E-Rickshaws & E-Carts

Types

• Passenger e-rickshaw — three-wheeler for four or more passengers, used in towns, campuses and stations.
• Loader e-cart — three-wheeler with a cargo bed for goods in markets, factories and warehouses.
• Garbage tipper e-cart — fitted with bins or a tipping body for door-to-door waste collection.
• Electric auto (L5 category) — larger three-wheeler with a higher speed and passenger capacity.
• Utility e-carts and golf-style carts — for campuses, resorts, hospitals and large plants.

What to check before buying

• Type approval or homologation from an authorised testing agency, such as ARAI or ICAT, and compliance with motor vehicle rules.
• Battery type (lead-acid or lithium-ion), capacity in kWh, and stated range per charge.
• Motor power, payload and gradient capability.
• Charger type, charging time and whether battery swapping is possible.
• Registration, insurance, and whether a driving licence is needed for your category.
• Warranty on battery and motor separately, service network and a GST invoice.

Who buys them

Housing societies, campuses, factories, municipal bodies, NGOs, hospitals, contractors, warehouses and government offices.

Frequently asked questions

Lead-acid or lithium-ion battery?

Lithium-ion typically lasts longer and weighs less but costs more upfront. Lead-acid is cheaper and easier to replace locally.

What range should I look for?

Estimate daily kilometres and add a margin of 20 to 30 percent, since loaded or hilly routes shorten range. Check the stated range against the payload.

Do e-rickshaws need registration?

Yes, they must be registered and approved models should be used. Common brands include Mahindra, Bajaj, Piaggio, Saarthi and Lohia.