Delhi orders probe into Chinese app disabling e-rickshaws via Bluetooth

The Delhi government has ordered its Transport department to investigate claims and social media videos showing a Chinese mobile application named 'BAT-BMS' being used to remotely disable e-rickshaws in Delhi. The directive follows the recent emergence of videos on social media platforms showing unauthorized users switching off the battery discharge functions of the vehicles, leaving drivers stranded.

Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Singh directed the department to look into the matter and examine the application and the claims surrounding its use. Singh stated that while he is yet to receive a written complaint, people have raised the issue at his office.

"I have asked the department to verify the claims," Minister Singh said, adding that the action of disabling the vehicles is illegal and that the police may take action.

According to a senior Delhi government official, preliminary findings suggest that the application can connect to Bluetooth-enabled lithium batteries within a limited range. The 'BAT-BMS' app is primarily designed to monitor battery parameters such as voltage, temperature, and current in real time. However, it is allegedly being misused to disable the vehicles.

The official explained that many e-rickshaws in the city use China-manufactured Battery Management Systems (BMS) that feature little to no Bluetooth security. This lack of security allows nearby users to easily connect to the batteries through the application.

"There is no password or authentication. As a result, cutting the power output and bringing the vehicle to a halt becomes easy," the official said.

The issue came to light after videos began circulating on social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and X. The videos show users of the application connecting to the e-rickshaws' batteries and switching off their discharge function, leaving the vehicles completely stranded on the road.