Centre issues advisory allowing use of personal bikes for ride-hailing
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Clause 23 of the revised guidelines allows state governments to authorise the aggregation of such motorcycles under Section 67(3) of the Motor Vehicles Act and to levy authorisation fees on a daily, weekly or fortnightly basis.
Aggregators are also expected to comply with conditions around safety, insurance, and rider onboarding. The guidelines are advisory in nature and are not legally binding unless adopted by individual states.
This marks the first time the central government has officially included non-transport motorcycles in its policy framework for aggregators, providing a reference point for states to regulate bike taxis, an area that has so far operated in legal grey zones.
The move comes amid ongoing litigation in states like Karnataka, where the High Court recently upheld a ban on bike taxi services in the absence of state rules. Aggregators such as Rapido, Ola and Uber have paused operations in the state, citing lack of regulatory clarity.
'The matter is still in courts so will avoid making any comments,' Karnataka transport minister Ramalinga Reddy told TOI.
A Rapido spokesperson said the centre's decision to include non-transport motorcycles in its guidelines was 'a milestone in India's journey toward a Viksit Bharat.' The company added that the framework would support affordable transport in underserved areas, reduce traffic congestion, and create flexible livelihood opportunities.
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Rapido said it would work with state governments to ensure rider onboarding and compliance with the proposed authorisation framework.
Legal experts said the centre's move could serve as a basis for state governments to frame their own rules. However, any resumption of bike taxi services will depend on whether states choose to adopt these recommendations and issue supporting notifications.
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