Can A Chinese App Really Stop Your E-Rickshaw? Inside The Viral 'Tirri Trend' Prank Videos

Last Updated:July 03, 2026, 07:58 IST

The pranks have highlighted safety concerns. If a vehicle suddenly loses power, it could block traffic, lead to accidents, leave passengers stranded, and hit drivers financially

A little-known Chinese battery-management app has suddenly come under the scanner after videos surfaced online showing people remotely switching off e-rickshaws in the middle of roads, leaving drivers stranded and triggering concerns about public safety.

The app, known as BAT BMS (also referred to as BMS/Tirri Control in some versions), is used to manage and monitor lithium-ion batteries fitted in many low-cost electric vehicles, particularly e-rickshaws. Authorities are now investigating whether the app’s design allows unauthorised users to access and control vehicles that they do not own. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) too has begun examining the issue after videos of such “pranks" went viral.

The controversy has raised a larger question: Can a smartphone app really stop a vehicle remotely? The answer appears to be yes, at least in certain cases.

The ‘Tirri Control’ Trend

The controversy began after dozens of short videos started circulating on Instagram, YouTube, X and Reddit, showing people using the BAT BMS app to remotely interfere with compatible e-rickshaws.

Most of the clips follow a similar pattern. People are seen standing by the roadside, opening the BAT BMS app, connecting to a nearby battery and allegedly switching off the vehicle while it is in motion. Drivers are left confused as their e-rickshaw suddenly loses power in the middle of traffic.

Several creators have branded these videos as ‘Tirri Control’ (a colloquial reference to e-rickshaws in parts of North India). The clips often show pranksters approaching passing e-rickshaws, connecting to the battery through the app and filming the driver’s reaction after the vehicle comes to an abrupt halt.

Some videos also show pranksters, or bystanders, using the same app to switch the battery back on, portraying the entire incident as entertainment. In other clips, stranded drivers can be seen asking passers-by for help to restart their vehicles.

While authorities have not confirmed that every viral video is genuine, the videos have been significant enough to trigger government scrutiny.

What Exactly Is BAT BMS?

BAT BMS is a battery-management application linked to Battery Management Systems (BMS) used in electric vehicles.

A BMS acts as the “brain" of an EV battery. It monitors battery health, charging cycles, temperature, voltage levels, and power output. Many battery manufacturers provide companion apps that allow users to view battery data on their phones via Bluetooth or internet connectivity.

According to Business Standard, BAT BMS is associated with battery systems used in a large number of e-rickshaws and low-speed EVs sold in India.

How Can Someone Else Shut Down An E-Rickshaw?

This is the aspect now under investigation. Reports suggest that some versions of the app may allow users to discover nearby batteries and connect to them without sufficiently robust authentication measures.

Once connected, users can allegedly access functions such as turning power on or off, restricting battery output, changing settings, and disabling vehicle movement. Videos circulating online showed individuals apparently identifying nearby e-rickshaws and remotely disabling them, causing vehicles to stop unexpectedly.

The Indian Express reported that authorities are still verifying the authenticity of all viral videos and determining the precise technical mechanism involved. However, the videos have raised enough concern for both central and state authorities to begin inquiries.

What Happened In Ujjain?

The issue moved beyond social media after police action in Madhya Pradesh.

A suspect was detained in Ujjain after allegedly using the app to interfere with e-rickshaws and upload videos online. Investigators are examining whether the individual exploited weaknesses in the app’s access controls to disrupt vehicles remotely.

The case has become one of the first instances where authorities have treated the alleged misuse of such battery-management software as a public-safety concern rather than merely an online prank.

Why Are Experts Worried?

The biggest concern is safety.

Most e-rickshaws operate in crowded urban areas, near schools and markets, on busy roads, and with multiple passengers onboard. If a vehicle suddenly loses power, it could block traffic, create accidents, leave passengers stranded, and expose drivers to financial losses.

Cybersecurity experts have warned that any system allowing remote access to vehicle controls must have strong authentication and encryption safeguards. A vulnerability that allows strangers to connect to batteries could potentially be exploited on a much larger scale.

Are Electric Cars Next?

Not necessarily. Most mainstream electric cars sold by major manufacturers use far more sophisticated security systems.

These generally include encrypted communications, user authentication, secure cloud infrastructure, and proprietary access controls. The BAT BMS controversy primarily concerns lower-cost battery systems used in some e-rickshaws and smaller EVs.

However, cybersecurity specialists say the episode serves as a reminder that connected vehicles are increasingly becoming software-driven machines, making digital security as important as mechanical safety.

What Is the Government Doing?

According to Firstpost, MeitY has begun examining the issue and is seeking details about the app’s functioning and security architecture.

Authorities are expected to assess whether unauthorised access is possible, if Indian user data is being stored securely, whether the app complies with Indian cybersecurity requirements, the extent of Chinese involvement in the software ecosystem, and whether regulatory intervention is required.

The investigation remains at an early stage, and officials have not yet announced any restrictions on the app.

Is The App Actually Chinese?

Multiple media reports have described BAT BMS as a Chinese-origin application linked to battery-management hardware manufactured in China.

However, the ownership structure, server infrastructure and software supply chain are among the aspects reportedly being examined by authorities.

The focus of the investigation is not only the app’s origin but also whether its security architecture adequately protects Indian users.

What Should E-Rickshaw Owners Do?

Experts recommend updating battery software wherever possible, changing default passwords, limiting Bluetooth discoverability when not required, checking with battery manufacturers for security patches, avoiding unauthorised versions of the app, and reporting suspicious activity to manufacturers and authorities.

Drivers who notice unexplained battery disconnections or unusual app behaviour are also being advised to contact their battery supplier.

What’s clear for now is that what began as a series of viral social-media videos has exposed a potentially serious vulnerability in parts of India’s fast-growing electric mobility ecosystem.

About the Author

Apoorva Misra

Apoorva Misra is a News Editor at News18.com with a keen interest in politics and current affairs. She loves uncovering fresh angles and telling stories through long-form features and explainers. Foll...Read More

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