Master at work: Choo working on a trishaw at his workshop in Jalan Pintal Tali, which is popular among tourists. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: There may be no more spare spokes to repair the wheels of today’s Penang trishaws within the next three years.No factory in the world makes the spokes for the Penang trishaw’s wheels anymore.
But one trishaw repairman here bought several thousand spokes when he sensed that the part would soon become obsolete.
Choo Yew Choon expects to have enough of this spare part to service Penang trishaws for another three years. After that, they will fade into history or must face a fundamental makeover.
“Every trishaw wheel needs 64 spokes,” Choo explained.
“If a trishaw gets into an accident or runs over a deep pothole and its wheel goes askew, chances are that all the spokes in the wheel set would have to be changed.”Choo, 67, still has about 2,000 spokes left and expects this to be enough for him to maintain trishaw wheels until he retires at 70.
Unlike modern-day bicycles, the wheels and frame of a trishaw are thicker and sturdier to handle the extra burden.
Choo said when the spare parts run out, he does not know where to find replacements.
“I am the fourth-generation owner of this business, which started over 100 years ago. I took over from my father in 1994.
“There used to be more than 10 shops making and repairing trishaws. Now I’m the only one left,” he said, adding that each trishaw weighs nearly 100kg and costs around RM8,000.
Choo has earned accolades and has been recognised as a member of the living heritage element of George Town’s Unesco World Heritage Site.
His workshop in Jalan Pintal Tali is a popular spot for tourists.
He said he will carry this legacy “to the end” as none of his three sons want to learn his skills or continue the family business.
“I believe trishaws will eventually be equipped with electric motors,” he predicted.
Penang’s first trishaw took to the road in 1935. Its Malay name, beca, comes from the Penang Hokkien term beh-chia (horse cart).Penang’s trishaws are designed to have riders pedalling from behind, while those in Melaka have riders pedalling from beside their passengers.
