Bajaj Riki E‑Rickshaw Review: Range, Price, Features

Bajaj Auto has officially entered the electric rickshaw market with the launch of the Bajaj Riki, marking a major stride in India’s last‑mile electric mobility segment. Designed to address long‑standing reliability and performance gaps in the unorganised e‑rickshaw category, the Riki aims to offer drivers and passengers a safer, more efficient and durable option for urban and peri‑urban transport.

Breakthrough Features and Engineering

The Bajaj Riki series is offered in two core variants: the Riki P4005 for passenger transport and the Riki C4005 for cargo applications. Both variants are built on a robust monocoque chassis, which brings enhanced structural rigidity and longer vehicle life compared with many conventional e‑rickshaws on Indian roads.

At the heart of both models is a 5.4 kWh battery pack that claims to deliver best‑in‑segment range figures. The passenger‑focused P4005 achieves a certified range of up to 149 kilometres on a single charge, while the cargo‑oriented C4005 extends that range to 164 kilometres, helping drivers cover more daily distance without frequent recharging.

Additional engineering highlights include independent suspension for better comfort and stability on uneven surfaces, as well as hydraulic brakes designed to deliver smoother and more dependable stopping power in dense city traffic. Both variants benefit from fast‑charging capability, allowing the battery to be fully charged in approximately 4.5 hours, and come with a three‑year battery warranty backed by Bajaj’s extensive service network.

Pricing and Value Proposition

The Riki’s pricing reflects its advanced engineering and segment‑leading features. The Riki P4005 is priced at around ₹1,90,890 (ex‑showroom), making it competitive with premium offerings in the electric three‑wheeler space. The Riki C4005, designed for goods movement and higher earning potential, costs approximately ₹2,00,876 (ex‑showroom). Both prices position the Riki as a premium, long‑term investment for drivers looking to reduce operating costs and maximise uptime.

In addition to its certified range, the Riki’s electric drivetrain dramatically lowers running expenses compared with petrol or diesel alternatives. Lower energy costs per kilometre and reduced maintenance needs contribute to overall savings, making the Riki a compelling choice for commercial use.

Extensive Pilot Testing and Market Rollout

Before the full launch, Bajaj conducted intensive pilot testing of the Bajaj Riki in cities such as Patna, Moradabad, Guwahati and Raipur to validate performance under real‑world conditions. Following these trials, the company has begun rolling out the Riki to more than 100 towns and cities across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Assam as part of its first phase. Future plans aim to expand this presence further, potentially covering 200 cities and towns by early 2026.

The strategic rollout taps into the steadily growing demand for cost‑effective electric mobility solutions in India’s urban transport ecosystem, especially in the highly competitive last‑mile segment.

Conclusion

The Bajaj Riki makes a notable entry into the e‑rickshaw market with class‑leading range, enhanced safety features, and strong backing from Bajaj Auto’s nationwide service infrastructure. Its combination of durability, efficiency and practical performance addresses many of the pain points that have limited the adoption of electric three‑wheelers in the past. For drivers and fleet operators seeking a dependable electric solution that cuts operating costs and expands earning potential, the Riki presents a compelling proposition.

FAQs

Q: What is the range of the Bajaj Riki on a full charge?
The passenger Riki P4005 offers up to 149 km range, while the cargo Riki C4005 extends to 164 km per charge.

Q: How long does it take to charge the Bajaj Riki battery?
Both Riki variants support fast charging and can be fully charged in about 4.5 hours.

Q: What is the starting price of the Bajaj Riki?
The Riki P4005 starts at approximately ₹1,90,890, while the Riki C4005 is priced around ₹2,00,876 (ex‑showroom).

Q: Does the Bajaj Riki come with a warranty?
Yes, Bajaj offers a three‑year battery warranty along with its nationwide service support network.