Maharashtra mandates 100% electric bike taxi fleets by July 2027

The Maharashtra government has ordered bike taxi aggregators, including Ola, Uber, and Rapido, to transition their entire fleets to electric vehicles by July 2027. The directive, issued by the state transport department following instructions from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aims to bring bike taxi services under a strict regulatory framework.

The transition will occur in phases. Operators currently using petrol-powered motorcycles must comply within six months. Those holding provisional or temporary licenses under the Maharashtra Bike Taxi Rules, 2025, will receive an additional three months.

Industry players and driver associations have expressed concerns regarding the timeline. Aggregators had requested an extension until 2030, citing the state's electric vehicle policy. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Bike Taxi Welfare Association requested 18 months, noting that many drivers belong to lower-income groups and may struggle with the cost of new electric bikes, insufficient charging infrastructure, and concerns over battery life.