Dhaka's unlicensed battery rickshaws fuel surge in deadly road accidents

Battery-powered three-wheelers have become a growing concern on Dhaka's roads. Over the past year and a half, their numbers have surged—despite being officially unlicensed until late 2024. New data reveals they now account for nearly one in five road accident deaths in the city. Until the end of 2024, no battery-run rickshaws were legally permitted in Dhaka. Yet their presence exploded in the second half of that year, flooding the streets. By 2023, these vehicles were linked to 20.52% of road accident fatalities. That figure rose slightly to 21.01% in 2024, before dipping to 19.75% by August 2025.

During the recent Eid holiday, the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) treated 1,621 road crash victims. Of those, 315—nearly one in five—were injured in battery-run rickshaw accidents. Another 178 victims suffered injuries from motorcycle collisions. Hospitals reported 431 patients required admission, while others were discharged after initial care. A total of 416 victims needed emergency surgery. Road safety advocates are now pressing the government to restrict the number of battery-run rickshaws. Their rapid rise, they argue, has worsened accident rates on Dhaka's already congested roads.

The data highlights a clear trend: battery-run three-wheelers now play a major role in Dhaka's road accidents. With their numbers continuing to climb, authorities face increasing pressure to regulate their use. The impact on hospitals and emergency services remains significant, with hundreds requiring urgent medical attention.