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An auto rickshaw or three-wheelers (tuk-tuk, auto, rick, autorick or rickshaw in popular parlance) is a motor vehicle that is one of the chief modes of transport across many parts of South and East Asia, especially as a vehicle for hire. It is a motorized version of the traditional rickshaw or velotaxi, a small three-wheeled cart driven by a person, and is related to the cabin cycle. Auto rickshaws are particularly popular where traffic congestion is a problem. They are common in many Asian cities like Bangkok, Dhaka, Ahmedabad, Pune, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, and some can be seen on the streets of China Town in London.

An auto rickshaw is generally characterized by a sheet-metal body or open frame that rests on three wheels, a canvas roof with drop-down sides, a small cabin in the front of the vehicle for the driver (called an auto-wallah in some areas), and seating space for three in the rear. They are generally fitted with an air-cooled scooter version of a two-stroke engine, with handlebar controls instead of a steering wheel. Auto rickshaws are light vehicles and only two or three people are required to fully lift one off the ground, which may be necessary when one breaks down.

Hiring an auto rickshaw often involves bargaining with the driver. In major cities of India, such as Chennai, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Bengaluru and Delhi, drivers are required to install fare meters in their auto rickshaws. The meters are calibrated according to the city guidelines. In cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad and Bengaluru, traffic-regulating authorities have tried to implement schemes in which passengers pay predetermined fares to a central authority before boarding the auto rickshaws. For example, in Chennai in 2006, the predetermined fare was in the range of Rs. 50 for many destinations within the central part of the city.

As a mode of transport, the auto rickshaw is turning out to be a major employer in India. All major nationalized banks of India offer loans to buy one under self-employment schemes. Major auto rickshaw manufacturers in India include Bajaj Auto and Force Motors. A two-wheeler major, TVS Motors, has announced it will enter the auto rickshaw market with a technologically updated and a less polluting vehicle, in early 2006. Not restricted to cities, auto rickshaws are also prevalent in large numbers in Indian villages and in the countryside. There is an initial charge at the beginning of a ride then the price normally increases in proportion to the distance. It is mandatory that the initial charge be set at a value given by the government.