Millions of people have watched the videos: a prankster taps on a smartphone screen, and a moving e-rickshaw suddenly stops. Drivers look confused while photographers laugh. But on the streets, this social media “trend” has created a real danger.
Behind the jokes is a fundamental flaw in how some electric three-wheelers are built. Many modern ones E-rickshaws use Bluetooth-enabled battery systems. To monitor battery health, manufacturers use applications such as BAT-BMS and Lossigy.
Some of these systems are built without any password protection or authentication. Anyone within Bluetooth range can download the app, connect to a nearby vehicle, and cut off its power with one tap.
In a In a test conducted by Hindustan Times with the driver’s consent, the e-rickshaw was turned off remotely and could only be restarted through the app itself.
About the “E-rickshaw” application.
BAT-BMS is a mobile application developed by Chinese manufacturer Shenzhen Greenergy Technology. It allows users to monitor Bluetooth-enabled lithium-ion battery packs wirelessly, according to the Google Play Store.
According to the app description, BAT-BMS offers the following features:
- Connects to compatible Bluetooth-enabled lithium batteries.
- Shows battery charge (SOC), voltage, current, temperature, cycle life and cell health.
- Tracks battery charging and discharging cycles.
- Works with phones that support Bluetooth 5.0 (BLE).
- It has a wireless range of up to 15 metres.
- Multiple batteries can be monitored, but only one phone can control a battery at a time.
How does a kill switch work?
The problem is not the application itself, but rather the way some battery systems are built.
Many low-cost lithium-ion battery packs used in e-rickshaws come with Bluetooth and no password protection. This allows anyone nearby to connect to the battery using apps like BAT-BMS or Lossigy.
After connecting, the user can click on the “Unload Key” within the application.
This immediately cuts off power to the e-rickshaw and prevents it from moving. The driver cannot restart the vehicle using the ignition key because the battery remains switched off.
The battery must be restarted through the application.
E-rickshaws powered by old lead-acid batteries are safe because they do not have Bluetooth technology. Some newer lithium-ion batteries also use their own software or password protection, which prevents third-party applications from connecting.
How can drivers prevent this?
- changing Bluetooth Password – Open the BAT-BMS APP, connect to the battery and go to Settings or Parameter Settings. If the option is available, replace the default password with a new one.
- Turn off remote control features – Some battery systems include options like remote control lock or app control lock. This can be played.
- Disconnecting Bluetooth: Drivers who do not need Bluetooth can ask a technician to disconnect the Bluetooth module from the battery management system. The e-rickshaw will continue to operate normally, but other phones will no longer detect or communicate with the battery.
