Policy · Mobility & Logistics

Karnataka High Court lifts bike taxi ban

By Startup Enthusiast · 23 January 2026

What they do

Rapido provides bike taxi and cab aggregation services in India

The Karnataka High Court lifted a ban on bike taxis imposed in April 2025

The court directed the state government to consider registration applications for two-wheelers as transport vehicles

The Karnataka High Court has lifted the ban on bike taxi operations in the state.
This ban was originally imposed by a single judge in April 2025.
Rapido, along with Ola and Uber, had filed appeals against the initial order.
The division bench comprising CJ Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Joshi heard the case.
The court noted that the state government cannot forbid motorcycle registration applications.
Operators must now file applications to register two-wheelers as transport vehicles or taxis.
Uber expressed readiness to engage with the state government on operationalizing the ecosystem.

The central government revised Motor Vehicles Aggregator Guidelines in July to allow bike taxis.
Power to allow aggregation resides with state governments who may impose permit fees.
Bike taxis faced similar bans in New Delhi and Mumbai previously.
The high court pulled up the state government for delaying regulation formation in August 2025.

Operators need to register their fleets as transport vehicles to resume operations.

Product: A ride-hailing app focused on bike taxis, with expanding mobility and delivery offerings.
Customers: Commuters and riders seeking low-cost transport, plus drivers earning through the platform.
How it makes money: Charges commissions or service fees on rides and related marketplace transactions.
What sets it apart: Uses two-wheelers to provide low-cost, flexible urban transport and matching.
Operations: Operates in multiple Indian cities and is building a broader super-app model.