Digital Sabotage: How the Viral 'Tirri Control' Trend is Weaponizing a Battery App to Disable E-Rickshaws

New Delhi | July 01, 2026

A disturbing new digital trend is sweeping across Indian social media, turning a legitimate technological tool into a weapon for public mischief. A Chinese-developed smartphone application known as BAT-BMS has become the center of a viral phenomenon dubbed "tirri control," where users are remotely disabling e-rickshaws—popularly known as 'tirris'—using simple Bluetooth exploits. The trend, which has seen a massive surge in engagement on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, and X, is leaving drivers stranded and sparking a heated debate over public frustration versus digital ethics.

The Mechanics of the 'Tirri Control' Exploit

The "prank" involves creators approaching unsuspecting e-rickshaws or electric scooters and using the BAT-BMS app to intercept the vehicle's battery management system. By connecting to the battery via Bluetooth, users can flip a digital discharge switch, instantly cutting the power and bringing the vehicle to a sudden, unexpected halt. These moments are then filmed, often with captions celebrating the act as "revenge" for traffic mismanagement.

The vulnerability lies in the hardware used by many budget-friendly electric vehicles. According to technical observations, many of these e-rickshaws utilize Chinese-manufactured Battery Management Systems (BMS) that suffer from significant security oversights, including:

• Open Bluetooth Protocols: Many systems lack any form of encryption or password protection.
• Default Authentication: Users can often connect to the battery within a 10-15 meter range without needing any credentials.
• Unsecured Remote Controls: Features intended for real-time monitoring of voltage and temperature are being repurposed to control the actual power output of the battery.

A Divided Public Sentiment: Justice or Harassment?

The rise of "tirri control" has exposed a deep social rift. On one side, many social media commenters view the trend as a form of "karma." This segment of the public expresses long-standing frustration with e-rickshaw drivers, citing unmanaged traffic, disregard for road rules, and general chaos on the streets. For these users, the sudden shutdown of a vehicle is seen as a deserved consequence for poor driving habits.

Conversely, a growing wave of backlash has emerged, with creators and bystanders calling out the sheer insensitivity of the prank. Critics point out that these drivers often work in adverse conditions and may lack the technological literacy to understand why their vehicles have failed. In some instances, drivers have been seen helplessly pleading for help or even paying strangers small amounts of money to restart their vehicles. This has led to a counter-movement of content aimed at highlighting the human cost of these digital stunts.

The Tool Behind the Trend: BAT-BMS

Developed by Shenzhen Grenergy Technology, BAT-BMS is technically a legitimate tool designed for the precise monitoring and optimization of lithium batteries. It allows users to track critical metrics such as voltage, current, and temperature. While the app has reportedly been removed from the iOS App Store, it remains available on the Google Play Store, continuing to provide a gateway for those looking to exploit these widespread hardware vulnerabilities.