For the first time, Bangladesh is moving to bring battery-powered rickshaws under a formal registration and technical certification system, ending years of largely unregulated operation in city corporation areas.
The government has introduced a comprehensive framework requiring registration of every e-rickshaw, certification against technical standards set by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), and approval of manufacturers, while fixing a 12-year economic lifespan for each vehicle.
The new regulations also cap their maximum speed at 25 kilometres per hour, restrict the roads on which they can operate and empower city corporations to determine how many vehicles can run in designated zones.
The Local Government Division issued the Three-Wheeled Low-Speed Battery-Operated Rickshaw (E-Rickshaw) Operation Rules, 2026, through an extraordinary gazette notification on October 29.
The move follows amendments to the Local Government (City Corporation) Act in 2026, which created the legal scope for registering battery-operated rickshaws and issuing licences to their drivers in city corporation areas.
Although the government issued dedicated e-rickshaw operating rules in December 2025, the latest framework introduces a more comprehensive registration, technical inspection and manufacturer-approval mechanism.
Under the new rules, a two-passenger e-rickshaw will require a registration fee of 8,000 taka, while a four-passenger vehicle will pay 10,000 taka.
The respective renewal fees have been fixed at 4,000 taka and 5,000 taka, while a fitness certificate will cost 1,000 taka.
Registration will remain valid for five years. However, each vehicle's economic lifespan has been fixed at 12 years from its registration date, after which its registration and number plate must be cancelled.
An individual will be allowed to register a maximum of five e-rickshaws against a single national identity card, including across multiple city corporations.
Applicants must be Bangladeshi citizens aged at least 18. They must submit an NID copy, two passport-size photographs, proof of fee payment and a fitness certificate.
Authorities must complete registration within 30 working days after receiving an application.
Each registered vehicle will receive a unique QR-code-based registration number and number plate, with the QR code displayed visibly on the vehicle.
The most consequential challenge will be bringing thousands of existing battery-powered rickshaws into the new system.
Under the rules, existing vehicles must undergo necessary structural modifications to comply with BUET-prescribed technical and safety specifications before receiving registration and fitness certification.
The relevant traffic department must countersign the fitness certificate. Vehicles that fail to meet the required safety standards will not be allowed to operate.
The regulations also establish a committee to recommend licences for e-rickshaw manufacturers. The committee, chaired by an additional secretary of the Local Government Division, includes representatives of city corporations, metropolitan police, BUET or relevant engineering institutions and district administration.
Manufacturers will have to comply with approved designs and technical specifications to qualify for approval.
The rules give city corporations the authority, subject to prior government approval and consultation with traffic authorities, to determine the number of e-rickshaws permitted to operate in their respective areas.
They will also designate operating zones, routes, vehicle colours and parking facilities.
An e-rickshaw registered in one city corporation will not be allowed to operate commercially in another. A vehicle authorised to operate in one zone cannot enter another zone.
The vehicles will be prohibited from national highways, expressways, elevated expressways, major bus routes, Bus Rapid Transit corridors, footpaths and other restricted roads.
Drivers must use the left lane, refrain from using mobile phones while driving and avoid illegal overtaking and lane changes.
The maximum operating speed has been fixed at 25 kilometres per hour, falling to 15 kilometres per hour near schools, hospitals, religious institutions and crowded areas.
Depending on vehicle design, an e-rickshaw will be allowed to carry either two or four passengers, excluding the driver.
Carrying commercial goods beyond passengers' hand luggage will be prohibited. Every vehicle must have a speedometer or odometer, while horn intensity cannot exceed 40 decibels.
Battery charging will be permitted only at authorised charging stations or designated garages licensed by the relevant city corporation.
The rules also require battery sellers to collect old batteries when selling new ones and ensure their transfer to approved recycling facilities.
Dumping or burning discarded batteries in open spaces, soil or water bodies will be prohibited.
The government has also provided for the gradual introduction of insurance coverage for e-rickshaws.