Maharashtra has officially notified the Electric Bike Taxi Rules, 2025, marking a major policy shift in urban mobility. The move comes just days after Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik exposed illegal bike taxi operations by personally booking a ride from the state secretariat, Mantralaya, drawing attention to unregulated services across Mumbai.
Electric Only: Petrol Two-Wheelers Banned
The newly framed rules allow only electric two-wheelers to operate as bike taxis. Petrol or diesel-powered bikes are strictly prohibited. This is aligned with Maharashtra’s broader push for clean mobility and sustainable transportation.
Aggregator Guidelines: Licence, Fees, and Fleet Size
Bike taxi aggregators like Rapido, Uber, and Ola will need to:
- Register a minimum of 50 electric bikes
- Pay ₹1 lakh as a licensing fee
- Submit a ₹5 lakh security deposit
- Ensure each vehicle is painted yellow with reflective ‘bike taxi’ lettering
Licences will be valid for five years.
Rider and Vehicle Requirements
Drivers must:
- Be aged between 20 and 50
- Hold a valid commercial licence and PSV badge
- Undergo police verification, periodic health checks, and city route tests
- Avoid employment if convicted of DUI or drug offenses in the last 7 years
Each ride must include a yellow helmet for the passenger, which must be sanitized after every trip.
Tech and Safety Compliance
Aggregators must equip their apps with:
- GPS tracking
- Panic buttons
- Female driver preference
- 24/7 control room access
Additionally, street hailing is banned — all rides must be app-based. Drivers can only work up to 8 hours a day, with trip distances capped at 15km.
City-Specific Regulation and Integration with Public Transport
Local authorities and RTOs will decide:
- Fare rates
- Fleet sizes
- Designated routes
- Emergency response systems
Bike taxis are expected to be integrated with existing public transport networks to enhance last-mile connectivity.
Crackdown on Illegal Operators
Following Minister Sarnaik’s undercover ride, the Transport Commissionerate has ordered RTOs to take strict action against platforms like Rapido and Uber operating without permits. Citizens are being urged not to use unauthorised bike taxis and report violations for stricter enforcement.
