In an effort to enhance first and last-mile connectivity in urban areas and promote green mobility, the Maharashtra state government has approved the use of electric bike taxis and announced a comprehensive policy framework for their implementation in cities with population exceeding one lakh.
According to the Maharashtra government resolution (GR), the government will issue 50 permits to aggregators, each valid for five years. All bike taxis in the fleet must be electric. Aggregators are required to provide insurance coverage for both riders and passengers in the event of accidents or fatalities. The bike taxis will be permitted to operate within a maximum distance of 15 km and must be painted yellow, with “Bike Taxi” displayed prominently.
Drivers must be between 20 and 50 years old, and ride for a maximum shift of eight hours. The government aims to have 50% of the drivers be women over time.
Each bike taxi can carry one passenger at a time, and children under 12 years old are not permitted to use the service. To ensure the safety of women passengers, the bikes must be equipped with protective separating shields. Additional safety features include GPS tracking devices, seasonal covers for protection during the monsoon, an emergency contact facility, and background checks for riders. The policy also allows for the pooling of electric two-wheelers.
Around one lakh bike taxis are expected to be deployed in the state to provide clean mobility to commuters, and livelihood opportunities.