Karnataka: You can avail Rapido, Uber's bike taxi services again
What's the story
After a two-month hiatus, ride-hailing giants Rapido and Uber have resumed their bike taxi services in Karnataka. The move comes after the state government imposed a ban on such operations on June 16. According to Moneycontrol, both firms are now showing bike taxi options and accepting bookings for rides in the state. However, Ola has not yet resumed its services.
Court intervention
Karnataka HC questioned state's blanket ban
The resumption of services comes after the Karnataka High Court questioned the state's blanket ban on bike taxis. The court asked why this mode of transport could not be regulated instead of prohibited. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Joshi said, "Give it a serious thought, there are lives at stake here. Every trade is permissible unless regulated."
Regulatory challenges
Why has Karnataka government not allowed bike taxis?
Despite the Indian government's Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025 allowing non-transport motorcycles for passenger rides with state approval, Karnataka is reluctant to permit bike taxis. This is mainly due to opposition from auto and taxi unions. In fact, the state was the first to introduce an Electric Bike Taxi Policy in 2021 but had to withdraw it under pressure from autorickshaw drivers' unions.
Industry response
Bike Taxi Welfare Association welcomes HC's decision
Adi Narayan, President of the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, welcomed the Karnataka HC's decision. He said it was a significant step toward recognizing bike taxis as an essential part of urban mobility. Narayan urged the state government to engage constructively and create a strong regulatory framework instead of imposing an outright ban on services.
Future proceedings
What did HC say to state government?
The division bench of the Karnataka HC said it wouldn't interfere in policy but would look into whether the government's decision was arbitrary or mala fide. The court posted the matter for September 22 and asked the state to give "serious thought" to this issue before deciding on the legality of bike taxis. It also noted that the bike taxis are legally permitted in 13 states, calling it a recognized trade protected under Article 19(1)(g).