Top 5 Electric Rickshaws in India for Daily Commuting Needs

Let’s talk about electric rickshaws. Not the big, showy EVs on highways or the sleek Teslas you see in international headlines. No, I’m talking about the humble, three-wheeled warriors that zip through our streets, carry school kids, ferry aunties to markets, and make our chaotic cities feel a bit more connected.

E-rickshaws have become the lifeblood of short-distance travel in India’s towns and cities. From Delhi to Dhanbad, Lucknow to Ludhiana if you’ve stepped into one recently, you know what I mean. They’re affordable, efficient, and don’t belch black smoke like the old diesel autos used to.

And now, with the government pushing for more electric vehicles and offering subsidies under FAME-II and state EV policies, the electric rickshaw scene is buzzing. So, whether you’re a driver looking for an upgrade or a fleet operator trying to scale up smartly, here are five electric rickshaws that just make sense for daily commuting.

Let’s dive in with no jargon, just the real stuff.

1. Mahindra Treo

Ah, the Mahindra Treo. It’s kind of the poster child of India’s e-rickshaw revolution. You see it everywhere outside metro stations, office parks, and even in rural stretches.

What makes the Treo stand out? For starters, it’s not a retrofit. It’s built from scratch as an electric vehicle. Which means better balance, more space, and fewer rattles.

You get a Lithium-ion battery, not the old lead-acid types. That means faster charging and longer life. On a full charge, it gives you around 130–140 km, and the top speed is a comfy 55 km/h. Enough for city traffic, right?

What I love most is the feel of it. It's smooth, quiet, and the cabin doesn’t feel cramped. It’s built like a proper commercial vehicle, not like a toy someone welded together.

Yes, it's a bit pricier around ₹2.8–3 lakh (ex-showroom, depending on subsidies). But if you’re in it for the long haul, this one’s a smart pick.

2. YC Electric Yatri Super

This one’s for the hustlers. The folks who start their shift at dawn and end it well past sundown.

YC Electric is no small player anymore, they’ve quietly built a solid rep. The Yatri Super is their flagship, and it’s got the basics nailed: solid body, decent battery, and low running cost. It offers around 90–100 km range on a single charge and runs on a lead-acid battery, which helps keep the price in check typically around ₹1.4-1.6 lakh.

Sure, it’s not the flashiest. But it works. And if you’re managing a fleet or running on tight margins, reliability matters more than bells and whistles.

Plus, service centers are everywhere in North India. Got a flat? A battery issue? Someone will fix it within hours. That’s gold.

3. Piaggio Ape E-City

This one surprised me, honestly. Piaggio, the company that gave us the iconic Vespa, has been killing it quietly in the electric commercial vehicle space.

The Ape E-City is a sturdy, thoughtfully designed electric rickshaw that runs on a swappable battery system (in partnership with Sun Mobility). So no more waiting hours to charge. You just head to a swap station and boom you’re back on the road in five minutes.

Game-changer, right?

It’s got a top speed of 45 km/h and offers about 60–70 km per swap. Which may not sound huge, but with battery swapping, you’re never stuck. It's perfect for urban areas with swap stations already in place like Bangalore, Delhi, Pune.

Also, Piaggio’s build quality is way above average. Doors shut properly. Panels don’t rattle. It feels secure. And that means something, especially if you're driving 8 hours a day in unpredictable traffic.

4. Saera Mayuri

Now we’re getting into the OG territory. Mayuri rickshaws have been around since the early e-rickshaw boom, and they’ve got that desi ruggedness people trust.

The Saera Mayuri model is simple and gets the job done. It uses a lead-acid battery, has a range of around 80–90 km, and can carry 4+1 comfortably. The price? Around ₹1.3–1.5 lakh, making it very attractive for small operators and first-time buyers.

It’s not perfect. The body can feel light, and the seats aren’t the most plush. But for low-cost, high-uptime daily commuting? It ticks all the right boxes.

Also, spare parts are everywhere. Like, everywhere. And that matters when your livelihood depends on the wheels turning, day after day.

5. Lohia Narain DX

Ever heard of Lohia Auto? If not, keep an eye on them. Their Narain DX model is a sleeper hit. It’s got that right mix of functionality and finish. Dual suspension, good legroom, LED lights, and a decent 85–95 km range. It runs on a lead-acid battery (for now), but there’s talk of a Li-ion variant coming soon.

But what I really like is the after-sales support. Lohia has tied up with local service providers and dealers in tier 2 and 3 towns making it easier for people outside big cities to get into the electric commercial vehicle space.

At around ₹1.5–1.6 lakh, it’s priced sensibly. And for folks looking to start with their first electric vehicle, it feels safe not just in terms of build, but as a business decision.

Final Thoughts: What Makes an E-Rickshaw Right for You?

Look, there’s no one size fits all when it comes to electric rickshaws. Some want long range, some want quick fixes, and others want brand trust.

But here's the thing: the electric rickshaw isn’t just a vehicle. It’s a livelihood. A bridge between people and places. A symbol of how India is rethinking mobility from the ground up.

Electric vehicles are not just for the elite anymore. The e-rickshaw is proof that the EV revolution has really arrived when the “aam aadmi” can afford to be a part of it.

So, whether you’re choosing based on range, battery tech, price, or service support make sure you test drive, ask fellow drivers, and trust your gut. The right ride is out there. And it might just be the start of something big.