Modelling the Equivalency Factor of E-Rickshaw under Heterogeneous Traffic Conditions

E-rickshaws, as emerging transport modes, notably affect mixed traffic flow on urban roadways. To evaluate their influence relative to other vehicle types, this study aim was to determine the Passenger Car Unit (PCU) value for e-rickshaws, as the Indian Roads Congress has yet to assign one. Three analytical methods were used: Chandra’s method, the homogeneous coefficient method, and multiple linear regression. Data were gathered via three-hour video recordings at three different locations, each in Hapur and Sonipat. Using VLC media player, vehicle speeds and counts were extracted for analysis. The data were then processed in SPSS and Excel to derive equivalency values and assess influencing factors. Results indicate that the e-rickshaw’s PCU value increases with rising traffic speed, but decreases with higher e-rickshaw concentration. Additionally, when the traffic volume increases, but composition remains unchanged, the PCU value for e-rickshaws shows a declining trend. These findings can help to refine the traffic flow modelling in heterogeneous conditions.