Battery-operated rickshaws have become a significant source of income for many individuals from low-income backgrounds and are a practical mode of transportation in a rapidly growing city. However, the lack of regulation surrounding these vehicles poses serious risks. Most drivers lack proper training in driving and traffic regulations, leading to frequent accidents as these rickshaws can reach speeds of up to 30 km per hour.
The increasing number of accidents involving battery-operated rickshaws has raised concerns, with reports indicating that during the Eid rush between March 24 and April 7, these vehicles were involved in approximately 15 percent of the 315 road accidents in Dhaka. Urban planners have warned that without proper regulations, these rickshaws could severely impact Dhaka’s transport network. Drivers often disregard traffic signals, speed through intersections, and worsen traffic congestion.
Although the exact number of battery-operated rickshaws in the country remains unknown due to the lack of a centralized registry or licensing system, it is estimated that around five lakh vehicles operate in Dhaka alone, surpassing traditional paddle rickshaws. The government has taken a positive step by introducing a policy to regulate these vehicles nationwide. The policy aims to restrict electric three-wheelers from highways and mandate registration, fitness certificates, and driving licenses.
Additionally, a government pilot project utilizing a Buet-designed model of battery-operated rickshaws is underway to enhance the safety of these vehicles. The plan involves introducing the new models in specific areas of Dhaka, monitoring illegal rickshaws, and gradually replacing traditional rickshaws with the safer models in each zone. Training sessions have already been conducted for 20,000 drivers, with ongoing sessions for others.
The new government policy will establish vehicle fitness standards, provide driver training, and enforce penalties for traffic rule violations. Drivers will be required to own the rickshaws they operate, discouraging ownership of multiple vehicles. Given the large number of vehicles, ensuring compliance will be challenging, but it is crucial to promptly implement the policy along with expanded training programs for drivers to prioritize the safety of both operators and the general public.