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Friday | October 30, 2026 | Dhaka

Govt sets rules for battery-powered rickshaws

 Staff Reporter
 Published: 12:09 AM, 30 October 2026

The government has issued new rules to regulate battery-powered three-wheelers, commonly known as e-rickshaws, in city corporation areas, introducing mandatory registration, speed limits, rout e restrictions and safety requirements.

The Local Government Division under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives issued the gazette notification on Thursday, October 29, under the title Rules on the Operation of Three-Wheeled Low-Speed Battery-Operated Rickshaws (E-Rickshaws) in City Corporation Areas, 2026.The rules took effect immediately and replaced the previous regulations issued in December 2025.

Under the new rules, a two-passenger e-rickshaw will require a one-time registration fee of Tk 8,000 and an annual renewal fee of Tk 4,000.

For a four-passenger vehicle, the registration fee has been set at Tk 10,000, while the annual renewal fee will be Tk 5,000.All e-rickshaws will require a fitness certificate costing Tk 1,000. Applicants must submit a certified copy of their national identity card, two certified passport-sized photographs, proof of payment and the required fitness certificate.

Authorities must issue registration within 30 working days if an application meets the requirements. If an application is rejected, the applicant must receive written reasons within seven working days.

An appeal may be filed with the higher authority within 10 working days.Each registered vehicle will receive a unique registration number with a QR code, a number plate and a registration document containing detailed information. Registration will remain valid for five years.

One national identity card may be used to register up to five e-rickshaws across one or more city corporations. However, a vehicle registered in one city corporation cannot operate commercially in another city corporation area.

The rules set the maximum speed for e-rickshaws at 25 kilometres per hour. The limit will be 15 kilometres per hour near schools, hospitals, places of worship and crowded areas.

Depending on the vehicle’s design, an e-rickshaw may carry a maximum of two or four passengers, excluding the driver. Carrying commercial goods beyond passengers’ hand-carried belongings will not be allowed. Horn noise must not exceed 40 decibels.

E-rickshaws will be prohibited from national highways, expressways, elevated expressways, bus rapid transit corridors, restricted roads and footpaths. Drivers must use the left lane and must not use mobile phones while driving, overtake unlawfully or change lanes improperly.

City corporations and traffic authorities will jointly determine routes. City corporation areas will be divided into zones, with specific limits on vehicle numbers, designated roads and colours for each zone.

Vehicles authorised to operate in one zone will not be permitted to run in another. Authorities will also arrange designated parking areas in wards or suitable locations.

Each vehicle’s economic lifespan has been set at 12 years from registration. After that period, its registration and number plate must be cancelled. Speedometers or odometers will be mandatory.

Vehicle designs and fitness must meet technical and safety standards set by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). Unregistered vehicles and those with mechanical or safety defects cannot operate on roads.

Battery charging must take place at authorised charging points or licensed garages. Illegal electricity use for charging may result in legal action.The rules also prohibit dumping or burning used batteries in open spaces, soil, water bodies or ordinary waste.

Sellers must collect an old battery when selling a new one and ensure that it is sent to an authorised recycling plant. Battery dismantling or melting requires environmental clearance.

Driving without registration, exceeding speed limits, carrying extra passengers, operating on prohibited roads, using unauthorised batteries and fleeing after an accident are among the offences covered by the rules. Violators may face legal action.