Mandatory Registration and Driving Licences for Electric Rickshaws

Khabor Wala Desk

Published: 31st July 2025, 2:50 PM

Mandatory Registration and Driving Licences for Electric Rickshaws

Photo: Collected

Unregulated and unsafe battery-powered three-wheelers—commonly referred to as electric auto-rickshaws or easy bikes—are increasingly dominating the roads across the country, including the capital city. Their uncontrolled movement, particularly on national highways, has caused severe disruptions to the traffic system. In a bid to resolve this persistent issue, the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges has drafted a policy proposal.

Despite multiple previous attempts to remove these vehicles from the roads, each effort was thwarted by public protests. The absence of a clear legal or regulatory framework has only exacerbated the disorder. It is estimated that over 5 million battery-powered rickshaws are currently operating in the country, with approximately 800,000 to 1 million in Dhaka alone.

To bring order to this growing sector, the Road Transport and Highways Division of the Ministry has prepared a draft titled “Electric Three-Wheeler Management Policy 2025”. The proposal is presently under review, with input being sought from relevant departments before finalisation.

Features of the Proposed Policy

The draft policy outlines a structured approach to managing electric three-wheelers, focusing on safety, regulation, and sustainability. Below is a breakdown of its main features:

Licensing & Registration

Requirement	Details
Vehicle Registration	Mandatory via Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA)
Driver’s Licence	Compulsory for all electric rickshaw drivers
Fitness Certificate	Required for every vehicle
Tax Token	Compulsory
Registration Certificate	Must be displayed in all registered vehicles
Training	Drivers to undergo training organised by BRTA at district levels

Operational Regulations

Factor	Specification
Route Restrictions	Operation allowed only on designated routes
Highway Access	Not permitted on highways; may operate on service lanes
Vehicle Speed	Max 30 km/h for slow-speed, 50 km/h for medium-speed rickshaws
Area-based Usage	Medium-speed rickshaws in city areas; slow-speed in districts, upazilas, unions
Fleet Ownership Limits	Individuals: max 3 medium-speed or 5 slow-speed vehicles Companies: max 25

Regulation for Manufacturers & Importers

Requirement	Details
BRTA Listing and BIDA Registration	Mandatory for all producers and importers
Import Guidelines	Only new, BSTI-approved parts can be imported
Chassis Numbers	Must be engraved and traceable
Charging Infrastructure	Stations to be set up per guidelines by the Power Division

Vehicle Specifications

Strict limits have been proposed on vehicle length, width, height, and weight.
All specifications must comply with safety and design standards defined in the policy.

One-Year Transition to Safer Models

Existing unauthorised and unsafe slow-speed electric rickshaws will be allowed a one-year period for conversion to approved models. Post-deadline, non-compliant vehicles will face legal action under the new regulatory framework.

Balancing Safety with Socioeconomic Reality

While the draft policy acknowledges the role of electric rickshaws in providing affordable transport and livelihoods for many, it raises serious concerns about their safety and unregulated operation. The government aims to allow their operation only on designated routes (excluding highways), ensuring both road safety and socio-economic continuity.

Additional Secretary Nikhil Kumar Das commented:

“We have formulated a realistic policy to eliminate irregularities. Based on stakeholders’ feedback, it will be finalised soon.”

The government believes that, once implemented, the Electric Three-Wheeler Management Policy 2025 will mark the end of long-standing chaos in the sector.