In a major move towards sustainable urban mobility, the Maharashtra government has officially notified the Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules – 2025, granting legal recognition to e-bike taxi services across the state. As per the new rules, aggregator companies will now be required to obtain a new license to operate such services. Without this license, no firm will be permitted to run e-bike taxis.
This notification comes just days after Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik took action against an unlicensed bike taxi operator near the Mantralaya (State Secretariat).
Key Features of the New Rules:
Mandatory License
As per the new rules, the license will be valid for five years, and aggregators must operate at least 50 e-bike taxis.
Driver Age Limit & Verification
The government has also specified driver eligibility criteria. Drivers must be aged between 20 and 50 years and must undergo police verification. Daily working hours are capped at 8 hours, and adherence to traffic rules is mandatory.
Trip Guidelines
For passengers, several safety norms have been introduced. The maximum permissible travel distance is 15 km, and speed is restricted to 60 kmph. A travel insurance cover of Rs. 2 lakh will be provided. Children below the age of 12 are not allowed to travel.
Safety and Technology Requirements
All vehicles must be equipped with GPS tracking. Upon booking, passengers will receive driver details, a helpline number, and vehicle information. Emergency alert systems are mandatory, and companies must provide clean yellow helmets for each ride.
Standardized Appearance
To ensure uniformity, all e-bike taxis will be painted yellow and display the label “Bike-Taxi” on both sides. Roadside passenger pickups are banned, and only personal belongings like bags will be allowed.
Women’s Safety Measures
In a significant step for women’s safety, female passengers can opt for female drivers, whose identities will remain confidential. Companies are also encouraged to hire more women drivers.
A Move Towards Regulated, Sustainable Urban Mobility
Until now, some taxi service providers were offering e-bike taxi rides without a formal regulatory framework. The new notification not only brings such services under a legal and controlled system but also aims to enhance safety, reliability, and traceability in urban transport.
This move not only legalizes a previously unregulated sector but also aims to enhance safety, sustainability, and gender inclusivity in urban transport.
