The Electric Vehicle Manufacturers’Society (EVMS), representing over 200 EV manufacturers across the country on Thursday sought a strict policy action, regulatory clarity, and coordinated steps from the government and enforcement agencies to address the widespread operation of illegal e-rickshaws in India.
Rajiv Tulli, General Secretary, EVMS also pointed at the enforcement agencies’ inefficiency to manage the illegal rickshaws on the road. Tulli claimed that every time they have reached the authorities, they have been told that there are lack of proper scrapping facility.
EVMS also flagged gaps in enforcement infrastructure, including insufficient space to seize and scrap illegal vehicles and the absence of a clear scrap policy for ageing e-rickshaws.
EVMS presented a detailed dossier containing RTI replies, Delhi High Court directives on illegal vehicle seizures, notifications from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on EV compliance and circulars from the Delhi Transport Department.
It also presented district-wise maps highlighting hotspots of illegal operations, import trend data, quality comparisons of critical EV parts and flowcharts illustrating how unchecked imports are undermining local manufacturing.
Tulli stressed that India’s EV transition cannot be based on compromises, safety risks or reliance on substandard imports. Enforcing existing rules, safeguarding public safety and empowering Indian manufacturers are essential to building a reliable, competitive and safe electric mobility sector for the country.
E-rickshaws have emerged as one of the most significant contributors to India’s green mobility revolution. With over 50 lakh e-rickshaws currently operating across the country, supported by nearly 500 MSME manufacturers of e-rickshaws and e-carts, the sector has delivered substantial environmental and economic benefits.
EVMS clarified that safety concerns largely stem from illegal, unregistered and substandard vehicles operating outside the regulatory framework.
Illegal e-rickshaws, on the other hand, often operate without registration, number plates or valid chassis numbers. Many are converted from paddle rickshaws to electric without meeting safety norms. They lack compliance plates, insurance and use low-grade, untested parts. With no fitness certification or roadworthiness clearance, these vehicles pose safety risks to commuters and undermine the sector’s credibility.
On being asked about the court case, Tulli said, “The issue is sub judice and every time when the hearing close these authorities seize number of illegal e-rickshaw and present the report before court and the matter stands still.”
He also claimed that these illegal e-rickshaws are being operated under protection and support of police.
“We have raised this issue a lot of time but we are not the enforcement body. We can only guide the authorities where these practices are being done. We have met government officials and ministers and they have assured us of strict actions. They have formed a committee for the security of the E-rickshaws and report should be out very soon,” Tulli said.
Tulli pointed out that delays in QR code issuance and the lack of a streamlined registration process have allowed illegal operators to flourish. This not only endangers public safety but also creates unfair competition for compliant manufacturers who invest in quality and regulatory compliance.
