The Maharashtra government has given the green light to e-bike taxis in cities with a population of one lakh or more. This move aims to make travel cheaper, faster, and more eco-friendly. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting at Sahyadri Guest House, where the Transport Department’s proposal was approved to regulate the service.
Why This Is a Big Deal
Currently, taking a taxi or an auto-rickshaw can cost around INR 100 for short trips. But with e-bike taxis, the base fare will be just INR 40—less than half the price! The final fare structure will be decided by the Regional Transport Authority.
The government has also allowed private two-wheeler bike-sharing to help reduce traffic congestion in busy cities.
Rules for E-Bike Taxi Services
To ensure smooth operations, the government has set important rules for e-bike taxi services:
✅ Only electric bikes are allowed under this scheme.
✅ Companies must have at least 50 bikes in their fleet.
✅ E-bike taxis can operate only within a 15-kilometre range.
✅ Drivers must be between 20 and 50 years old.
✅ Female passengers will have the option to share rides only with other women.
✅ Safety measures include rider partitions and full covers to protect passengers from rain.
✅ The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 will apply, meaning e-bike taxis must have insurance and valid permits.
Support for Rickshaw Drivers
To help rickshaw drivers transition to this new service, the government is offering a subsidy of INR 10,000 to their children if they choose to operate an e-bike taxi. The rest of the money needed to buy the bike can be taken as a loan, making it easier for people from all backgrounds to start their own business.
More Jobs, Cleaner Cities
The Maharashtra government expects the e-bike taxi project to create 20,000 new jobs across the state. Over 10,000 of these jobs will be in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This initiative aligns with the state’s goal of promoting green and sustainable transport.
Not Everyone Is Happy
However, not everyone is on board with this new policy. The Mumbai Automen’s Union has strongly opposed the move. They argue that the government will not have proper control over bike taxi aggregators, leading to potential chaos in the transport sector. The union has promised to protest against the decision.
What’s Next?
Despite the opposition, the e-bike taxi plan is moving forward, promising cheaper fares, faster commutes, and a cleaner environment for Maharashtra. If successful, this initiative could transform urban transport across the state!
Would you take an e-bike taxi for your daily commute? Let us know!