Maharashtra has added a feather to its EV cap as the government has given a green signal to electric bike taxi across the state. Earlier speaking to a news channel Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said this policy will help promote the government’s EV initiative and simultaneously create jobs in the state. Here’s an in-depth look at the EV Bike Taxi Policy — what is it and how it aims to enhance last-mile connectivity.
E-Bike Taxi Policy: Regulations
The government has clearly stated that the EV bike taxi fleet has to be 100% electric and will only be available in cities with a population of over 1 lakh. The minimum age for the e-bike rider is 20 years and only one passenger is allowed per bike. The policy states that children under 12 years old are not permitted to opt for this mode of transportation.
The state transport department will initially issue 50 non-transferable permits, each valid for five years. It is mandatory for all vehicles to have GPS tracking systems and emergency contact features.
E-Bike Taxi Policy: Women Riders and Safety
The Maharashtrian government has taken a major step towards gender inclusivity as there will be women riders, which female passengers can opt for. The E-Bike Taxi Policy wants 50% of the staff to be women riders, but the timeline is yet to be revealed by the government.
For safety, there will be partition between the rider and the passenger. The policy further states that insurance is a must for riders and passengers and protective gear is mandatory during monsoon.
E-Bike Taxi Policy: Last-mile connectivity relief
The government is aiming to provide a green last-mile connectivity option that will be both eco-friendly and affordable as the e-bike taxi service can only cover up to 15 km. The Maharashtrian Government is hoping this will reduce the number of vehicles on the road and improve the flow of traffic.