E-rickshaws turn Delhi streets accident-prone as fatal accidents hit record high

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New Delhi: The national capital city of Delhi has witnessed a sharp rise in road accidents involving e-rickshaws, according to recent data from the Delhi Traffic Police. Between January and September 15 this year, 108 accidents were reported, resulting in 24 deaths and 100 injuries. In comparison, the total fatalities from e-rickshaw accidents in 2024 were 20.

Experts attribute the surge to the growing popularity of e-rickshaws as a convenient mode of last-mile connectivity across the city. Road safety activists stress that stricter regulations, proper registration, and safe driving norms are urgently needed to curb fatalities.

2024: ████████████ 20
2025: ██████████████ 24

Accidents involving e-rickshaws in Delhi

Year Simple Accidents Fatal Accidents Total Accidents Persons Injured Persons Killed
2024 92 20 112 108 20
2025 (till 15 Sept) 84 24 108 100 24

However, as accidents involving e-rickshaws continue to rise in Delhi, authorities have highlighted enforcement efforts. In 2024, a total of 3.52 lakh challans were issued to e-rickshaw drivers for various offences, while this year, up to September 15, the number has risen to 4.32 lakh.

The most frequent violations by e-rickshaw drivers include improper and obstructive parking, as well as breaches of time and route restrictions.

Offence 2024 2025 (till 15 Sept)
Violation of time/route restriction 46,307 53,024
Improper/obstructive parking 2,22,222 3,01,550
Driving without licence 27,724 24,086
Jumping red light 1,279 1,722
Violation of stop line 285 432
Obstructive driving (extra passenger on driver seat) 4,503 10,499
Drunken driving 335 597
Misbehaviour with police 55 85

Improper/Obstructive Parking █████████████████████ 3,01,550
Violation of time/route restriction ██████████ 53,024
Obstructive Driving ████████ 10,499

E-rickshaws & mandatory requirements to qualify for registration

E-rickshaws are battery-operated, three-wheeled vehicles designed to carry up to five passengers, including the driver, and a maximum of 40 kilograms of luggage. They are powered by motors with less than 2,000 watts and have a top speed of 25 kmph.
Notably, Delhi’s e-rickshaw fleet currently comprises around 1.6 lakh vehicles, of which only 50,000 are officially registered. While lithium-ion batteries have been mandatory since 2023, many e-rickshaws continue to operate on older lead-acid batteries. These three-wheeled vehicles can carry up to five passengers, including the driver, along with 40 kilograms of luggage, and have a maximum speed of 25 kmph.
Since 2022, drivers are required to hold a valid LMV licence, and vehicles must undergo a fitness test every two years, with annual checks thereafter. The government provides a subsidy of Rs 30,000 per vehicle, amounting to Rs 100.37 crore under the Delhi EV policy.
E-rickshaws are prohibited from operating on 259 major roads, including key areas such as Lutyens’ Delhi, Connaught Place, and the city’s ring roads.

Key issues with e-rickshaws

  • Battery safety: Most e-rickshaws still use lead-acid batteries, which heat up faster than lithium-ion models.

  • Energy theft: Over 60 per cent of e-rickshaws are involved in power theft, causing an annual loss of 15–20 MW, around Rs 120 crore, as per government data.

  • Traffic violations: Rising offences like obstructive parking, route violations, and overloading highlight the need for stricter enforcement.