A taxi, or a cab, is a vehicle leasing service, where a vehicle can be hailed for convenient pick up and drop. Traditionally, taxis were hailed on the go and consisted of only car fleets. Today, advanced ride-hailing apps allow booking a taxi from home. You can choose your preferred route and destination, and pay the fare online, all on the app. An easy-to-use interface and a robust security system make the entire experience smooth and secure.
The concept of bike taxis is emerging due to increasing on-demand taxi services. A bike taxi can either be a motorbike or a scooter. A rider can accompany one pillion at a time and drop them off like regular taxis. Service providers usually hire private riders with their bikes, which can be registered as a legal contract carriage. The fleet of riders is given appropriate training and goes through rigorous verification, to ensure only qualified riders represent the company.
The bike taxi industry was almost non-existent ten years ago. Top cab-hailing apps like Ola and Uber, along with numerous startups received overwhelming responses in metro cities. Congestion, rising fuel prices, unreliable public transport, affordability, etc. are major factors behind the growth of this sector.
Bike taxis are a big relief on already burdening urban infrastructure. A ride-hailing app features options such as selecting a vehicle, real-time location tracking, choosing pick-up and drop-off points, paying online, and rating your driver for the next customers.
Benefits of Bike Taxis
Bike Taxis in India are categorized into two types- ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) and electric two-wheelers. They can either be a motorbike or a scooter.
- Traffic- Traffic and congestion are a major reason behind the growth of bike taxis. A two-wheeler is a convenient ride during peak hours, especially for the office crowd. This cuts down travel time and results in less traffic as people prefer to keep their cars at home.
- Affordability- Bike taxis are more affordable than four-wheelers and also require less fuel. The initial set-up cost, maintenance, and servicing are inexpensive which results in lower ride fares.
- Sustainable Travel- EV bike taxis are more sustainable than normal vehicles. Combustible engines pollute the environment and increase CO2 emissions. According to IQAir’s report, 42 out of the world’s 50 most polluted cities are in India. This calls for sustainable preventive measures and the adoption of EV bikes.
- Last-mile Connectivity- Bikes are maneuverable and efficiently travel on every road. The rush during peak hours and the city center causes a lot of traffic. Roads in remote areas are not well developed. Bikes offer last-mile connectivity and offer services in every area and difficult routes.
Government Regulations
The Indian bike taxi market has faced heavy government scrutiny and legal uncertainties over the years. Resistance from local taxi providers and public transport operators has also been a cause of concern. However, the Government of India announced in favor of bike taxis in 2022, leaving the matters of framing rules and awarding operating licenses to state governments. Since then, 13 states in India have given a nod to bike taxi apps, setting the foundation for further adoption.
Recently, the state of Maharashtra approved bike taxi providers with a minimum of 50 two-wheelers. For aggregators over 10,000 two-wheelers, a registration fee of INR 5,00,000 will be charged. This comes as a welcoming move for companies like Rapido and Ola, who were missing out on the big markets like Mumbai and Pune after objections from local taxi associations.
In Delhi, a blanket ban on bike taxis was revived by the High Court in 2023. States like Karnataka allow regular bike taxis but rolled back their e-bike taxi schemes citing misuse by operators. There is ambiguity and uncertainty without a centralized framework in the country.
Top Bike Taxi Apps in India
Rapido- Rapido is India’s first and leading bike taxi provider, focusing solely on two-wheeler taxi services. They have 25 million+ active users in over 100 cities and provide affordable taxi services with quick booking, targeting tier 2 and tier 3 cities for widespread adoption.
- Uber Moto- A part of Uber Auto, Uber Moto is a major bike taxi app known for its comfortable rides and reasonable prices. They are currently active in major cities like Jaipur, Kolkata, Gurgaon, etc. and majorly cater to office commuters.
- Ola Bikes- Ola is one of the most reliable brands in India, with an extensive network of riders and a robust app UI. Just like Ola cabs, Ola’s bike taxi services are safe and affordable, with numerous discounts and offers.
- Mopedo- Mopedo is another popular bike taxi service, with 24/7 service and support. Mopedo pilots, or partners, receive various perks such as above-standard pay, accident insurance, and rides as per convenience. Along with door-to-door pickup and drop and online payments, Mopedo provides courier services as well.
The industry for bike taxis is growing at an unprecedented rate, owing to traffic woes and rising fuel prices in all cities. Bikes are super convenient to traverse in urban and crowded areas. Moreover, they are inexpensive compared to traditional cabs.
Bike taxis generate employment and a source of passive income for bike owners. With supportive policies and general awareness, such initiatives will represent a positive shift in urban commuting.
