Maharashtra Government Proposes New Rules for Electric Bike Taxi Services in 2025

The Maharashtra government has released a draft notification outlining proposed regulations for electric bike taxi services in the state. Stakeholders have been invited to submit objections and suggestions by June 5. This draft, part of the Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules, 2025, aims to regulate digital aggregators and two-wheeler taxi operators under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

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The state cabinet approved the introduction of electric-bike taxis on April 1 for cities with populations over one lakh. This initiative is expected to create over 10,000 jobs in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and another 10,000 across the rest of Maharashtra. A bike taxi service typically involves motorcycles or similar vehicles transporting passengers.

Licensing and Operational Requirements

According to the notification, only licensed operators with at least 50 electric bike taxis can operate. These vehicles must be registered in Maharashtra and comply with insurance, fitness, and permit norms. The rules also require GPS tracking, crash helmets for passengers, and safety measures like women-specific driver options and a 24x7 control room.

Operators must maintain a grievance redressal mechanism and ensure police verification of drivers. "The licensee shall maintain a 24 x 7 control room with adequate manpower," stated the notification. Individuals, partnership firms, or registered companies can engage in bike taxi services after obtaining a licence from the relevant authority.

Financial and Safety Regulations

To obtain or renew a licence, applicants must pay a security deposit of Rs 5 lakh along with an application fee of Rs 1 lakh. Licences are valid for five years. The notification prohibits street hailing and mandates yellow bikes with reflective Bike Taxi signage. Trip distances are capped at 15 km.

Drivers must hold a commercial licence and be aged between 20 and 50 years. The licensee is responsible for driver quality, police verification, and conduct with passengers. Police verification is required during induction and licence renewal.

Service Provider Obligations

The draft empowers regional transport authorities to set fare caps and impose additional local conditions. Service providers must offer insurance coverage of Rs 2 lakh for accidental death of both driver and passenger. The app should allow female passengers to choose female drivers for enhanced safety.

The notification specifies that bike taxis should not exceed speeds of 60 km per hour. A separator between driver and passenger is required, along with protective covers during rainy seasons. Drivers must undergo safety training every three months and adhere to an eight-hour work limit.

The draft also states that drivers should not pick up passengers from street hailing or share personal contact information of women drivers with passengers. These measures aim to enhance safety and ensure compliance with regulations.

With inputs from PTI