Maharashtra Government Issues Draft Rules for Electric Bike Taxis

The Maharashtra state government has released draft regulations for electric bike taxi services, inviting public feedback until 5 June. The "Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules, 2025" was issued on 22 May to regulate digital aggregators like Rapido, Uber Moto, etc, under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

Also Read: Maharashtra Cabinet Approves E-Bike Taxi Policy For Urban Areas

As per the draft, the state government has initiated that only licensed operators with a minimum 50-bike fleet can operate. The vehicles should be registered in Maharashtra and should meet insurance, fitness and permit requirements. Operators must pay a ₹5 lakh security deposit plus ₹1 lakh application fees for a five-year licence. Key requirements from operators will include GPS tracking, passenger helmets, 24x7 control rooms, driver police verification, and grievance mechanisms. Plus, the bikes must be yellow with reflective 'Bike Taxi' signage and will be limited to accepting only 15 km trip limits. The top speed will also be capped at 60 kmph. 

Also Read: Maharashtra Government Announces Bike Taxi Policy, EVs Mandatory

Additionally, drivers need to have commercial licences, must be aged between 20-50, undergo quarterly safety training, and work a maximum of eight hours daily. Street hailing will be prohibited, and only app bookings will be allowed.

Safety features include mandatory female driver options for women passengers, ₹2 lakh accidental death insurance for drivers and passengers, and protective rain covers. Regional transport authorities will set fare caps and local conditions.

Also Read: Mumbai To Get Over A Lakh Of Bike Taxis, Tariffs Likely To Be 60 Percent Cost Of Rickshaws

The scheme follows April's cabinet approval to introduce electric bike taxis in cities with populations exceeding one lakh, targeting over 20,000 jobs statewide - 10,000 in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and 10,000 elsewhere.

(Sourced From PTI)