The Maharashtra government's decision to introduce e-bike taxis in Mumbai has sparked a heated debate among transport experts and urban planners. While the initiative aims to boost employment and provide an alternative transport mode, concerns over traffic congestion, infrastructure readiness, and road safety persist. As one of India's most densely populated cities, Mumbai's already overburdened roads pose significant challenges to the success of this policy.
According to the Economic Survey of Maharashtra 2024-25, Mumbai alone has 2.98 million two-wheelers, making up nearly 8% of Maharashtra’s total 35.44 million. With a staggering density of 1,578 two-wheelers per kilometer and over 260,000 auto-rickshaws navigating the city's narrow streets, urban mobility is a persistent challenge. Transport experts fear that the addition of e-bike taxis could exacerbate congestion rather than ease it.
According to AV Shenoy, Co-founder of the Mumbai Mobility Forum and a transport expert, e-bike services are not suitable for cities like Mumbai which is already congested, have high 2 wheeler population which has resulted to loss of road discipline. E-bikes will add to that. They may be used in tier 2 or tier 3 cities which are not congested and do not have good public transport.
Other angle which needs to be looked at is safety of the passenger. On a two wheeler passengers are more prone to severe injuries in case of an accident. As two wheeler drivers are generally indisciplined the number of passengers getting hurt in accidents will go up substantially"
When contacted, senior journalist and noted transport expert Vidyadhar Date said, "Very bad idea, very unsafe. Mumbai needs buses, not e-bike taxis."
Similarly Mohammad Afzal another transport said, "Affordable transport options like bike taxis will provide a cheaper alternative to auto-rickshaws and cabs, benefiting daily commuters, especially for last-mile connectivity. However, safety remains a concern— increased two-wheeler traffic could lead to more accidents, and wrong-side driving could be also a major issue"
However, the state government argues that by integrating bike-pooling services and allowing individual e-bike owners to register with aggregators, urban mobility can be improved. The administration envisions e-bike taxis as a means to reduce dependency on auto-rickshaws and personal vehicles while enhancing last-mile connectivity.
Balancing Economic Growth and Urban Mobility
Despite skepticism, the government has defended its stance by emphasizing the employment potential of e-bike taxis. By restricting aggregators from charging commissions and offering financial support to bikers through the transport department’s welfare board, the policy aims to create an equitable transport model. This initiative could provide job opportunities for thousands while catering to the increasing demand for affordable, flexible transportation options.
However, experts warn that without robust regulatory measures, the policy could lead to road indiscipline. The rise of delivery service riders in Mumbai has already led to concerns over reckless driving and traffic violations. The introduction of e-bike taxis without stringent monitoring may further strain traffic management efforts. "Bike taxi will open up new employment opportunities for riders and improve connectivity to metro stations, railway stations, and bus stops, but adequate parking, designated pick-up/drop zones, and proper road conditions are necessary for smooth operations.
Additionally, pricing regulation is a must. Unchecked surge pricing by aggregators could make fares unpredictable. If implemented with the right regulations, bike taxis can revolutionize urban transport in Mumbai. However, the government must ensure strict safety norms, fair pricing policies, and proper integration with existing public transport." further added Mohammed Afzal.
The Regulatory Challenge
The effectiveness of the e-bike taxi policy will ultimately depend on the government's ability to implement a comprehensive regulatory framework. This includes ensuring proper licensing, safety guidelines, and traffic management strategies. Without these measures, the initiative could lead to more congestion, accidents, and a decline in overall road safety.
According to Rishi Agarwal, Sustainable Mobility Expert said, "I think it should be done as a pilot trial in a few areas or arterial roads. Too many bike taxis may create congestion. We do not know what impact they will have on autorickshaws. Will they eat into their business?".
The introduction of e-bike taxis in Mumbai presents both opportunities and challenges. While the government sees it as a step toward sustainable urban mobility and economic growth, transport experts caution against its implementation without adequate infrastructure and stringent regulations. As the city braces for this new mobility shift, balancing convenience, safety, and efficiency will be key to its success.
