Maharashtra Approves E-Bike Taxi Policy, Restricts Service to 15 km Radius for Urban Last-Mile Connectivity

Mumbai, 23rd April 2025: The Maharashtra Government has finalised a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for implementing its new e-bike taxi policy, restricting electric bike taxi services to a 15-kilometre radius in cities with populations over 1 Lakh. The policy, which mandates a 100% electric fleet, aims to boost eco-friendly urban mobility and enhance last-mile connectivity for commuters in major cities like Mumbai and Pune.

Under the new guidelines, e-bike taxis will only be permitted to operate within the 15 km limit, ensuring that the service remains focused on short-distance, city-based travel. The SOP draft is expected to be submitted to the state government within a week for final approval, after which the service will be launched in select urban centres. The policy is designed to encourage the use of electric vehicles, promote affordable transportation, and reduce traffic congestion and pollution in Maharashtra’s metropolitan areas.

Key regulations include a minimum driver age of 20 years, a maximum of one passenger per ride, and a prohibition on children under 12 as passengers. All e-bike taxis must be equipped with GPS tracking and emergency contact features, and a partition shield is required for enhanced safety—especially for women passengers. The government also plans to ensure that up to 50% of e-bike taxi drivers are women, with passengers able to request female drivers for added security.

The fare structure will be determined based on per-kilometre energy consumption and operational costs, with final rates to be approved by local transport authorities. Only drivers aged between 20 and 50 will be eligible, and operators purchasing 50 or more electric bikes will be granted passenger transport permits. Additional measures include insurance coverage for both riders and passengers, seasonal weather protection, and strict safety protocols.

The state transport department expects the policy to generate approximately 20,000 new jobs in urban areas and anticipates the e-bike taxi service will be operational within two months of final government approval.

While the policy’s focus on electric vehicles may slow initial adoption, officials believe that consistent enforcement and incentives for operators will ensure the long-term success of Maharashtra’s e-bike taxi initiative, setting a benchmark for sustainable urban transportation in India.