After long deliberations, authorities may legalise the plying of only those battery-run rickshaws manufactured in authorised factories, according to a proposed policy on the matter.
Zoom out:
- Calls had grown to outright ban such rickshaws from major roads of the capital or at least bring them under regulation.
- To this end, the government drafted the Electric Three-Wheeler Management Policy 2025, detailing how battery rickshaws can be produced, procured, used, and limited on roads.
- According to the Road Transport and Highways Division, the policy is in the process of finalisation after inter-ministerial meetings and related procedures.
Zoom in:
- Bangladesh is moving to regulate its booming fleet of battery-run rickshaws by restricting production to authorised factories and capping their use on designated routes.
- Officials say the policy will ensure safety and discipline on the roads
- Critics warn it could harm millions of workers and worsen congestion.
What has been said: Md Nasim Ahmed, general manager (transport) of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) spoke to Stream explaining how the policy can prove to be beneficial and what is being looked at.
- "To ensure discipline, maintain quality standards and reduce the risks associated with unregulated vehicles, only authorised factories will be allowed to manufacture battery-rickshaws."
- Factories will not be able to manufacture freely; production will be demand-based.
- Vehicles must be registered with local administrations.
- The cost is not fixed yet as battery type (lithium or lead-based) remains undecided.
- "What we want to ensure is that the vehicle should be affordable for a buyer."
Inside the ordinance
The Local Government (City Corporation) Act, 2009 was amended and published on 28 August 2025, incorporating some aspects of the policy.
- Defines battery-operated rickshaws (e-rickshaws) as slow-moving vehicles.
- Permits their use for public transport in areas designated by roads, city, or corporation.
- Sets a speed limit of 30 km/h.
- Allows operation only on designated routes, excluding highways and bus routes, though service lanes may be used.
Inside the policy
- Licensing: Mandatory for drivers; vehicles must be registered. Local authorities will issue licences.
- Ownership: Maximum of 3 medium-speed and 5 low-speed auto-rickshaws per individual.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h for medium-speed; 30 km/h for low-speed.
- Fares: To be determined by BRTA.
- Upgrades: All battery rickshaws must convert to safe models within one year.
- Operations: Passenger and Goods Transport Committees under the Road Transport Act will decide numbers and routes.
- Coverage:
- Medium-speed auto-rickshaws, auto-tempos, motor-cab rickshaws, and three-wheel vans permitted in city corporation areas and "A" category municipalities.
- Districts and upazilas may allow them on designated routes.
- Low-speed rickshaws limited to local routes in districts, metropolitan areas, upazilas, and unions.
- Vehicle standards: Motors, controllers, gearboxes, axles, rims, brakes, speedometers, headlights, shock absorbers, batteries, chargers, etc., must be approved by BSTI, based on BRTA's opinion.
- Manufacturers: Must register with BIDA and relevant authorities.
How to get a factory licence
- Factories must submit prototypes to local administrations for initial checks.
- If compliant, applications are referred to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives.
- A high-power technical committee examines technical details and visits factories.
- The committee reports directly to the ministry, which grants licences if satisfied.
The committee:
- Formed on 23 July 2025, headed by DNCC administrator Mohammad Azaz.
- Includes members from BITAC, BUET, BRTA, BSTI, DSCC's CEO, and four senior officials from the two corporations.
- Md Anisur Rahman, superintendent engineer (mechanical), DSCC: first factory visits scheduled for next week.
Critics say
Khalekuzzaman Lipon, convenor of the Rickshaw-Van and Easybike Sangram Parishad:
- Criticised City Corporations' involvement in licensing without proper arrangements or expertise.
- Called the move anti-people and urged revocation of the amendment.
- Said the draft empowers the LGD to set design standards but lacks institutional capacity.
- Warned workers would be vulnerable to private insurers and training providers.
- Highlighted gaps:
- Draft allows two-passenger rickshaws but ignores six-passenger easybikes.
- Proposes permanent licence cancellation for drivers fleeing accidents.
- No timelines for replacing existing vehicles.
- Warned that licensing millions of vehicles requires vast manpower; outsourcing could compromise quality.
- Noted BRTA is absent, with management shifted to a bureaucratic committee.
The big picture
- Over 6 million battery-operated rickshaws/easybikes nationwide; 1–1.2 million in Dhaka.
- No decision yet on replacement of existing vehicles.
- Officials stress protecting drivers' livelihoods before action.
Corporation data:
- DSCC: 52,000 registered rickshaws.
- DNCC: 28,000 licensed rickshaws.
- Official total: 80,000.
- Analysts estimate 500,000–1,000,000 actually in operation, 80–90% unregistered or informal.
Expert concerns
Kazi Md Shifun Newaz, Assistant Professor, Accident Research Institute (ARI), BUET:
- Policy without replacement mechanism risks worsening congestion.
- Speed limits too high; 20 km/h would be enough for community roads.
- Current designs mirror outdated CNG-style models.
- Suggested upgrades: better ventilation, rain protection, adjustable hoods, solar integration.
- Criticised missed opportunities for green energy and pedal-to-battery conversion.
- Warned compliance and enforcement will be difficult.
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