Follow India Renewable Energy News on WhatsApp for exclusive updates on clean energy news and insights

Maharashtra Approves Electric Bike Taxi Policy for Urban Mobility

The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a policy to introduce electric bike taxi services in cities with populations exceeding one lakh. This initiative aims to enhance last-mile connectivity for short-distance travel up to 15 kilometers while promoting electric mobility.

Announcing the decision, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated that only electric bike taxis would be permitted under the transport category. Eligible drivers must be between 20 and 50 years old, and female passengers will have the option to choose women drivers for added safety. The policy is expected to create approximately 20,000 jobs, with 10,000 openings in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region alone.

To support the shift towards electric mobility, the state government is considering a subsidy of INR 10,000 for autorickshaw and taxi drivers willing to transition to e-bike taxis. Additionally, children of government-certified rickshaw and taxi drivers will be eligible for financial aid.

The policy also introduces new safety measures, including specific e-bike designs suited for monsoon conditions, with partitions and roof covers for added protection. Regulations for women’s safety will be a key focus. Furthermore, bike-pooling on private two-wheelers will be permitted to reduce urban congestion.

The fare structure will be managed by the Regional Transport Authorities. Operators must adhere to strict guidelines, including GPS installation, emergency communication systems, speed monitoring, insurance coverage, and driver background checks. Electric bike taxis under this policy will be required to have a yellow-colored design for easy identification.

This move aligns with recommendations from a government-appointed committee led by Ramnath Jha, which proposed a regulatory framework for bike taxi aggregators. The policy is expected to boost urban transportation efficiency while advancing Maharashtra’s EV adoption goals.