Those "tri-cycles" that the articles mentions are called "autos" in India. They are usually used as taxis. It's interesting how Google chose to use them rather than a car! A good example of localization!
http://googleindia.blogspot.com/2011/05/google-street-view-s...
http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2009/05/18/google-street-view-...
Now those babies will get you through all the back-alleys and streets in no time. The only problem would be mounting their camera on it. I think they ve solved harder problems.