Looking for a powerful, reliable and factory-built electric rickshaw that can actually change the 3-wheeler market? If yes, you’re going to like what Bajaj has just introduced. The new Bajaj Riki Electric Rickshaw is designed to bring more safety, better performance and long-term durability to the e-rickshaw segment—something drivers have been wanting for years.
In this blog, you’ll understand what makes the Riki special, including its features, range, build quality, expected price and launch highlights. I’ll break everything down in simple language so you can quickly decide whether it’s worth considering for daily commuting or commercial use.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how Bajaj is shaking up the 3-wheeler market and what this new electric rickshaw could mean for drivers, fleet owners and last-mile transport operators.
What is the Riki Electric Rickshaw?
The Riki Electric Rickshaw is Bajaj Auto’s first factory-made lithium-ion e-rickshaw. Bajaj announced the Riki on November 26, 2025 and began pilots in several cities. Unlike many unorganised, lead-acid three-wheelers, Riki comes with a designed chassis, safety features, and a branded service network. I see it as a clear push to shift drivers and fleet owners toward more reliable, longer-range electric vehicles.
Here are a few quick facts you should know:
- Launch date: Announced Nov 26, 2025.
- Battery type: High-capacity lithium-ion pack.
- Models: Passenger (P4005) and Cargo (C4005).
- Warranty: 3-year battery warranty.
Key Features & Safety
When I looked at the Riki specs, what stood out was how Bajaj focused on safety and durability. Many e-rickshaws on the road are informal builds with limited safety checks. Bajaj changed that approach:
- Monocoque chassis: A single-piece body gives more rigidity and lowers the risk of structural failures.
- Independent suspension & hydraulic brakes: Better ride comfort and braking than typical unorganised models.
- Radial tubeless tyres & doors: Safer handling and more comfort for passengers.
- Digital instruments & USB ports: Modern conveniences for drivers and riders.
These features aim to reduce toppling incidents and improve daily reliability. For drivers, that means fewer breakdowns and fewer hours lost to repairs — which can add up to real income gains over months.
Range, Battery & Charging
Range is one of the strongest selling points of the Riki Electric Rickshaw. Bajaj claims the P4005 passenger model can do 149 km per charge, while the C4005 cargo model can do 164 km per charge. These numbers are class-leading compared to many lead-acid rivals, which often struggle to reach 80–100 km under real-world loads.
The passenger P4005 uses a 5.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. Bajaj lists a charging time of around 4 to 4.5 hours to full, and they include a 3-year battery warranty. Fast daytime charging and shorter charging windows mean drivers can complete more trips in a day without long downtime. For example, in a pilot in Patna, operators reported fewer mid-shift charge issues than with older lead-acid three-wheelers.
Models, Pricing & Practical Specs
One thing I like is that Bajaj launched two clear models for two common uses: passenger and cargo. That lets fleet owners pick the right vehicle for their business.
| Model | Ex-showroom Price (INR) | Certified Range | Battery | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riki P4005 (Passenger) | ₹1,90,890 | 149 km | 5.4 kWh lithium-ion | ~25 km/h |
| Riki C4005 (Cargo) | ₹2,00,876 | 164 km | Higher-capacity lithium-ion | ~25 km/h (optimized) |
Other practical specs: the C4005 claims about 28% gradeability, which helps on steep urban roads. Both models offer a roof carrier or large deck on the cargo model, a digital speedometer, and useful driver features like USB charging. The top speed is tuned for city and last-mile routes, around 25 km/h, prioritising safety and energy efficiency.
Pilot, Rollout & Availability
Bajaj tested the Riki in cities like Patna, Moradabad, Guwahati and Raipur. Those pilots helped Bajaj refine service needs and real-world range figures. After pilots, the Phase-1 rollout covers over 100 towns across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Assam.
Bajaj plans to expand to roughly 200 cities/towns by Q1 FY26 (Jan–Mar 2026). Right now the focus is India — there’s no confirmed international rollout yet. For drivers and small fleet owners in targeted towns, this means local dealers and service support should be available soon. That matters because aftercare and servicing have been major pain points for e-rickshaw owners so far.
How Riki Changes the 3‑Wheeler Market
I believe the Riki Electric Rickshaw shifts the market in three ways:
- Standardisation: A factory-built model with warranty and dealer support raises expectations for quality and service.
- Lower operating costs: Lithium-ion batteries and longer range reduce daily charging time and maintenance costs versus lead-acid vehicles.
- Driver earnings & safety: More reliable vehicles and better safety features can increase daily trips and decrease accident-related downtime.
To give a concrete example: a driver using an older lead-acid rickshaw might need long midday charging or face range loss by evening. With the Riki P4005’s 149 km range and ~4 hour full charge, a driver can plan two shifts or a long day more reliably. Over a year, fewer repairs and better uptime could add up to thousands of rupees in extra income.
What I’d Watch Next
There are a few things I’ll be watching closely:
- Real-world range under full passenger load and hot weather.
- Service network growth in smaller towns — aftercare will decide long-term adoption.
- Price sensitivity: the Riki is priced as a premium option. Will drivers and fleet owners trade higher upfront cost for lower running cost?
If you want, I can compare Riki vs popular competitors on range, price and features. That would help you see where Riki stands in value per rupee.
Also Read: 2026 Renault Duster Coming Soon: Fresh Design, Turbo Engines & All Key Updates Revealed
Final Thoughts
To sum up, the Riki Electric Rickshaw is a meaningful step toward organised, safer and more reliable e-rickshaw transport. Bajaj brings a factory-built, lithium-ion solution with class-leading range, a 3-year battery warranty, and a plan to expand service to hundreds of towns. For drivers and fleet owners, the benefits are clearer uptime and lower long-term costs. For cities, better safety and cleaner last-mile moves the needle on sustainable transport.
We’re still early in the rollout, but based on pilot reports and the specs, Bajaj’s Riki looks like a strong contender to modernise the three-wheeler market. If you’re thinking of switching or investing, I can help compare numbers or convert costs to USD and estimate total cost of ownership — tell me which option you prefer.
