Amidst uproar over mobile apps being used to stop e-rickshaws midway by pranksters, the Centre has ordered a takedown of three such mobile apps, a news report said.
Netizens were up in arms against youngsters who were using these apps to abruptly stop e-rickshaws on roads. The act was not harmless, as it was an insult and threat to hard-working drivers, netizens pointed out. If attempted on fully occupied battery-operated vehicles, there was the risk of accidents as well.
BAT-BMS, Lossigy, and Epoch-i-ion were identified as the three apps to be removed. If similar apps are found misused, they will also be blocked, the Hindustan Times reported, quoting sources.
According to drivers, it became a trend to stop electric tuk-tuks after some pranksters uploaded videos of them doing the same. Several people started experimenting with the app after such videos went viral. The Chinese batteries used in these environment-friendly vehicles are particularly vulnerable, which has reportedly made the hacking easy for the public.
How the app works
According to reports, some lithium-ion battery packs used in e-rickshaws come equipped with Bluetooth-enabled Battery Management Systems (BMS) that allow users to monitor battery health through dedicated mobile applications. Security experts say certain battery systems lack adequate authentication, allowing anyone within Bluetooth range to connect and disable the battery's discharge function, bringing the vehicle to an abrupt halt. Older lead-acid battery-powered e-rickshaws are generally not affected.
"Some people are locking the battery using the app. Now e-rickshaw drivers also have to download the same application to unlock it in an emergency. Sometimes only the person who has the app can unlock the battery. It is creating huge problems for drivers. If the e-rickshaw stops on the main road, it becomes a major safety risk. Police should take action against such app users," a driver from the National Capital Region (NCR) had told news agency PTI.
