Karnataka Govt Banns Electric Bike Taxi Services, Considers Unsafe for Women

Key Highlights:

• Safety concerns for women travelling through e-bike taxi.
• The order withdraws the 2021 Karnataka Electric Bike Taxi Scheme.
• Suspicions of private app-based firms violating Motor Vehicles Act.

Amist legalising E-Bike Taxi Services in New Delhi, there comes a news regarding Karnataka Govt banning the e-bike taxi services. Reason for such a measure is the safety of women in the state. The ban has been carried out in violation of Motor Vehicle Act in Karnataka.

This step taken by the government came in public by an order issued by the Karnataka Government by withdrawing the 2021 Karnataka Electric Bike Taxi Scheme.

Issues Leading To Such Decision

• Some private app-based firms are suspected to violate the Motor Vehicles Act and its rules. Additionally, these were running illegal non-transport two-wheelers as the transport vehicles.
• Registration of cases regarding clashes between owners and drivers of auto and cabs with bike riders has increased.
• Difficulty in collecting taxes by the transport department due to  the unauthorized operation of bike taxis, which has violated the policies of the scheme.
• To maintain law and order and to ensure the safety of women travelling on bike-taxi, the government has taken such measures.

President of Ola Uber Drivers and Owners Association, Tanveer Pasha, has shown concern regarding the negative impact this decision could lead on the livelihood of auto drivers, meanwhile he also welcomed the decision of the state.

CarBike360 Says

Though the E-Bike Taxi was started with an intent to be an eco-friendly mobility solution, the issues and challenges related to safety of women and regulatory compliance has led to the decision of banning bike taxis in Karnataka. Currently Karnataka needs to find a solution to balance the safety and innovation at the same time.