsive yet joyful purchase of a bright yellow tuk-tuk, also known as an auto rickshaw. Faced with high gas prices and limited storage for a traditional vehicle, they find the compact and fun tuk-tuk to be the perfect solution. The couple documents their humorous experiences learning to drive it while introducing 'Little Marigold' and its features. As they explore potential adventures and business ideas with their unique vehicle, they invite viewers to share their suggestions, making the journey even more interactive.

Takeaways

• 🚗 After spending time in Mexico and Brazil, the couple returns to the U.S. ready for summer adventures.
• 🎉 They make an unexpected purchase of a bright yellow tuk-tuk, also known as an auto rickshaw.
• 💰 The decision to buy the tuk-tuk is influenced by high gas prices and their need for a smaller, fuel-efficient vehicle.
• 😄 Despite its impracticality, the tuk-tuk brings joy to the couple and those who see it.
• 👨‍🏫 The couple is learning to drive the tuk-tuk, with some humorous challenges along the way.
• 🏍️ Their tuk-tuk, named 'Little Marigold,' is a 2018 model that has traveled from India to Mexico and then to the U.S.
• 📄 The tuk-tuk is street legal and registered as a motorcycle, despite the couple initially expecting to need a motorcycle license.
• ⚙️ It features simple mechanics, such as a manual crank start, clutch, throttle, and basic amenities like cup holders and a radio.
• ⛽ The tuk-tuk is fuel-efficient, requiring less than a gallon of gas and providing better mileage than their diesel van.
• 🗣️ The couple plans to take the tuk-tuk on various adventures and is looking for fun business ideas to utilize it.

Q & A

What prompted the purchase of the tuk-tuk?

The couple was looking for a second vehicle due to rising gas prices and the impracticality of their diesel van, and they found the tuk-tuk listed on Facebook Marketplace.

Why did they consider a tuk-tuk instead of a traditional car?

The tuk-tuk is smaller, more fuel-efficient, and better suited for their limited storage space, making it a more practical choice given their lifestyle.

What are some unique features of the tuk-tuk?

The tuk-tuk has a manual crank start, blinker, horn, headlights, windshield wiper, an MP3 player, and it can charge phones via USB.

How did they feel about their new purchase?

They were excited and found the tuk-tuk adorable, believing it would bring joy to both themselves and others in the neighborhood.

What challenges did they face while learning to drive the tuk-tuk?

They struggled with stalling and getting comfortable with shifting gears, especially when driving uphill or in traffic.

Who helped them practice driving the tuk-tuk?

Their friend Josh, who is experienced with manual transmissions, joined them for practice sessions.

What is the legal classification of the tuk-tuk in the U.S.?

The tuk-tuk is registered as a motorcycle, and although they went through the process for a motorcycle license, it ended up being classified as a golf cart.

How does the tuk-tuk perform in terms of fuel efficiency?

The tuk-tuk's gas tank holds less than a gallon, allowing it to get around 45 miles on a tank, which is more efficient than their diesel van.

What future plans do they have for the tuk-tuk?

They plan to take the tuk-tuk on adventures around town and are considering fun ideas like trivia games to engage with their friends.

What is the tuk-tuk's top speed?

The fastest they have driven the tuk-tuk is about 35 miles per hour, which they consider safe for regular roads.