Introduction to the New Policy for Electric Three-Wheeler Regulation
In response to growing concerns over the unregulated operation of battery-operated three-wheelers, the government has introduced a comprehensive policy aimed at bringing order to their movement across the country. These vehicles, commonly referred to as electric auto-rickshaws or easy bikes, have become a significant source of traffic congestion and safety risks, particularly in urban areas like Dhaka.
The chaotic movement of these rickshaws has led to worsening traffic conditions and an increased number of accidents. Despite previous attempts to remove them from major roads, such efforts have faced resistance from drivers and owners who have staged protests against the measures.
Key Provisions of the Draft Policy
To address these issues, the Road Transport and Highways Division under the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry has drafted the 'Electric Three-Wheeler Management Policy 2025'. This policy outlines several critical regulations that will apply to all battery-run rickshaws.
Firstly, all vehicles must be registered with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), and drivers are required to hold valid driving licenses. The draft also sets restrictions on where these vehicles can operate, limiting them to designated routes outside national highways. Medium- and low-speed rickshaws will have separate speed limits, with medium-speed models capped at 50 km/h and low-speed ones at 30 km/h.
A passenger and goods transport committee established under the Road Transport Act will determine the number of vehicles allowed to operate in specific areas. The Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary, Ehsanul Haque, emphasized that the uncontrolled growth of these vehicles has disrupted traffic systems nationwide, highlighting the need for regulation.
Ownership and Safety Standards
Under the draft policy, one individual can own a maximum of three medium-speed and five low-speed rickshaws. All existing vehicles must be transformed into safe models within a year. The new standards require that all components, including motors, controllers, gearboxes, axles, wheels, brakes, headlights, shock absorbers, batteries, and chargers, meet BRTA-approved designs and be certified by the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI).
Manufacturers and assemblers must be registered with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). Additionally, all imported or locally assembled electric three-wheelers and parts must receive BRTA approval. Only new vehicles and BSTI-approved parts can be imported, ensuring that only safe and compliant models enter the market.
Operational Restrictions and Legal Consequences
Charging stations must comply with guidelines issued by the Power Division in 2021. The BRTA will set fares for these vehicles, and manufacturers must be listed by the authority to operate legally. Each vehicle must display the owner and driver's contact numbers visibly for passengers' convenience.
District-level training for drivers will be arranged in consultation with local transport committees. According to the draft, electric three-wheelers will not be allowed on national highways except in service lanes. They will be permitted to operate in designated areas, including city corporations, 'A' category municipalities, district, upazila, and union-level local roads.
Local passengers and goods transport committees will determine the number and route allocations in these areas. Penalties for violations will be enforced according to the Road Transport Act 2018, with legal action taken against offenders.
Timeline and Phased Implementation
All current unsafe low-speed vehicles must be converted to safe models within one year, as per the Electric Motor Vehicle Registration and Operation Policy 2023. After this deadline, unapproved vehicles will face legal consequences. The draft also emphasizes the need for a complete phase-out of unauthorized locally made vehicles, such as diesel and petrol-engine vehicles used in agriculture and waterways.
Local transport committees are tasked with replacing these vehicles with approved alternatives, ensuring a safer and more regulated transportation system for all.