Maharashtra Plans To Bring Swiggy, Zomato And Quick-Commerce Platforms Under Bike-Taxi Rules, But Legal Hurdles Remain

Maharashtra is contemplating incorporating food delivery and quick-commerce platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Amazon, and Flipkart under the Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025. However, the proposal may encounter legal challenges as certain low-powered electric vehicles used by delivery riders might not meet the vehicle definition under Central law.

The proposal was discussed during the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and is presently under review by the state’s Law and Judiciary Department. The amendments include incorporating unique licence identification numbers, electric vehicle regulations, driver verification, and welfare fund contributions. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik expressed the desire for delivery service providers to be covered under the framework, stating that these bikes currently operate without any regulatory compliance.

However, the implementation of this change depends on the Central government amending the legislation nationwide. Existing rules permit only electric two-wheelers to function as bike taxis, and aggregators must maintain at least 50 Maharashtra-registered electric bikes. Drivers must possess commercial licences, PSV badges, undergo police verification, and undergo periodic health and fitness checks.

The legal community has raised concerns regarding applying these rules to delivery vehicles, as Section 2(28) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 exempts battery-operated vehicles with power below 250 watts and speeds below 25 kmph from registration and licensing requirements. Many delivery riders, who use private motorcycles and work part-time, fear that mandatory electrification and additional compliance may result in higher costs.

The proposed amendments must undergo legal scrutiny and align with Central motor vehicle laws before Maharashtra can incorporate delivery and e-commerce platforms under the bike-taxi rules.