The government has issued new rules to regulate the operation of battery-run three-wheeled rickshaws (e-rickshaws) in city corporation areas, making registration mandatory.
Under the new rules, a maximum of five e-rickshaws can be registered against one National Identity (NID) card, while an e-rickshaw registered in one city corporation cannot be operated commercially in another.
The regulations, titled “Rules of Battery-Run Low-Speed Three-Wheeled Rickshaws (E-Rickshaws) in City Corporation Areas, 2026”, were published in a gazette on Thursday. They apply to all e-rickshaws operating within city corporation areas across the country.
An e-rickshaw is defined as a low-speed, battery-operated three-wheeler with a government-approved speed limit of up to 25 kilometres per hour and a passenger capacity of two to four, excluding the driver.
Registration and eligibility
Each city corporation, with prior government approval and in consultation with the relevant traffic department, will determine the number of e-rickshaws allowed in its jurisdiction, either for the entire area or on a zone-wise basis.
Applicants must be Bangladeshi citizens, at least 18 years old and not declared of unsound mind by a competent court.
Each registered vehicle will receive a unique registration number with a QR code and a number plate, which must be displayed visibly. Registration will remain valid for five years.
A maximum of five e-rickshaws can be registered against one NID card across one or more city corporations. Operating without registration or valid renewal is prohibited.
Fitness, lifespan and safety
Every e-rickshaw must meet the technical and safety standards prescribed by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). Registration or renewal requires a fitness certificate countersigned by the relevant traffic department.
Existing vehicles may be modified to meet the standards with official approval and must also obtain the required fitness certificate. Insurance coverage will be introduced gradually.
The economic lifespan of an e-rickshaw is 12 years from registration, after which its registration and number plate must be cancelled. Every vehicle must have a speedometer or odometer.
Unregistered, illegal or mechanically unsafe vehicles cannot operate on roads.
Metropolitan traffic departments, law enforcement agencies and authorised executive magistrates may take joint or separate action against illegal e-rickshaws.
Roads, routes and operating restrictions
E-rickshaws are prohibited on national highways, expressways, elevated expressways, major bus routes, BRT corridors, footpaths and other roads restricted by the authorities.
Drivers must keep to the left lane and cannot use mobile phones while driving, overtake or change lanes without authorisation.
Routes will be determined jointly by the city corporations and traffic departments. Operations will be zone-based, meaning a vehicle registered in one zone cannot operate in another.
City corporations and the traffic department will determine the number of vehicles allowed in each zone, designated routes and vehicle colour codes.
Passenger capacity and speed limits
Depending on their size, e-rickshaws can carry two to four passengers, excluding the driver. Carrying commercial goods beyond items passengers can carry by hand is prohibited.
Horns must not exceed 40 decibels. The maximum speed is 15 kilometres per hour near schools, hospitals, religious sites and densely populated areas, and 25 kilometres per hour elsewhere.
Authorities may arrange driver training through recognised institutions, covering traffic laws, road safety and vehicle and battery maintenance.
Parking and charging facilities
Adequate parking areas must be arranged in every ward or other suitable locations in consultation with the relevant traffic department.
Batteries can only be charged at authorised charging points or garages licensed by the respective city corporation. These facilities should incorporate renewable or solar energy.
Authorities may establish charging stations, garages and battery-swapping centres through public-private partnerships, private investment or other suitable arrangements, in consultation with electricity distribution authorities and traffic departments.
Charging stations should have net-metering systems to supply excess daytime solar power to the national grid and use grid electricity for charging at night.
Government approval is mandatory for setting up charging stations, while unauthorised electricity use will be punishable under existing laws.
Over time, batteries will have to be charged exclusively at legally registered stations, and unregulated charging practices must be stopped.
Loans and battery recycling
Government, autonomous and private organisations, scheduled banks and finance companies may provide loans to e-rickshaw owners and drivers to purchase approved vehicles and develop supporting infrastructure.
Production, import and use of e-rickshaws, as well as battery recycling and management, must comply with the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995, and related rules and directives.
Old or damaged batteries must not be dumped in open spaces, on land, in water bodies or with general waste. Burning them is also prohibited.
Sellers must collect an old battery when selling a new one and send it to an authorised recycling facility.
Committee to regulate manufacturing
A committee headed by an additional secretary of the Urban Development Wing of the Local Government Division will recommend approval of e-rickshaw manufacturers and regulate production.
Its members will include the chief executive officer of the relevant city corporation; a representative of the Metropolitan Police Traffic Division, at least at the rank of Deputy Commissioner, or District Police, at least at the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police; a mechanical or electrical engineering representative from BUET or another relevant institution; a representative of the Deputy Commissioner, at least at the rank of Additional Deputy Commissioner; and the Deputy Secretary of the City Corporation-1 branch of the Local Government Division, who will serve as member-secretary.
The committee will examine vehicle designs and technical information against BUET's prescribed standards and safety features before recommending manufacturing approval. Production licences will be issued by the relevant authority with government approval. Additional members may be included when necessary.
Drivers must assist accident victims
In the event of an accident, an e-rickshaw driver must immediately stop the vehicle, assist the injured and report the incident to the relevant police authorities.
The police will then notify the appropriate authorities.