Advertisement

Cut-price rickshaws signal sad demise of a HK icon

Reading Time:2 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
SCMP Reporter

Once a symbol of the territory, the historic vehicles are rolling into obscurity

It was once a symbol of old Hong Kong - but today the rickshaw has become just another cut-price item on sale in hard times.

Five years ago, rickshaw-pullers started selling their vehicles because of falling trade. At one stage, they fetched $19,500 each.

Advertisement

But now a rickshaw sells for between $10,000 and $13,000 and business is far from good, say the rickshaw makers.

Three of the five remaining rickshaw-pullers have diversified into making and selling the vehicles to collectors and tourists, because of the decline in passengers.

Advertisement

One of them, 76-year-old Mr Chan, who has been pulling rickshaws since 1976, says he is lucky to sell one a year. He last sold one last year and says he can't see anyone else buying them.

Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2x faster
1.25x
250 WPM
Slow
Average
Fast
1.25x