Riding the Electric Wave: The Rise of E-Rickshaws in India

Did you know that in Darbhanga, around 200 e-rickshaws are sold every month? CNG rickshaw drivers in this city have begun switching to electric models, according to Balaji Motors. There is a growing demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs) even in Tier III and IV cities due to improved rural electrification and access to smaller bank loans, along with government rebates on battery charging. UP, Haryana, Delhi, and Maharashtra have had successful EV proliferation, with Odisha not far behind!

Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd signed a MoU with Sambalpur administration to provide e-rickshaws to 50 people with disabilities, under the CSR project “Saksham” generating self-employment. IIT Bhubaneswar also opened zero-emission campus e-rickshaw services as a part of the nationwide “Swachhata Hi Seva” program and Mission LiFE campaign.

Considered a part of sustainable development, e-rickshaws also face challenges due to inadequate regulation. While Guwahati grapples with intense traffic due to the unauthorized operation of e-rickshaws, nearly 1 lakh Delhi e-rickshaws are running on old and potentially unsafe lead-acid batteries. A police survey found that nearly 80% of Ghaziabad’s e-rickshaws were illegally assembled without quality checks and registration. Instances of passenger overload, thefts, and accidents have also raised safety concerns.

India’s pedestrian-only, eco-sensitive hill station, Matheran, has recently introduced e-rickshaws. While residents welcome the convenience, many are concerned about the impact on the traditional livelihoods of hand-rickshaw pullers and horse owners. In Agartala, the Tripura Electric Rickshaw Shramik Sangh protested against a sudden ban on their access to key roads. The union demanded a resolution without impacting the drivers’ daily income.

As the cost of charging decreases and more efficient technology develops, the popularity of EVs is expected to increase, given their affordability and convenience for last-mile connectivity. Consequently, there is a growing demand for mobility plans that incorporate e-rickshaws.

Are e-rickshaws plying your city roads? How have they impacted your city?