Electric three-wheelers – EZ bikes, mishuks, and e-rickshaws are now the primary mode of transport for millions in Bangladesh, with 3 to 4 million vehicles serving 112 million people every day. This growing sector, valued at US$ 871 million, is important for its role in reducing fossil fuel dependency, creating local jobs, and enhancing connectivity through affordable electric mobility.

Surprisingly, despite the electric three-wheeler industry’s immense size and market value, the sector is not officially recognized by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and National Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy.  As a result, it operates informally, escaping regulatory oversight. This has led to a proliferation of low-quality lead-acid batteries for electric three-wheelers, informal recycling practices posing environmental risks, substantial tax revenue losses, and heightened energy consumption, all exacerbating climate change and pollution.

Studies on blood lead levels show that Bangladesh is the fourth highest impacted by lead pollution globally. Approximately 60% of children are suffering from lead poisoning. This toxic heavy metal poses severe health risks, particularly to children, resulting in detrimental effects such as brain damage in younger children, cardiovascular disease among adults, and increased incidence of terminated pregnancies in women.