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The government has issued new regulations to control the operation of slow-moving, three-wheeled battery-powered rickshaws, or e-rickshaws, in city corporation areas, introducing rules on registration, fees, speed limits, passenger capacity, routes, parking and battery charging.
The Local Government Division under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives issued the gazette notification on Thursday (October 29). The City Corporation Areas Three-Wheeled Slow-Moving Battery-Powered Rickshaw (E-Rickshaw) Operation Rules, 2026 took effect immediately.
Under the new rules, the one-time registration fee for a two-passenger e-rickshaw has been set at Tk 8,000, with an annual renewal fee of Tk 4,000. For a four-passenger vehicle, the registration fee is Tk 10,000 and the annual renewal fee is Tk 5,000. A fitness certificate will cost Tk 1,000 for all e-rickshaws.
Applicants must submit an attested copy of their national identity card, two attested passport-size photographs, proof of payment and a prescribed fitness certificate.
Authorities will process applications within 30 working days. If an application is rejected, the reasons must be provided in writing within seven working days. Applicants may appeal the decision to a higher authority within 10 working days.
Each registered vehicle will receive a unique QR-code-based registration number, number plate and a blue book containing detailed information. Registration will remain valid for five years.
An individual may register up to five e-rickshaws across one or more city corporations using a single national identity card. However, vehicles registered in one city corporation cannot operate commercially in another.
The maximum speed limit has been set at 25 kilometres per hour, reduced to 15 kilometres per hour near schools, hospitals, religious institutions and crowded areas.
Depending on the vehicle’s design, an e-rickshaw may carry a maximum of two or four passengers, excluding the driver. Transporting commercial goods other than passengers’ hand-carried belongings is prohibited. Horn noise must not exceed 40 decibels.
E-rickshaws will be prohibited from operating on national highways, expressways, elevated expressways, bus rapid transit corridors, restricted roads and footpaths. Drivers must use the left lane and are prohibited from using mobile phones while driving, overtaking illegally or changing lanes improperly.
City corporations and traffic authorities will jointly determine routes and divide urban areas into zones. Each zone will have designated roads, vehicle limits and specific colours for e-rickshaws. Vehicles authorised to operate in one zone cannot enter another.
Authorities will also arrange designated parking areas in wards or suitable locations.
The economic lifespan of an e-rickshaw has been fixed at 12 years from its registration date. After that period, its registration and number plate must be cancelled.
Installing a speedometer or odometer will be mandatory, while vehicle design and fitness must comply with technical and safety standards set by Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).
Battery charging will be permitted only at authorised charging points or licensed garages approved by the relevant city corporation. The rules encourage greater use of renewable and solar energy for charging.
Illegal use of electricity for charging batteries may result in penalties under existing laws.
The regulations also prohibit disposing of or burning old and unusable batteries in open spaces, soil, water bodies or general waste. When selling a new battery, vendors must collect an old battery from the buyer and ensure it is sent to an authorised recycling facility. Battery dismantling or smelting will require clearance from the Department of Environment.
Drivers must receive training in traffic laws, road safety, battery maintenance and vehicle upkeep. In the event of an accident, they must stop immediately, assist injured people and notify the police.
Operating an unregistered e-rickshaw, exceeding speed limits, carrying excess passengers, using unauthorised batteries, modifying motors or vehicle structures, entering prohibited areas, dangerous driving, violating traffic signals and fleeing an accident will be treated as offences and may invite legal action.
The rules also provide for a committee to recommend measures for regulating e-rickshaw production and approving manufacturers. Production licences will be issued subject to government approval after verification against BUET’s technical and safety standards.
The new rules repeal the previous e-rickshaw regulations issued on December 14, 2025.
