The Delhi government has introduced a new set of draft regulations aimed at standardizing the operation and safety of e-rickshaws across the city. Under the proposed guidelines, e-rickshaws will be strictly limited to carrying a maximum of four passengers. Furthermore, the draft explicitly prohibits the presence of any riders in the driver’s seat, a measure intended to ensure the operator has full control of the vehicle at all times.

Beyond passenger limits, the draft addresses vehicle modifications and onboard conduct. The use of bullbars—metal guards often attached to the front of vehicles—will be banned, and operators are prohibited from using unsafe or non-standard batteries. The proposal also includes a ban on standing passengers and the playing of loud or distracting music, which officials suggest contributes to accidents. To enforce these rules, the draft proposes that authorities be given the power to impound any vehicle found to be in violation of these safety standards.

While the draft outlines clear operational constraints, it does not specify the timeline for implementation or the potential impact on the livelihoods of current e-rickshaw drivers. The proposal reflects an ongoing effort by local authorities to regulate the rapidly growing, yet often informal, e-rickshaw sector in Delhi to reduce traffic congestion and improve passenger safety.