Tuk-tuk facts

1. Tuk-tuks are widely used as personal transport and as taxis in southeast Asia, particularly in India and Thailand.
2. In India they are called auto-rickshaws, and they are also popular in Guatemala and Peru.
3. They are built around a three-wheeled scooter, and have a two-stroke, water cooled engine.
4. The driver sits up front in the centre and steers using handlebars while passengers sit at the back under a canopy or metal shell, often open to the sides and front.
5. Many tuk-tuks are highly decorated, either painted or with hammered metal good luck charms.
6. The noise of the engine while idling gives the vehicle its name.