Viral Videos Show E-Rickshaws Being Stopped Remotely
Several viral videos circulating on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, and X show individuals connecting to nearby e-rickshaws through a smartphone app and abruptly cutting power to the vehicles. In many clips, the e-rickshaw suddenly comes to a halt, leaving drivers confused and stranded in the middle of busy roads.
One widely shared reel features the caption, "Time for revenge," alongside the text, "Bohot pareshan kiya hai tirri walon ne, ab inki rail banegi," suggesting that the prank is a form of retaliation against e-rickshaw drivers, who are often criticised for reckless driving and traffic violations.
While some social media users have framed the trend as "karma" for irresponsible driving, others have condemned it as a dangerous act that could have severe real-world consequences.
Drivers Left Helpless
Some videos show distressed drivers pleading with pranksters to restore their vehicles. In one clip, an e-rickshaw driver claims he had to pay strangers between ₹100 and ₹200 to get his vehicle running again after it was remotely disabled.
For many drivers, an e-rickshaw is their primary or only source of income. Even a brief interruption can result in financial losses, while a sudden shutdown in traffic could put both drivers and passengers at risk.
What Is BAT-BMS?
BAT-BMS is a legitimate battery management application developed by Shenzhen Grenergy Technology in Shenzhen, China. The app is designed to help users monitor and manage compatible Bluetooth-enabled lithium batteries.
Its features include:
Real-time monitoring of battery voltage, temperature, and current.
Wireless connection to compatible batteries within approximately 10 to 15 metres.
Remote battery management and performance optimisation.
Battery status monitoring for maintenance and diagnostics.
The application itself is intended for legitimate battery management and maintenance. However, some users are reportedly exploiting its remote-control capabilities to interfere with electric vehicles.
How Is the App Being Misused?
According to reports, many budget-friendly e-rickshaws and electric scooters in India use Chinese-manufactured Battery Management Systems (BMS) that have limited security protections.
These systems often feature:
Bluetooth enabled by default.
Little or no authentication requirements.
Weak or absent password protection.
As a result, nearby smartphone users may be able to connect to compatible batteries without authorization and remotely disable the battery's power output. This leaves the vehicle immobilized until the battery system is reset or reconnected.
Reports also suggest that while BAT-BMS is no longer available on Apple's iOS App Store, it remains accessible through the Google Play Store.
Growing Public Safety Concerns
The viral trend has triggered widespread criticism from social media users, many of whom warn that disabling vehicles on public roads could result in serious accidents, traffic congestion, or even fatalities.
One user commented, "Masti for some impacting rozi roti of others."
Another wrote, "Imagine if it stops in the middle of a road... it can kill people."
Several people also pointed out that most e-rickshaw drivers depend entirely on their vehicles to earn a living. Disabling them as a prank not only disrupts their income but also creates unnecessary hardship.
Others warned that what currently appears to be an online trend could quickly evolve into a larger public safety issue if left unchecked.
A Prank With Serious Consequences
Experts and social media users alike are urging people not to misuse technology in ways that endanger others. While BAT-BMS serves a legitimate purpose for battery management, exploiting it to disable moving or parked electric vehicles without permission can have dangerous consequences.
Beyond disrupting transportation, such actions can jeopardize passenger safety, create hazardous traffic situations, and negatively impact the livelihoods of drivers who rely on their vehicles every day.
As the trend continues to spread online, many are calling for greater awareness, stronger security measures in Battery Management Systems, and responsible use of technology to prevent further misuse.
