The Maharashtra government has come up with new proposed rules (draft rules) for electric bike taxi services. That is, the government is now preparing to implement new rules for bike taxi services in the state.
According to PTI news, while issuing the notification of these draft rules, the government has also invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders by June 5. Issued as part of a government resolution (GR) titled “Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules, 2025” on May 22, the draft rules aim to regulate digital aggregators and operators of two-wheeler taxi services under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Approval for introduction of electric-bike taxis
According to the news, on April 1, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved the introduction of electric-bike taxis for cities with a population of at least one lakh. Its aim is to create more than 10,000 jobs in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and more than 10,000 jobs in the rest of the state. Let us tell you, bike taxi service is for a ride, which uses motorcycles or other two-wheelers to transport passengers.
Only such operators will be allowed to work
According to a notification issued by the Maharashtra State Transport Department, only licensed operators with a fleet of up to 50 electric bike taxis will be allowed to operate. The condition is that the two-wheeler must be registered in Maharashtra and comply with insurance, fitness and permit norms. The rules require setting up of safety measures like GPS tracking, crash helmets for passengers and special driver options for women and a 24×7 control room. Operators will also need to maintain a complaint redressal system and ensure police verification of drivers.
Security deposit of ₹5 lakh and application fee of ₹1 lakh
The notification clearly states that the licensee will have to maintain a 24 x 7 control room with adequate manpower. An individual or a partnership firm or any registered company can engage in the business of bike taxi agency after obtaining a license from the concerned authority. According to the notification, a security deposit of Rs 5 lakh and an application fee of Rs 1 lakh will be charged from the applicants for granting or renewing the license. The license will be valid for five years.
Travel distance covered is 15 km
According to the draft rules, plying of taxis on the road has been banned and reflective ‘bike taxi’ signage has been made mandatory on yellow bikes. Also, the travel distance has been fixed at 15 km. Bike riders should have a commercial license and their age should be between 20 and 50 years. The licensee will be responsible for the quality of drivers, their police verification and conduct with passengers. Police verification will be done at the time of renewal of driving license and at the time of recruitment.
Provision of insurance coverage of Rs 2 lakh
The licensee must ensure that drivers undergo safety training every three months, do not pick up passengers from taxi drivers on the street, do not work for more than eight hours and do not share personal contact details of women drivers with passengers. The draft rules give regional transport authorities the power to set fare limits and impose additional local conditions. It also states that service providers must provide insurance coverage of Rs 2 lakh in case of accidental death of the driver and passenger.
Facility to choose female driver for female passengers
The new proposed rules state that bike taxi service providers will provide a facility for women passengers to choose female drivers in their apps, which will ensure increased safety. The notification states that the speed of the bike taxi should not exceed 60 kmph and there should be a divider between the driver and the passenger. The service provider should provide safety cover for passengers during rainy season.
