Battery-powered rickshaws have transformed Bangladesh's transport landscape, offering affordable mobility and employment opportunities for millions of people. From the congested streets of Dhaka to remote district towns, these vehicles have become an indispensable part of daily life, particularly as a last-mile transport solution where public transportation remains inadequate. However, the sector's rapid and largely unregulated expansion is creating serious challenges for the country's electricity system, urban management, and public safety.
The growing popularity of battery-powered rickshaws is driven by their low operating costs and accessibility. Yet the lack of a comprehensive regulatory framework has resulted in the proliferation of thousands of unauthorized charging stations across the country. In Dhaka alone, field investigations reveal garages charging 20 to 30 rickshaws simultaneously through overloaded power lines, exposed wiring, and substandard charging equipment. Many are reportedly connected to residential electricity lines through illegal connections, contributing to power theft and excessive strain on distribution networks.
The scale of the problem is alarming. While official records indicate that around 3,300 authorized charging stations operate within Dhaka North and South City Corporations, industry observers estimate that the number of unauthorized charging points is many times higher. A study by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) found that while DESCO has only 2,997 legal charging connections consuming about 10 megawatts of electricity, more than 48,000 illegal charging points may be active across the capital.
The consequences extend beyond electricity theft. Most battery-powered rickshaws require five to seven hours of overnight charging, placing heavy pressure on transformers and distribution systems during peak demand periods. Electricity authorities acknowledge that illegal charging activities contribute to overloaded infrastructure, voltage fluctuations, and service disruptions. Fire safety is another growing concern, as hazardous wiring and unauthorized electrical connections increase the risk of devastating accidents.
At the same time, the economic importance of this sector cannot be ignored. CPD estimates that nearly two million battery-powered rickshaws operate in Dhaka alone, generating daily charging-related transactions worth between Tk 140 million and Tk 300 million. This substantial informal economy supports countless livelihoods and cannot simply be eliminated through enforcement measures.
For this reason, experts rightly argue that prohibition is neither practical nor desirable. Instead, Bangladesh must move swiftly to bring the sector under formal governance. The government's initiative to formulate a policy for electric three-wheelers is a welcome step. Designated operating routes, mandatory registration, technical standards, licensed charging stations, dedicated electricity tariffs, and stronger monitoring mechanisms are urgently needed.
Battery-powered rickshaws are now a permanent feature of Bangladesh's urban economy. The challenge is not whether they should exist, but how they can be managed safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Effective regulation"not outright bans"offers the most realistic path forward.
