Bangladesh has introduced the Three-Wheeled Slow-Speed Battery-Operated Rickshaw (E-Rickshaw) Operation Rules, 2026, making registration and fitness certification mandatory for battery-powered rickshaws operating in all city corporation areas, including Dhaka.

The rules, issued through a notification by the Local Government Division under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, under Section 120 of the Local Government (City Corporation) Act, 2009, also require vehicles to comply with the technical and safety standards prescribed by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).

Registration requirements

Applicants must submit the prescribed application form, supporting documents and applicable fees to the relevant authority. Applications will be assessed against BUET's technical and safety standards, with registration to be completed within 30 working days of receipt if the requirements are met.

Each registered vehicle will receive a unique registration number containing a QR code and a number plate. The QR-coded number must be displayed prominently on the vehicle. Registration certificates will remain valid for five years.

If an application is rejected, the authority must notify the applicant in writing, stating the reasons, within seven working days. The applicant may appeal to the higher authority within 10 working days of receiving the rejection order, whose decision will be final.

An individual may register up to five e-rickshaws across one or more city corporations using a single national identity card. However, a vehicle registered in one city corporation cannot operate commercially in another.

Fitness certification and vehicle standards

Registration and renewal require a fitness certificate issued in accordance with BUET's technical and safety specifications and countersigned by the relevant traffic department. Authorities responsible for issuing certificates and providing countersignatures must maintain separate registration records.

Existing e-rickshaws may also be registered after structural modifications to meet BUET's requirements and obtaining fitness certificates countersigned by the relevant traffic department. The government plans to extend insurance coverage to these vehicles gradually.

Each vehicle will have an economic lifespan of 12 years from its registration date, after which its registration and number plate must be cancelled. Speedometers or odometers will be mandatory, and unregistered, defective or unsafe vehicles cannot operate.

If a mechanical defect is detected, the vehicle must immediately display a visible sign at the front stating that it is unfit for operation due to the fault. Arrangements must also be made for repairs. Traffic departments, law enforcement agencies and designated executive magistrates will be authorised to take joint or separate action against unregistered or otherwise illegal e-rickshaws.

Road restrictions and passenger limits

E-rickshaws will be prohibited from operating on national highways, expressways, elevated expressways, major bus routes and corridors, other roads restricted by the authorities, and footpaths.

Drivers must keep to the left lane, avoid irregular overtaking and lane changes, and refrain from using mobile phones while driving. Depending on their size, vehicles may carry a maximum of two or four passengers, excluding the driver.

Commercial goods cannot be transported, except for passengers' hand-carried belongings. Horns exceeding 40 decibels are also prohibited. The maximum permitted speed near schools, hospitals, religious institutions and crowded public places will be 15 kilometres per hour.

Zone-based routes and parking

City corporations and traffic departments will jointly designate e-rickshaw routes and divide them into zones. Vehicles registered or authorised for one zone cannot operate in another. The authorities will determine the permitted number of e-rickshaws in each zone, designated roads and colour codes for vehicle identification and traffic management. City corporations, in consultation with traffic departments, will arrange designated parking facilities in each ward or other suitable locations.

Authorities may also organise driver training through recognised institutions, covering traffic laws, road safety, battery and vehicle maintenance, and other relevant subjects.

Solar-powered charging facilities and battery management

The regulations introduce licensing and monitoring requirements for charging facilities and provisions for renewable energy use. Batteries may be charged only at approved charging points or designated garages licensed by the respective city corporation. These facilities must introduce renewable energy or solar power systems.

Authorities will take initiatives to establish approved charging stations, garages and battery-swapping centres through public-private partnerships, private investment or other arrangements, in consultation with local electricity distribution authorities and traffic departments.

The rules also provide for solar-powered charging through net metering. Charging stations may supply surplus electricity generated by solar panels to the national grid during the day and draw electricity from the grid at night to charge batteries.

Government approval will be mandatory for establishing charging stations. Illegal electricity connections and unauthorised electricity consumption for battery charging will be punishable under existing laws.

Loan facilities and environmental safeguards

Government and autonomous bodies, private institutions, scheduled banks and financial companies may provide loans to e-rickshaw owners and drivers to purchase vehicles meeting approved standards and develop supporting infrastructure.

The regulations require compliance with the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act, 1995, related rules and government directives throughout the production, import, use, recycling and management of e-rickshaws and their batteries.

Old or unusable batteries, or their components, cannot be dumped in open spaces, soil, water bodies or ordinary waste streams. Burning such batteries is also prohibited. The regulations cover e-rickshaw registration, vehicle safety, traffic management, charging infrastructure, financing and battery disposal.