Chukudu
The chukudu (or chikudu, cbokoudou, tshukudu)[1] is a two-wheeled vehicle used in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is made of wood, and used for transporting freight.
The chikudu generally has an angular frame, two small wheels (often of wood, sometimes wrapped with rubber), handlebars, and a pad for the operator to place their knee on while propelling the vehicle with their leg.[2] On a descent, the rider stands on the deck like a kick scooter. At flat ground, the rider can put one knee on the deck and push the ground by the other foot like a knee scooter.
In 2008, chikudus were selling for US$100 with a cost of materials of nearly US$60.[3] Similarly, in 2014 they cost $50 to $100 and were used to earn up to $10 per day, in an area where most people live on less than $2 per day.[1]
References
- ^ a b "Tshukudu, the All-Purpose Transport Scooter is Congo's Lifeline". NDTV. July 3, 2014. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
- ^ Robyn Dixon (January 21, 2013). "Congo's chairmen of the boards". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
- ^ Alex Halperin and Jina Moore (August 29, 2008). "Wood, wheels, workhorse: the chikudu story". Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
External links
- Chukudus – A no nonsense local transporter that changes lives of Congo’s poor « TransportGooru
- The Chukudu Is a Small Ride That's a Big Wheel in Congo - Washington Post 2009
- In eastern Congo, handmade chukudu scooters rule the road - Washington Post 2010
- Chukudus in Goma - YouTube
- Chukudus of Goma
See also
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