Electric Enforcement: E-Rickshaw Edict Enacted
Battery-operated auto-rickshaws (e-rickshaws) will now require a license to operate within city corporation areas, according to a newly issued ordinance.
The ordinance grants city corporations authority to designate specific zones for battery charging, disposal, or recycling, and to restrict e-rickshaw movement or prohibit them along bus routes. “These vehicles will not be allowed to operate outside the areas determined by the corporation. Violation of the law will attract penalties,” the regulation states.
Under the Local Government (City Corporation) Ordinance, amendments have been made to include low-speed general vehicles. These are defined as human-powered, animal-driven, pedal-operated low-speed vehicles, or three-wheeled battery-operated rickshaws used in roads, urban areas, or city corporation zones for public transportation.
The ordinance further stipulates that no individual may operate, rent, or maintain any low-speed general vehicle in urban areas without a city corporation license and registration. Additional provisions declare that operating e-rickshaws beyond authorized speed limits, carrying excess passengers, using unauthorized batteries, modifying motors or structure, entering prohibited areas, transporting goods without passengers, ignoring traffic signals, or fleeing accidents without responsibility will be treated as offenses.
The ordinance has been enacted with the approval of the President.
