Big Win for Clean Mobility as Maharashtra Legalizes Electric Bike Taxis: In a landmark move for urban transportation, the Maharashtra government has officially legalized electric bike taxis under the Electric Bike Taxi Rules, 2025. The new policy comes after Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik personally uncovered illegal bike taxi operations in Mumbai, exposing the urgent need for regulation.
Only Electric Two-Wheelers Allowed, Petrol Bikes Banned
Under the new rules, only electric two-wheelers are permitted for bike taxi services. Petrol and diesel-powered bikes are now completely banned for this use. This supports the state’s push for sustainable transport and reduced pollution in urban areas.
Aggregators Must Meet Strict Licensing Requirements
Companies like Rapido, Uber, and Ola must meet the following conditions to operate legally:
- Register a minimum of 50 electric bikes
- Pay a licensing fee of ₹1 lakh
- Submit a ₹5 lakh security deposit
- Ensure each vehicle is painted yellow with reflective ‘bike taxi’ labels
Licenses issued will remain valid for five years, subject to compliance.
Rider Eligibility and Vehicle Conditions Clearly Defined
To qualify as a rider, drivers must:
- Be between 20 and 50 years of age
- Hold a valid commercial driving licence and PSV badge
- Pass a police verification, health check, and route test
- Have no DUI or drug offense convictions in the last 7 years
Every bike must carry a yellow helmet for the passenger, which should be sanitized after each trip.
Safety Tech Features Made Mandatory for Aggregator Apps
All app-based platforms must integrate:
- GPS tracking for all rides
- Panic buttons for emergency alerts
- A female driver preference option
- 24/7 control room access for real-time monitoring
Street hailing is not allowed. All bookings must be made via the app. Riders are limited to 8 hours of work per day, and trip distances are capped at 15 km to ensure safety and reduce driver fatigue.
Local Authorities to Set Fares and Routes
Each city’s local transport authority and RTO will decide:
- Base fare structures
- Maximum fleet sizes per zone
- Approved routes for bike taxi operations
- Integration with public transport systems to boost last-mile connectivity
These city-specific rules aim to streamline services based on local needs and traffic patterns.
Illegal Operators Face Crackdown
After the Minister’s undercover ride exposed non-compliant platforms, RTOs across Maharashtra have been directed to take strict action against operators like Rapido and Uber who continue without proper licenses.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid using unregistered services and report violations to ensure safe and legal operations.
A Step Toward Greener, Safer Urban Transport
The legalization of Electric Bike Taxis in Maharashtra is a bold move toward a cleaner, smarter transportation future. By enforcing electric-only fleets and safety-first rules, the government aims to improve urban mobility while cutting emissions.
If you plan to use bike taxis, choose only licensed, electric services for your safety and the environment. Expect better last-mile connectivity, cleaner streets, and safer rides across cities in Maharashtra.
