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There are many different tuk tuk (auto rickshaw) designs and amazing variations in countries spanning the globe. What most travelers casually call a “tuk tuk” is really a whole family of small passenger vehicles that evolve based on local roads, local needs, local rules, and local style. Some are classic three-wheelers with a small cabin. Others are motorcycle-towed carts, sidecar builds, or wildly customized versions that are instantly recognizable in just one city or region.
And the names? That’s half the fun. Nicknames can come from the sound of the engine, a popular manufacturer, fuel type, a government program, or even the shape of the vehicle (looking at you, Cuba). So instead of trying to force tuk tuks into one box, this guide treats them like what they are: a global, constantly evolving travel icon.
Tuk tuks—also known as auto rickshaws—are more than just a fun, three-wheeled way to get around. These iconic vehicles have taken on countless variations across the globe, adapted to suit local cultures, road conditions, and even fuel preferences. From the buzzing “bajaji” in Tanzania to the “cocotaxi” in Cuba, tuk tuks have become as diverse as the destinations they roam.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind ride in San Francisco, a Lucky Tuk Tuk private tour is a super fun way to explore the city in style—open-air, photo-friendly, and private for your group.
Tuk tuks (aka auto rickshaws) are one of those travel things that instantly put you in “I’m on an adventure” mode. They’re compact, loud (sometimes), oddly charming, and wildly different depending on where you are in the world. In one country they’re a daily commuter workhorse; in another they’re a brightly painted taxi with a nickname that locals say like it’s totally normal… and visitors repeat forever.
This guide is a quick world tour of tuk tuk types, designs, and local names—from Sudan’s Raksha to Cuba’s coconut-shaped Cocotaxi. You’ll see how countries adapt the same basic idea (a small, three-wheeled people-mover) to match local roads, fuel options, traffic patterns, and style. And if you want a tuk tuk ride that’s a little more “bucket list photo ops” and a little less “where am I going?”—you can also explore San Francisco with a Lucky Tuk Tuk private tour.
Explore This Page: Intro | Quick Overview | Tuk Tuk History | Tuk Tuk Fun Facts | Tuk Tuk Types by Country | Key Takaways | Why a Private Tuk Tuk Tour Works Here in San Francisco | Plan Your Visit | Related Tuk Tuk Guides | Nearby Points of Interest in San Francisco
Country Jump Menu: Sudan | Tanzania | Egypt | Nigeria | India | Madagascar | Bangladesh | Cambodia | Guatemala | Cuba | Pakistan | Thailand | Italy | United Kingdom | El Salvador | China | Indonesia | Philippines | Sri Lanka
This page is a country-by-country look at what tuk tuks are called (and how they’re built) around the world. Some are classic three-wheelers. Some are motorcycle + sidecar style. Some have names inspired by engine sounds, government programs, or the shape of the vehicle itself. Use the Country Jump Menu to hop to the places you’re curious about—then scroll for a deeper dive and photos.
Tuk tuks have become an iconic part of transportation across huge parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. In many cities they’re the everyday “quick ride” solution—small enough to weave through traffic, simple enough to maintain locally, and affordable compared to full-sized taxis. Over time, different regions shaped the same basic concept into their own versions: some stayed closer to the classic three-wheeler, while others evolved into motorcycle-towed carts, sidecar builds, or locally customized designs.
One of the most legendary (and honestly kind of wild) chapters in tuk tuk lore comes from Delhi: the Phatphati—a loud, Harley-powered, custom-built rickshaw that became famous for its unmistakable phat-phat-phat sound and raw, open-air ride. It’s the perfect example of what makes tuk tuks so fascinating: they aren’t just vehicles—they’re local engineering, local culture, and local personality rolled into one.
Tuk tuks—also known as auto rickshaws—are more than just a fun, three-wheeled way to get around. These iconic vehicles have taken on countless variations across the globe, adapted to suit local cultures, road conditions, and even fuel preferences. From the buzzing “bajaji” in Tanzania to the “cocotaxi” in Cuba, tuk tuks have become as diverse as the destinations they roam.
Let’s explore some of the most unique tuk tuk designs and nicknames worldwide! And if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind ride in San Francisco, a Lucky Tuk Tuk private tour is the perfect way to explore the city in style.
Rickshaws, known as “Raksha” in Sudan, are the most common means of transportation followed by the bus in the capital Khartoum.
Tanzanians call their tuk tuks “Bajaji”, a term borrowed from the Indian Bajaj brand, which manufactures many of the country’s rickshaws.
In parts of Egypt, tuk tuks go by the name “toktok”, a local adaptation of their engine’s sound.
In Lagos and other Nigerian cities, tuk tuks are known as “Keke”, short for “Keke Napep,” a term introduced when the government pushed for their use as an alternative to motorcycles.
India’s tuk tuks come in many forms. Traditionally, they had front-mounted engines, but newer models feature rear engines. Delhi also had a legendary outlawed version called the “phat-phati,” powered by Harley-Davidson engines left behind by British troops. These beasts roared through the streets, leaving an unforgettable mark on local history.
As of 2018 India has about 1.5 million battery-powered, three-wheeled rickshaws on its roads. Some 11,000 new ones hit the streets each month.
In Madagascar, you’ll hear tuk tuks called “bajaji” in the north and “tik-tik” in the east.
Bangladesh’s auto rickshaws were once called “baby taxis”, but today, they’re more commonly known as “CNGs” due to their use of compressed natural gas.
Cambodian tuk tuks differ from the norm. These “moto-remork” rides feature a motorcycle in front towing a two-wheeled passenger cart.
Guatemala sticks to the classic “tuk-tuk” name for its auto rickshaws.
Tuk tuks, also known as auto rickshaws, are an iconic mode of transport across Asia, Africa, and parts of Latin America. In cities like Bangkok, Mumbai, and Jakarta, these three-wheeled vehicles are a part of everyday life, weaving through traffic and offering an affordable, quick way to get around. But among all the tuk tuk variations, one of the most legendary and unforgettable was Delhi’s “Phatphati”—a unique and unconventional rickshaw that roared through the streets of India’s capital for decades.
Legend has it that when the British left India in 1947, they abandoned several Harley-Davidson motorcycles, possibly used by military police or dispatch riders. Enterprising locals saw an opportunity and transformed these powerful machines into passenger vehicles. By attaching a Willys Jeep gearbox and welding a custom-built passenger compartment onto the frame, they created a one-of-a-kind taxi service.
These modified Harley-powered rickshaws became known as “phatphatis” or “phatphats”, named after the deep, rhythmic, staccato sound of their engines—a distinctive “phat-phat-phat” that echoed through the streets of Delhi. Unlike modern tuk tuks, which use smaller engines, the Phatphati’s roaring motorcycle engine made it a true street beast—more of a hot rod than a rickshaw!
Taking a ride in one of these machines was a thrilling experience. The driver—straddled the vehicle like a motorcyclist, gripping the handlebars as if steering a heavy bike. The seating arrangement was unique:
Despite the rickety ride, riding a Phatphati was exhilarating, offering a combination of speed, raw power, and an unfiltered, open-air view of the bustling city.
The 1950s and 1960s were the golden era of the Phatphati. They became a common sight on Delhi’s roads, ferrying passengers across the city. Their powerful engines and fast acceleration made them far superior to conventional cycle rickshaws, which relied on human pedaling.
However, by the mid-1980s, the Indian government began phasing out Phatphatis due to concerns over:
By the early 1990s, most of the Phatphatis had disappeared from the streets, replaced by the smaller, quieter Bajaj auto rickshaws that dominate India’s roads today.
Though the Phatphati has vanished from modern Delhi, it remains an unforgettable piece of the city’s transport history. Stories of thrilling rides, daring drivers, and the unmistakable “phat-phat” sound continue to be passed down by those who were lucky enough to experience them.
Today, tuk tuks have evolved into electric and battery-powered variants, offering a more sustainable alternative to their gas-guzzling predecessors. But the spirit of the Phatphati lives on in every three-wheeled rickshaw zipping through city streets worldwide.
Would you have dared to ride one of these roaring Harley-powered rickshaws?
(Thanks to Hurry Up! for historical info.)
“Cocotaxi” is an auto rickshaw-type taxi vehicle in Cuba. The name comes from the word coco, which means coconut. The shell of the body is yellow and is typically round, giving it the appearance of a half-coconut.
Pakistan has both traditional auto rickshaws and motorcycle-based versions called “chand gari” (moon car) and “chingchi” (named after a Chinese manufacturer).
Thailand’s tuk tuks are legendary. The name itself mimics the sound of their small engines, much like the English term “putt-putt.”
Italy’s tuk tuk equivalent, the “Piaggio Ape,” was designed by the same company behind the Vespa scooter. It’s widely known as the “Tukxi.”
Tuk Tuks officially entered the UK market in 2004, bringing a taste of Southeast Asia to British streets.
El Salvador’s auto rickshaws are simply called “mototaxis” or just “motos.”
China’s tuk tuks are known as “San Lun Che” (three-wheeler) and sometimes “Du Du Che”, which translates to “beep beep car.”
Auto rickshaws are called “Bajay” or “Bajaj.” Outside of Jakarta, the bentor-style auto rickshaw is ubiquitous, with the passenger cabin mounted as a sidecar.
Referred to as “tricycles” – in Filipino traysikel and Cebuano traysikol. Usual design is a passenger or cargo sidecar fitted to a motorbike.
Sri Lanka refers to its tuk tuks as “three-wheelers,” “tuk-tuks,” or “trishaws.”
Okay, quick pivot from “around the world” to San Francisco—because tuk tuks aren’t just a fun travel concept, they’re also an awesome way to actually see a city. A private tuk tuk tour keeps the best parts of the experience (open-air, flexible, close-up views) and removes the annoying parts (parking stress, route confusion, time wasted backtracking).
With a Lucky Tuk Tuk private tour, you’re not stuck in a giant group or a rigid script. You can move at your pace, pause for photos when something looks incredible, and tailor the vibe—landmarks, neighborhoods, viewpoints, hidden gems, or a little of everything. It’s the same “intimate, street-level” feeling people love in tuk tuk cities worldwide… but with a local guide who knows exactly where to go for those “yep, that’s the one” San Francisco moments.
Using this guide on your travels: Keep an eye out for what style you’re seeing—classic three-wheeler, motorcycle + cart, sidecar build, or a fully customized local version. When you hear a new nickname, jot it down. It’s one of the easiest “I’m actually paying attention to local culture” travel wins, and it makes for great stories later.
Riding tuk tuks abroad (basic common-sense tips): Confirm your destination before you start (show it on your phone if needed), agree on price or fare rules when that’s the norm, and keep small bills handy. Designs vary—some are more open-air than others—so hold onto bags and phones like you would in any busy street traffic situation.
Check availability for the Private Charter San Francisco Tuk Tuk City Tour. It’s a private, small-group ride designed for sightseeing, photos, and smooth routing between the city’s big hits.
If you’re on a tuk tuk rabbit hole (welcome, you’re among friends), these guides pair perfectly with the country list above—one for inspiration and one for fun trivia.
This is a global guide, but if you’re reading it while planning your San Francisco trip (or because you’re considering a local tuk tuk ride), here are a few “pair it with a tour” favorites that are perfect for quick photo stops and skyline/bay views.
