New Delhi: A Chinese smartphone app called BAT-BMS is now at the centre of a viral trend where users exploit it to remotely disable e-rickshaws—popularly referred to as ‘tirris’—via Bluetooth.
Videos demonstrating “tirri control” have gone viral on Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, and X. Creators are filming themselves approaching e-rickshaws and electric scooters, opening BAT-BMS, connecting to the battery, and flipping the discharge switch, leaving the e-rickshaw drivers stranded and confused.
“Bohot pareshan kiya hai tirri walon ne, ab inki rail banegi (the e-rickshaw drivers have caused enough trouble, now they’ll suffer),” reads the text on a viral reel posted with the caption, “Time for revenge”.
The response to some of these reels indicates that the “prank” stems from public frustration over unmanaged e-rickshaw traffic.
“Well deserved. They are the worst drivers on the road with no regard for other motorists, rules, or any order,” a user wrote on Reddit. A large number of commenters share the sentiment, attributing the drivers’ misery to “karma” for bad driving.
However, many have expressed sympathy for the e-rickshaw drivers. Several creators have spoken out against the misuse of the app, urging people to be considerate toward the drivers who face adverse working conditions.
Some counter–content captures the drivers’ confusion as they helplessly plead against the prank. These creators are calling out the insensitivity in the prank.
Not all drivers have access to smartphones, or the technological understanding to operate the new app. In one of the reels, a driver talks about having paid money (Rs 100-200) to strangers to have his e-rickshaw turned back on. Other reels demonstrate how bystanders can help stranded drivers by restarting their vehicles.
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What is BAT-BMS?
Developed by Shenzhen Grenergy Technology, BAT-BMS is a legitimate tool for battery management. It allows users to wirelessly connect to compatible Bluetooth-enabled lithium batteries within a 10-15 metre range. As per the official website, it allows real-time monitoring of battery status, including voltage, temperature, and current. The app enables precise control and optimisation of battery performance. It also allows users to remotely control the batteries—a feature that is now being exploited to turn off e-rickshaw batteries for amusement and views.
Many budget e-rickshaws and electric scooters in India use Chinese-manufactured Battery Management Systems (BMS) with minimal to no security, often with default open Bluetooth settings. These systems allow nearby smartphone users to connect without passwords or authentication, instantly cutting power output and bringing the vehicle to a sudden halt.
The app remains available on the Google Play Store, although it has reportedly been taken down from the iOS App Store. It currently has relatively low ratings, with many user reviews mentioning connectivity issues.
While the app’s misuse has been a part of conversations online, there has been no verifiable confirmation of the incidents. The authorities have not officially commented on the matter.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)