Dhaka:Registration of battery-powered three-wheeled e-rickshaws is set to begin in 13 city corporations across Bangladesh on Monday. This initiative is part of the government's plan to bring these vehicles under a legal regulatory framework, which will eventually lead to the issuance of driving licenses to their operators in phases.
According to United News of Bangladesh, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam announced this decision at the Secretariat. During a briefing on the rules for these slow-moving battery-powered three-wheelers, he emphasized that the registration process aims to bring e-rickshaws under legal management after operating without a formal framework for 15 to 30 years. The legal basis for this move was established through an amendment to the Local Government (City Corporation) Act, 2009, which was passed in 2026.
Under the new rules, a two-passenger e-rickshaw registration will cost Tk 8,000, with an annual renewal fee of Tk 4,000 following a fitness inspection. For four-passenger models, the registration fee is Tk 10,000, with a Tk 500 renewal fee after a year. E-rickshaws will be allowed to operate for a maximum of 12 years, and an additional Tk 1,000 will be charged for displaying a fitness certificate containing a QR code issued by the respective city corporation.
To regulate e-rickshaw production, a seven-member committee has been formed, comprising representatives from the Local Government Division, BUET, city corporations, police traffic departments, and district administrations. The state minister highlighted that vehicles must adhere to designs approved by BUET, and existing rickshaws must be modified accordingly. The rules prohibit breaking or melting down e-rickshaw batteries and specify penalties for various offenses, including operating unregistered e-rickshaws and exceeding speed limits.
In Dhaka, a zoning system will be implemented, dividing the city into eight zones, each with distinct e-rickshaw colors to prevent cross-zone operation. The number of e-rickshaws in each zone will be determined by discussions between traffic police and city corporations, though a total number has not been set.
The issuance of driving licenses will follow the registration process. The government plans to prioritize vehicle registration before addressing licensing due to the challenges of processing numerous applications simultaneously. Existing e-rickshaw drivers in Dhaka have been assured that there will be no immediate cessation of their operations.
The rules also address e-rickshaw charging stations, permitting solar-powered charging facilities at designated locations. Unauthorized electricity use for charging will face legal action, and city corporation magistrates will monitor compliance. E-rickshaw fares will be determined on a per-kilometer basis once registration begins, following consultations among stakeholders.
Source United News of Bangladesh