ARAI Regulations for Electric Vehicle-Three Wheeler

ARAI Regulations for electric Vehicle-Three Wheeler K Murali Krishna M Des, CPDM IISc Bangalore

AIS-053/2005: Definition of E-Rickshaw 

E Rickshaw means a special purpose battery operated vehicle having three wheels and intended to provide last mile

connectivity for transport of passengers for hire or reward 

Vehicle should not carry more than four passengers

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Not more than 40kgs Luggage in total

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Net power of the motor is not more than 2000 watts

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Max speed of the vehicle is not more than 25 kmph

AIS-053 L5 category-Three wheeler 

L5M category-Passenger carrier (Autorickshaw) ◦ A three-wheeler on account of its technical features intended to carry passengers. A three wheeled motor vehicle with maximum speed exceeding 25 kmph and engine capacity exceeding 25 cc if fitted with a thermic engine, or motor power exceeding 0.25 kW if fitted with electric motor. This vehicle is normally used for: ◦ - carrying persons or ◦ - carrying goods ◦ Semi-trailer may be attached, and where: ◦ a) Handle bar or steering wheel may be fitted. ◦ b) Gross vehicle weight will be limited to 1500 kg, subject to the conditions given in para (d) below.

◦ C) In the case of semi-trailers being attached to a three-wheeled tractor, the

gross combination weight will be limited to 2500 kg subject to the conditions given in Para (d) below. ◦ d) The weight of traction batteries in the case of battery operated three

wheelers, shall not be taken into account for the limitation the GVW/GCW and for the purpose of classification

AIS-134/F(2015): Three wheeled vehicles under category L5M as defined in AIS-053 

Overall dimensions : ◦ The overall width of the three wheeler should not exceed 1.6 mtrs

◦ The overall length of the three wheeler should not exceed 4.0 mtrs ◦ The overall height of the three wheeler should not exceed 2.2 mtrs 

Driver Seat: ◦ Minimum width of the seat cushion: 400mm ◦ Maximum width of the seat cushion: 600mm at the front end of the seat and 500mm at the rear end of the seat. ◦ Seat width at the rear shall be measured about 80mm from rear edge of the cushion. ◦ Minimum depth of the seat cushion measured along the longitudinal plane passing through the centre of that seating position: 380mm.

AIS-134/F(2015): Three wheeled vehicles under category L5M as defined in AIS-053 

Passenger seat for L5M category three wheelers ◦ Minimum width of the seat cushion: 350 mm per passenger. ◦ Maximum width of the seat cushion: 450 mm per passenger. ◦ Minimum depth of the seat cushion measured along the longitudinal plane passing through the centre of that seating position: 350mm.

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Requirements of doors for passenger compartment for L5M category three wheelers

◦ Doors shall be provided for the passenger compartment of L5M category vehicle, on left and right exit ◦ The door/panel structure shall extend to a height of at least 100mm from the surface of the adjacent passenger seat cushion.

◦ The top edge of the door/panel structure shall be designed such that it is not possible for any occupant to sit on it. The top edge of the door /panel shall be narrowed down to a thickness of about 10mm.

◦ Every door shall be hinged such that, if an open door comes into contact with any object while the vehicle is moving forward, it tends to close. As an option to the door on right side, a fixed structure may be provided.

◦ The doors shall be provided with positive locking mechanism to avoid accidental opening. The doors shall be operable from inside as well as outside. 

Requirements for leg space for passengers for L5M category three wheelers

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In case vehicles with single row seat ◦ A minimum clear leg space of 280mm measured from front edge of the passenger seat cushion to any part of the vehicle towards front shall be provided for each passenger. ◦ A minimum foot / floor space of 280mm shall be provided for each

passenger ◦

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In case of vehicles with seats facing each other ◦ A minimum clear leg space of 500 mm measured between the seat cushions of passenger seats shall be provided. ◦ A minimum common foot / floor space of 500 mm shall be provided.

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Safety belt requirements ◦ A two point safety belt (lap belt) shall be provided for the driver. The belt may be provided with or without retractor. ◦ Safety belts shall conform to the requirements as specified in IS 15140:2003, as

amended from time to time. 

Location of the effective Bell Anchorages ◦ Points L1 and L2 are the lower effective belt anchorages. The angles α1 and

α2 are respectively the angles between a horizontal plane and planes perpendicular to the median longitudinal plane of the vehicle and passing through point H and the points L1 and L2. ◦

◦ α1 and α2 shall be between 30° and 80° for all normal traveling positions of the seats. ◦ The distance between the two vertical planes parallel to median longitudinal plane of the vehicle and passing through the two effective lower belt anchorages L1and L2, shall not be less than 350 mm. 

Filament lamps (bulbs) for headlamps of three wheelers ◦ Three wheeler with single headlamp:.HS1 or filament lamp (bulb) as per AIS-034 having more luminous flux (lumen) output shall be used. S1 and S2 category filament lamp (bulb) as per AIS-034 shall not be used for these vehicles. ◦ Three wheeler with two headlamps: S2 or HS1 or filament lamp (bulb) as per AIS- 034 having more luminous flux (lumen) output shall be used. S1 category filament lamp (bulb) as per AIS-034 shall not be used for these vehicles