Battery-operated rickshaws (easy bikes) have been operating in Bangladesh for years with no legal documentation. However, new rules have been put in place as of late October 2026. If you are driving/owning an e-rickshaw, you will now have specific criteria to qualify for registration. This includes clear safety eligibility and licensing. This will affect how much money you can earn.
E-Rickshaw Registration – Bangladesh
“Rules of Battery-Run Low-Speed Three-Wheeled Rickshaws (E-Rickshaws) in City Corporation Areas, 2026”. According to recent reports, it will be the city corporation’s responsibility to register e-rickshaws. No vehicles can operate without being registered and having a fitness certificate.
All e-rickshaws must meet technical requirements set by BUET. This includes having a speedometer or odometer. Once registered, your e-rickshaw will have a 12-year lifespan. After this time, the number plate will be removed. There will also be a QR code system for registration and a zone system. Your rickshaw may only be allowed to operate in certain areas.
Eligibility: Who Can Register and Drive
You will need a valid licence to drive, and your vehicle must pass inspection. Many homemade or heavily modified rickshaws may not pass. Ask a trusted mechanic to check over your rickshaw and ensure the body, brakes, and wiring are all ok. You will need:
•National ID card
•Receipt or proof of ownership of your vehicle
•Fitness certificate from the traffic department
•Driving licence (once opened)
Solar charging may be required from a previous government statement. This may change, so double-check with your city corporation.
How Much Money Will You Earn Daily?
There is no real official amount. If someone says they will earn a set amount per day, be wary. How much you earn will depend on your route, how many hours you work, how many passengers you get and how much you charge to charge your vehicle.
However, there are new costs to consider. There will be fees and inspections to pay. You are less likely to get seized or fined. Having a legal vehicle may help you qualify for official loans. There has been talk of low-interest funding from Bangladesh Bank for drivers, but details are unclear.
What To Do Next
Check with your local city corporation or drivers association for up-to-date information. Firstly, gather all your documents and have your vehicle inspected. Ask specifically how much it will cost, when you need to have it done and what zones you can drive in. This was not entirely confirmed by the sources I had available.
Discover Food with Bangla Pulse
1. Wondering which traditional Bangladeshi dishes are slowly disappearing from our kitchens?
Take a delicious trip into the past with these lost recipes and forgotten traditional dishes of Bangladesh.
2. Love Ilish but want to move beyond the usual preparation?
These classic Ilish recipes bring some of Bangladesh’s favourite fish dishes to your kitchen.
3. Think you know Bangladeshi cuisine? You may be missing these hidden gems.
Discover lesser-known Bangladeshi dishes that deserve a place on every food lover’s list.
4. Looking for something warm, comforting and seasonal when the monsoon arrives?
Try these healthy monsoon comfort food recipes inspired by homestyle flavours.
5. Weekend plans but no idea what to cook? Why not make biryani?
From familiar favourites to exciting variations, here are 7 biryani recipes to try this weekend.