Dhaka’s rickshaw revolution: Why battery-powered rides are winning despite risks
A new study on Dhaka’s rickshaw sector has revealed shifting trends in urban transport. The report, titled Urban Mobility Study in Dhaka: Rickshaws in Transition, was presented on Sunday by INNOVISION Consulting. It highlights the growing dominance of battery-powered rickshaws, despite safety concerns and financial challenges for pullers.
The research found that 62% of garage owners now favour battery-powered rickshaws due to higher demand and income potential. Passengers also prefer them, with 82% choosing them for faster short-distance trips. However, these vehicles come with risks: 30% of passengers reported accidents, often more severe than those involving traditional paddle-run rickshaws.
For pullers, the switch to battery-powered rickshaws brings mixed results. While they earn a higher gross daily income, steep rental costs cut into profits, leaving them with lower net earnings. Around 42% cited reduced physical strain as a key reason for making the change. Yet, nearly 44.5% of battery-powered rickshaw pullers experienced serious accidents, compared to just under 30% of paddle-run pullers. Many avoid reporting incidents, fearing stricter regulations. Financing remains a hurdle for both types of pullers. About 60% in each group relied on microfinance or personal savings to buy their rickshaws. The study also uncovered widespread unregistered operations: 97.4% of battery-powered rickshaws and 85.9% of paddle-run ones lack city corporation permits.
The report underscores the rapid shift toward battery-powered rickshaws in Dhaka, driven by passenger preference and garage owner profits. Yet, the higher accident rates and financial pressures on pullers raise concerns about sustainability and safety. With most rickshaws operating without proper registration, regulatory oversight remains a pressing issue.
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