What’s the Chinese app that Indian govt is probing for dangerous e-rickshaw ‘pranks’?

Indian teenagers and youngsters are using a Chinese app to shut down tirris (e-rickshaws) in the middle of the road.

Now, this dangerous trend is flooding the internet with viral videos showing random users disabling battery rickshaws on roads using the Chinese smartphone app called Battery Management System (BAT)-BMS.

According to reports, they are using this BAT-BMS, connecting it to the tirris or electric scooter via Bluetooth, and flipping the discharge switch, leaving the vehicle unable to move.

Several viral videos online show users immediately stopping the vehicles in the middle of the road, pushing the driver into a state of shock, danger and death. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is examining the security implications of this app, according to Moneycontrol.

We take a look.

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What's the BAT-BMS, the Chinese app?

It is a legitimate tool for battery management. It was developed by Shenzhen Grenergy Technology in Shenzhen, China.

BAT-BMS is a wireless connection to compatible Bluetooth-enabled lithium batteries within a 10-15 metre range. According to its official website, it enables real-time monitoring of battery status, including voltage, temperature and current.

This app allows precise control and optimisation of battery performance, enabling users to manage batteries remotely.

BMS units are primarily installed by battery manufacturers to track battery health, usage trends and charging behaviour, particularly for financed vehicles, according to Mukesh Gupta, founder of MaxVolt Energy.

“It's crucial for the company to monitor batteries, including battery life, and where and how it's been used. A telematics system helps with this. This system can also be used to shut down the battery,” Gupta told The Lallantop, as the Business Standard reported.

Since this app allows users to control the batteries remotely, many in India are exploiting this feature.

How are Indians shutting tirris using the app?

Several budget e-rickshaws and electric scooters in India use this BMS with almost no security, often with default Bluetooth settings left open.

The systems can be accessed by nearby smartphone users without a password or authentication, allowing users to immediately cut the vehicle's power output and bring it to a sudden halt, the Times of India (TOI) reported.

The app has reportedly been taken down from the iOS App Store; however, it remains available on the Google Play Store.

"Can kill people": How the internet reacted

For many, it's "Time for revenge", captions a post. It also reads:

"Bohot pareshan kiya hai tirri walon ne, ab inki rail banegi" (the-erickshaw drivers have caused enough trouble, now they'll suffer), reads the text on a viral video.

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However, as videos gain traction, people have called out the 'danger' online, pointing out that the trend could lead to accidents or traffic jams.

"Masti for some impacting rozi roti of others," wrote a user. "Imagine if it stops in the middle of a road... it can kill people..." another added.

"Whatever if even an e-rickshaw is wrong or not, no one should be allowed to stop them in the middle. They are also human, and that e-rickshaw is their only source of earning," one wrote, TOI reported.

"Mazak ho rha abhi toh...But kuch time baad issue hone lagega..." another commented, pointing out that it's a prank now, but could soon turn into a public safety issue.

With inputs from agencies