Delhi’s proposed e-rickshaw policy seeks to enforce passenger limits, tighten vehicle safety rules and impose stricter penalties on unregistered vehicles. Under the draft Delhi E-Rickshaw (Registration and Operation) Scheme, 2026, an e-rickshaw will be allowed to carry a maximum of four passengers, excluding the driver. Passengers will not be allowed to sit beside the driver or travel while standing, a TOI report stated.
The Delhi government has invited public suggestions on the draft, which also proposes mandatory driving licences and public service vehicle (PSV) badges for drivers, digital compliance certificates and a citywide cap of 2.5 lakh e-rickshaws. The proposed rules aim to address traffic violations, overcrowding and safety concerns linked to e-rickshaw operations in the capital.
Delhi e-rickshaw policy: What are the passenger rules?
Under the draft scheme, e-rickshaws cannot carry more than four passengers at a time. Drivers will also be prohibited from allowing anyone to sit beside them or travel while standing. The rules seek to address overcrowding, particularly in vehicles transporting schoolchildren. Such e-rickshaws have often been found carrying seven or eight children, with some sitting beside the driver. Drivers will also be prohibited from playing music or other audio that causes disturbance or distraction.
Speed limit, motor power and licence requirements
The draft sets a maximum speed limit of 25 kmph for e-rickshaws. Their motor power cannot exceed 2,000 watts.Drivers must hold a valid driving licence (DL) and a public service vehicle (PSV) badge to operate an e-rickshaw. Each vehicle will also require a digital e-rickshaw compliance certificate (ECC), which will remain valid for two years. The certificate will be linked to one vehicle and one authorised driver.
Delhi e-rickshaw policy: Ownership cap and aggregator licence
The proposed scheme sets a citywide limit of 2.5 lakh e-rickshaws after the compliance window ends. Under the draft, an individual can own up to five e-rickshaws, while eligible entities can own up to 100 vehicles. Entities with 25 registered e-rickshaws will have to obtain an aggregator licence within one month of reaching that threshold.
Vehicle markings and restrictions on roads
All registered e-rickshaws must have high-security registration plates and a yellow reflective strip at the rear. Owners must also paint their name, address and telephone number on the left side of the vehicle. Drivers will not be allowed to operate on notified restricted roads. They must also avoid parking in ways that obstruct traffic or pedestrians.
What happens to unregistered e-rickshaws?
The draft proposes strict action against unregistered e-rickshaws. Authorities will impound these vehicles immediately, and they will not be released. The proposed rules also provide for crushing and auctioning such vehicles. Leased batteries fitted in them will not be returned.
The latest draft builds on passenger safety provisions that were part of Delhi’s 2014 e-rickshaw scheme. It proposes a wider compliance system involving digital certificates, vehicle inspections and stricter enforcement against unsafe operations. The move comes amid concerns over traffic rule violations by e-rickshaw drivers, which have contributed to accidents and loss of lives in Delhi.
How to submit suggestions on the draft policy
A senior government official said the Delhi government has invited public suggestions within 30 days. People can send their suggestions through email at schemeconsultation2026@gmail.com or by post to: DTO (operations), transport department, Delhi govt, Room No. 104, First Floor, 5/9 Underhill Road, Delhi.