The Delhi government has proposed limiting the number of e-rickshaws operating in the national capital to 250,000 under the Delhi E-Rickshaw (Registration and Operation) Scheme, 2026. The draft has been released for public feedback and suggestions for 30 days before it is finalised.

The proposed fleet cap is intended to address traffic congestion, road safety hazards, air pollution, noise pollution and the unregulated expansion of e-rickshaws. The draft provides that no registration will be issued beyond the limit unless the cap is subsequently revised by the government.

Under the scheme, an e-rickshaw is defined as a battery-operated three-wheeler with seating for no more than four passengers, excluding the driver. It must have luggage capacity of 40 kg, net power output of no more than 2,000 watts and a maximum speed of 25 kmph.

No vehicle will be permitted to operate unless it is registered as a transport vehicle and has a valid E-Rickshaw Compliance Certificate (ECC). The certificate will be issued digitally and remain valid for 2 years. It will include registration details, information on the owner and driver, driving licence and public service vehicle badge details, battery compliance status, and the validity of fitness and insurance documents.

Each ECC will be linked to one e-rickshaw and one driver, with a driver prohibited from being connected to more than one certificate. Individual owners who are Delhi residents will be allowed to hold up to five e-rickshaws, while companies, firms, non-governmental organisations, cooperative societies and driving schools will be permitted to own up to 100 vehicles. Entities operating fleets of 25 or more vehicles will also need an aggregator licence and adequate charging or battery-swapping facilities. All drivers will be required to possess a valid e-rickshaw driving licence and a public service vehicle badge.