Pune bike taxis have returned to the city, with app-based mobility platform Rapido resuming its bike taxi service after years of regulatory uncertainty. The service is now available alongside Rapido’s auto and cab options, giving commuters another choice for short-distance and last-mile travel amid rising transport costs and worsening traffic congestion.
Bike taxi services had previously operated in Pune, but their legality came under scrutiny over the use of privately registered or non-transport two-wheelers for commercial passenger services. In January 2023, Maharashtra prohibited the use of private or non-transport two-wheelers for app-based passenger services. Operators subsequently sought approval under the state’s evolving regulatory framework.
The Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025 established a licensing system for bike taxis and gave Regional Transport Authorities powers to determine operating conditions. These include the number of permitted vehicles, fares and designated pickup and drop-off points. Rapido and Uber had approached the Pune Regional Transport Office seeking permission to operate e-bike taxi services. The RTO examined their applications against safety standards, vehicle conditions and the state’s aggregator policy.
The Maharashtra government had earlier announced that permits for app-based bike taxi services would be issued from August 1, 2026. Rapido’s resumption now places bike taxis alongside its existing auto and cab services in Pune, although the supplied report does not specify the number of vehicles currently operating, the approved fare structure or the exact pickup and drop-off locations.
The return has raised expectations that greater competition could put pressure on auto-rickshaw and cab fares. Commuters have reported that short-distance journeys that earlier cost around ₹50 can now cost ₹80–₹90, while app-based cab fares may rise further during periods of high demand.
Sandeep Sharma, a resident of Hadapsar, said bike taxis could help daily commuters facing expensive and time-consuming peak-hour journeys if fares remain reasonable. Hussain Shaikh of Kondhwa said affordability must be accompanied by passenger safety and proper regulation.
Bike taxis could also support connections between Metro and railway stations and passengers’ final destinations. Two-wheelers can navigate congested roads more easily than larger vehicles, potentially reducing travel time on short trips. Residents of Swargate and Baner separately highlighted the need for affordable connectivity, transparent fares and protection against unreasonable surge pricing.
The service is returning as Maharashtra prepares for a further regulatory shift. The state has directed bike taxi aggregators to transition to fully electric fleets by July 2027, giving operators a limited period to move existing services to electric two-wheelers. The transition could increase the use of electric vehicles for passenger transport in Pune, but the report does not establish how Rapido plans to meet the deadline.
For commuters, the immediate question is whether the return of bike taxis will deliver lower fares and more reliable last-mile travel. Their impact will depend on pricing, vehicle availability, safety compliance and the number of authorised vehicles operating across the city. The Pune RTO’s licensing and operating conditions will determine how the service expands under Maharashtra’s bike-taxi framework.
