Mumbai: The government has approved the launch of e-bike taxis in cities with a population of at least one lakh. The policy was approved during a Cabinet meeting at Sahyadri Guest House on Tuesday, where the Transport Department’s proposal received the green signal.
To reduce the number of vehicles on the roads, the government has also approved bike pooling for private two-wheelers. These vehicles must have a permit and insurance as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Fare rates for bike taxis will be determined by the respective regional transport authority.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated that while a taxi or auto ride costs around Rs100, an e-bike taxi will cost only Rs40, offering an affordable and comfortable alternative to commuters. “We are currently planning for it, and e-bike taxis will be launched within the next one to two months,” Sarnaik told the media after the meeting.
The government has approved e-bike taxis with a 15-kilometre travel limit. Only companies with at least 50 bikes can operate them. Safety rules include rider partitions and full coverage to protect passengers from rain.
The administration is working on providing a Rs10,000 subsidy for members of the rickshaw corporation. If a rickshaw driver’s son or daughter opts for an e-bike taxi, they will receive this subsidy, while the remaining amount can be taken as a loan.
This ensures that even those without savings can start their own e-bike taxi service. Sarnaik said the initiative will create more than 10,000 jobs in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and 20,000 jobs across Maharashtra.
