Mumbai to Get E-Bike Taxis Soon: Rides Expected to Cost 60% Less Than Rickshaws

Mumbai, 1st April 2025: Mumbai commuters will soon have access to an environmentally friendly transportation alternative as the Maharashtra government has given the green light to e-bike taxis across the state. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the decision, highlighting its potential to provide a cost-effective, convenient, and sustainable commuting option while also creating new job opportunities.

Under the newly sanctioned policy, companies offering e-bike taxi services must meet specific requirements. A minimum fleet of 50 e-bikes is mandatory for operators, and each ride cannot exceed a distance of 15 kilometers. To enhance passenger safety, e-bikes must include a partition separating the rider and passenger, as well as a protective roof for monsoon conditions. The initiative is expected to generate more than 10,000 jobs in Mumbai alone, with an equal number of opportunities emerging across the state.

Although the exact fare structure has yet to be determined, Sarnaik suggested that e-bike taxi rides would be significantly more affordable than conventional rickshaw and taxi fares. For example, a rickshaw trip that typically costs Rs 100 could be reduced to Rs 30- Rs 40 with an e-bike taxi. The government is in the final stages of setting pricing and operational guidelines, with the service expected to roll out within the next one to two months.

To encourage wider adoption, the state has introduced financial support for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers’ families. Children of drivers registered with government-recognized corporations will receive a Rs 10,000 grant to assist in acquiring an e-bike, with the remaining amount accessible through loans.

Sarnaik emphasized that the move aligns with Maharashtra’s broader efforts to promote electric mobility. He highlighted the policy’s benefits in reducing pollution, increasing the use of electric vehicles, and providing an economical travel alternative for daily commuters.

Initially approved in June 2024 under the leadership of then-Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the policy has now been fully sanctioned under the administration of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

With this step, Maharashtra joins other states in embracing e-bike taxis as an efficient and sustainable urban transport solution. Commuters can soon expect a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to traditional travel options.