Karnataka, the state’s bike taxi services have been suspended following a directive from the Karnataka High Court. The court’s decision, effective from June 16, 2025, mandates that all bike taxi operations cease unless the state government formulates specific guidelines under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Ride-hailing platform Rapido has complied with the court’s order by pausing its bike taxi services in Karnataka. In a statement, Rapido expressed its commitment to the communities it serves and its hope for a future where convenient, affordable mobility is accessible to all. The company introduced a new service labelled ‘Bike Parcel’ as a temporary measure, allowing users to transport goods via two-wheelers. However, this workaround was short-lived, as the ‘Bike Parcel’ option was removed from the app by Tuesday morning, possibly due to regulatory scrutiny . In contrast, major ride-hailing platforms Ola and Uber have continued to offer bike taxi services in Bengaluru as of Monday morning. The Karnataka Transport Department has emphasized that using two-wheelers registered for private use for commercial purposes, such as bike taxi services, is illegal under existing regulations . Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has warned that strict action will be taken against aggregators failing to comply with the High Court’s order.
The suspension of bike taxi services has sparked a debate over the need for a comprehensive policy to regulate such operations. Commuters argue that bike taxis offer an affordable, flexible, and efficient mode of transport, particularly for first and last-mile connectivity. An outright ban deprives them of a much-needed mobility option in the city. Industry bodies and users are calling for policy reforms that would regulate the operations of bike taxis in the state . The Karnataka High Court’s directive underscores the necessity for clear and structured policies to govern emerging transportation services like bike taxis. As the state government explores the possibility of framing a comprehensive policy for bike taxis, stakeholders await developments that balance regulatory compliance with the need for sustainable and equitable urban mobility solutions.
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