An official statement, issued on Tuesday, said that the government should allow a minimum one-year transition period for riders to move from petrol-powered bikes to electric vehicles (EVs)
The BTA appealed to the government to allow a fair transition period. Representational Pic/File/iStock
The Bike Taxi Association (BTA) in Mumbai has raised concerns over the Maharashtra Government’s recent directive that only electric two-wheelers can operate as bike taxis.
The association, in an official press statement, said that the sudden rule has left riders without work and commuters struggling for transport.
The statement, issued on Tuesday, said that the government should allow a minimum one-year transition period for riders to move from petrol-powered bikes to electric vehicles (EVs).
It stated that while the association supports EV adoption, immediate implementation is unrealistic due to ongoing EMI payments, lack of charging infrastructure, and unavailability of affordable commercial EV models.
The BTA further stated that the Maharashtra EV Policy 2021 intended EV transition to be voluntary and incentive-led, aiming for 10 per cent of new vehicle registrations to be EVs by 2025, not an overnight replacement of all bike taxis.
It requested that during the transition period, the government must
- Provide access to affordable electric bikes for commercial use
- Simplify the registration process across RTOs
- Establish charging stations in key areas
- Offer subsidies or loans for bike taxi riders
- Clarify insurance and road permits for e-bike taxis
The statement also stressed that bike taxis are a daily livelihood for thousands of riders and an affordable, safe transport option for college students, working women, office-goers, and senior citizens.
The BTA appealed to the government to allow a fair transition period, enabling riders to contribute to the EV future without losing their income.
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