Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 18: The Delhi government has proposed capping the number of e-rickshaws in the national capital at 2.5 lakh, citing concerns over traffic congestion, road safety, air and noise pollution.
The proposed Delhi E-Rickshaw (Registration and Operation) Scheme, 2026, was released on Sunday for public feedback and suggestions over the next 30 days before it is finalised.
The draft states that the city-wide fleet limit has been proposed in view of the excessive and unregulated proliferation of e-rickshaws. No new registrations will be permitted beyond the prescribed limit unless the cap is revised.
The scheme defines an e-rickshaw as a battery-operated three-wheeler with seating for up to four passengers, excluding the driver, a luggage capacity of 40 kg, a net power output not exceeding 2,000 watts and a maximum speed of 25 kmph.
Under the proposed rules, an e-rickshaw can operate only if it is registered as a transport vehicle and has a valid E-Rickshaw Compliance Certificate (ECC).
The ECC will be issued digitally and remain valid for two years. It will contain details of the vehicle's registration, owner and driver, including the driving licence and public service vehicle (PSV) badge, along with battery compliance status and the validity of fitness and insurance documents.
Each certificate will be linked to a single e-rickshaw and one driver.
The draft also proposes limiting individual ownership to five e-rickshaws for residents of Delhi. Companies, firms, non-governmental organisations, cooperative societies and driving schools will be permitted to own up to 100 e-rickshaws.
Such entities will have to ensure adequate charging or battery-swapping facilities. They will also be required to obtain an aggregator licence once their fleet reaches 25 vehicles.
The proposed scheme further mandates that all e-rickshaw drivers hold a valid driving licence for the vehicle category and a PSV badge. A driver cannot be linked to more than one ECC.
The scheme is intended to regulate the growing number of e-rickshaws in Delhi while addressing concerns related to traffic management, public safety and pollution. The government will consider public feedback before finalising the rules.