₹25, three kilometres and a bet on India’s roads
For just 25 rupees, passengers can enjoy a three-kilometre ride on a motorcycle through Uber's Pachisi campaign. This low-cost option is indicative of the pivotal role that India's bike taxi industry plays in providing affordable, on-demand transportation. However, the industry's success has been hampered by regulatory challenges, including bans, court battles, and conflicting state regulations.
Despite this, bike taxis have found a niche among commuters seeking a faster, cheaper alternative to congested city roads. The availability of motorcycles—46% of two-wheeler sales in India are in the 100-110 cc range—makes them an accessible option for gig workers, who can use existing vehicles for commercial purposes. The platform connects passengers with these independently-owned motorcycles, using technology to match supply and demand in real time.
The model received formal recognition in West Bengal in 2016, but other states have adopted more cautious approaches, leading to ongoing regulatory battles. In January 2026, the Karnataka High Court ruled that motorcycles could be registered as contract carriages, affirming their eligibility as passenger transport vehicles. For Atul Jairaj, a Partner at Deloitte India, bike taxis address the last-mile connectivity problem while offering a cost-effective alternative to hired three-wheelers and providing a more direct route compared to buses or shared vehicles.
Written by urgent.news from The Economic Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
