Maharashtra Issues Draft Rules for E-Bike Taxis, Seeks Public Feedback

The Maharashtra government has released draft rules for e-bike taxis. Public comments and complaints can be submitted until June 5. The state cabinet has approved the e-bike taxi policy, and the final policy will be presented in July.

These rules are part of the Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules, 2025:

Speed and Service Limits:

- Maximum speed: less than 60 km/h.

- No service during heavy rain or severe weather.

Driver Rules:

- Must be trustworthy and verified by authorities.

- Age: 20 to 50 years.

- Must know local roads and routes.

- Must have no criminal record.

- Must be polite and show good moral character.

- Police verification is required when the driver is hired or the licence is renewed.

Drivers banned if:

- Caught driving under the influence in the past 7 years.

- Convicted under BNSS, 2023, for fraud, sexual offences, theft, acts of violence, property disputes, and terrorism. Using a vehicle in a crime

Vehicle Requirements:

- Bike taxis must be yellow in colour.

- A barrier is needed between driver and passenger.

- The driver must wear a helmet.

- Service providers must give training on gender sensitisation, passenger behaviour, and safe driving (refresher course).

Work Hours and Female Drivers:

- Maximum working hours: 8 hours a day.

- Service providers must try to hire women drivers.

- Female passengers should be able to choose female drivers in the app.

- The driver’s personal phone number must not be shared with passengers.

Passenger Rules:

- Must not smoke or drink on the ride.

- Must not damage the bike.

- Must not force the driver to speed.

- Must be polite to the driver.

The service provider must share the following with passengers:

- Driver’s name, address, mobile number

- Bike taxi details

- Contact numbers of Operator, Call Centre, Complaint Helpline, Official for Grievance Redressal, GPS and Tracking

- GPS must track the bike, driver, and passenger in real-time.

- Access may be given to police or authorities, if needed.

- Pick-Up and Drop-Off

- Special stands must be marked for boarding and exiting the bike taxi.

Fares:

- Final fare rules are not yet decided.

- The fare must not go above the rate fixed by the State Transport Authority or Regional Transport Authority.

- Fare must be shown before the ride in the app by the driver or passenger.