The delay in formulation of policy to regulate e-rickshaws in Delhi has put commuters, particularly pedestrians, at risk. These battery-operated tri-cycles are not only adding to chaos on roads but also expose passengers to a risk as they cannot claim insurance in case of an accident since these vehicles are not governed by the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA).
“If an accident is caused due to e-rickshaws, then the occupants will not get any claims from insurance companies. This is a dangerous situation. We are allowing an unsafe vehicle to ply on roads, risking the life of the common man,” said an official in Delhi Traffic Police.
In a recent incident, a man was killed after he fell down and come under the rear wheel while trying to board a running e-rickshaw in Govindpuri in South Delhi. Commuters complained that the design of the e-rickshaws is such that it has no safety precautions. “The low power of engine and inaccurate brake is also the main reason for accidents. Besides, these vehicles add to the existing congestion and are the key reason for traffic jams in various places,” said Anil Verma, a resident of Kalkaji.
With no authority to regulate these e-rickshaws, the number of accidents is increasing every day. In another incident, a drunk e-rickshaw driver smacked into a Verna car in Kailash Colony area. “A drunk e-rickshaw driver lost control of himself and smacked my car. After hitting my car the driver started crying and pretended as if he was injured to escape from paying for the damage. The impact of the strike was so huge that the entire back portion of my new car was crushed,” rued Deepika Singh, the car owner. Further, the police refused to take action against them due to lack of a policy to regulate them.
As per the Transport department officials, a technical committee has been formed to look into the design aspect of these vehicles to gauge whether these are safe and qualify to fall in the category of motorised vehicles. “A technical committee will be formed to inspect the design, safety and quality features of e-rickshaws. The committee will have members from Road Transport Ministry, the Delhi Government, the Delhi Police, vehicle testing agencies and also some e-rickshaw drivers,” said officials in Transport department.