Bajaj Auto to Enter India’s E-Rickshaw Market; First Electric Rickshaw

Bajaj Auto is set to enter India’s booming e-rickshaw market with its first electric rickshaw, ‘Riki’, launching on November 26, 2025. The move is expected to strengthen sustainable urban mobility, especially in Tier-2 cities.

Bajaj Auto’s Entry into the E-Rickshaw Market

India’s electric rickshaw market is witnessing rapid growth, and now one of the country’s leading automobile manufacturers, Bajaj Auto, is entering the space. The company announced that it will launch its first electric rickshaw, ‘Riki’, on November 26, 2025. Industry experts consider this a potential game-changer for India’s mobility sector.

Bajaj Auto already holds approximately 80% market share in India’s three-wheeler segment, but it has remained inactive in the e-rickshaw sector until now. The growing demand in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Jharkhand, Haryana, and Rajasthan has prompted the company to venture into this segment. These regions see millions of daily commuters relying on electric rickshaws, creating opportunities for trusted brands like Bajaj to ensure quality, reliability, and safety.

Rapid Growth of the E-Rickshaw Market

According to Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director of Bajaj Auto, the e-rickshaw segment may seem small but has grown significantly over the past decade. Currently, around 40,000 e-rickshaws are sold in India every month, and over 22–25 lakh electric rickshaws have been deployed across the country in the last ten years.

Interestingly, about 80% of the e-rickshaw market is concentrated in just five major cities. Despite this, nearly 550 companies are actively operating in the sector, and Bajaj Auto’s entry is expected to bring enhanced competition, innovation, and trust.

Two Years of Research Result in ‘Riki’

Bajaj has been working on the e-rickshaw project for the past two years, focusing on three primary objectives:

• Durability

• Extended Range

• Cost-efficiency

Initially, the ‘Riki’ will be launched in eight Tier-2 cities, including Moradabad, Raipur, and Patna. Bajaj will collect feedback from these markets over 3–4 months to refine its strategy. The long-term goal is to expand the e-rickshaw to over 200 cities across India.

GST Reduction Accelerates Market Growth

Recent GST rate cuts provided a boost to the auto industry, increasing purchases and overall sales. Bajaj Auto expects this momentum to continue, though future price increases could slightly affect smaller vehicles. Currently, the company has no plans to raise prices, ensuring profit stability while monitoring market trends.

Impact of New ABS Regulations on Two-Wheelers

The government is planning to mandate ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) for all two-wheelers, aiming to enhance safety standards. These new rules are expected to be implemented by January 2026, potentially increasing bike prices by ₹3,000–5,000.

Bajaj Auto’s Upcoming Plans

Bajaj Auto has an ambitious roadmap for the next few months. Between December 2025 and June 2026, the company plans to launch 7–8 new models, including updated scooters, variants, and e-autos. Notably, a completely new Bajaj Chetak e-scooter is expected in January 2026, which could redefine the electric scooter market.

Conclusion

Bajaj Auto’s entry into the e-rickshaw segment marks a significant milestone for India’s electric vehicle industry. The launch of ‘Riki’ is set to provide affordable, safe, and reliable urban transportation in smaller cities. Market experts believe Bajaj’s technology, distribution network, and service capabilities will drive innovation in the sector. While the real measure of success will depend on market feedback, the announcement has already generated enthusiasm and optimism across the industry.