Dhaka:The government has introduced new regulations requiring the registration and licensing of battery-powered three-wheeled rickshaws, known as e-rickshaws, in Dhaka and other city corporation areas throughout Bangladesh. This initiative aims to bring order to the transport system within these urban regions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Local Government Division released the 'Rules for the Operation of Battery-Run Low-Speed Three-Wheeled Rickshaws (E-Rickshaws) in City Corporation Areas, 2026' via a gazette notification today. These rules stipulate that each e-rickshaw must be registered with a competent authority, featuring a unique QR-code-based registration number and number plate. The registration will be valid for five years, and a single national identity card can be used to register up to five e-rickshaws across city corporations.
Under the new rules, e-rickshaws are restricted from commercial operations outside their registered city corporation areas. Additionally, obtaining registration and renewal will require a fitness certificate verifying compliance with technical and safety standards set by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), along with a countersignature from the relevant traffic department. Existing e-rickshaws might need structural modifications to meet these prescribed standards.
The regulations also specify that e-rickshaws will be covered under insurance in phases. They will have an economic lifespan of 12 years from the date of registration and must be equipped with a speedometer or odometer. Moreover, e-rickshaws are prohibited from operating on national highways, expressways, elevated expressways, BRT corridors, and other restricted roads, and they must not use footpaths. Drivers are instructed to stay in the left lane, avoid illegal overtaking and lane changes, and refrain from using mobile phones while driving.
Passenger limits are set based on vehicle size, allowing a maximum of two or four passengers, excluding the driver. In areas near schools, hospitals, religious institutions, and crowded places, the speed limit is restricted to 15 kilometres per hour. Authorities and traffic departments will regulate zone-based routes, colours, and the number of e-rickshaws permitted in each zone. E-rickshaws are also restricted from using horns exceeding 40 decibels in intensity.
The rules further include provisions for designated parking and licensed charging facilities, emphasizing the use of renewable energy and solar power at charging points. Proper disposal and recycling of used batteries are mandated in accordance with environmental laws, with a ban on their dumping or burning in open areas, soil, water bodies, or general waste.