Taking major action, the Maharashtra government has banned the bike taxi services of Ola, Uber and Rapido. The state government has canceled the temporary licenses of these three companies with immediate effect.

Actually, these companies were given permission only on the condition of running electric bike taxis in Maharashtra, but it is alleged that the companies operated petrol-powered bike taxis instead of electric bikes. This is considered a violation of rules and cheating on the government. According to the government, due to non-compliance of rules, the temporary licenses of the three companies have been cancelled, due to which their bike taxi services will remain closed in Maharashtra for the time being. The state government has made it clear that in future only electric bikes will be allowed, so that both safety and environment can be kept in mind.

The government had given one month’s time to these companies to submit the necessary documents, but the government has taken strict action if the documents are not submitted within that time. Minister Pratap Sarnaik said that the companies have been given a deadline of one more month. If the documents are not submitted even within this time, their licenses will be canceled forever.

The government had initially allowed e-bike taxis with the aim of increasing eco-friendly transport and providing employment to the sons of Maharashtra. But, companies like Ola, Uber and Rapido continued to use petrol-powered bikes instead of electric bikes. The government has decided to take action against them because despite taking repeated action, the rules are not being followed.

Now according to the new decision of the government, if a petrol bike taxi is found running, a case will be registered against not only the driver but also the bike owner. Along with this, the bike will also be confiscated. This decision of the government is likely to stop illegal bike taxi services in Mumbai and may affect thousands of drivers.

India’s electric scooter market witnessed tremendous growth in January 2026. This clearly shows that now people are preferring electric scooters instead of petrol. Due to rising fuel prices and low running cost, the demand for EV is increasing rapidly. The special thing this time was that TVS achieved the first position by selling the most, while Ola Electric remained behind. Let’s take a look at the sales report.

TVS iQube becomes number-1

TVS Motor Company achieved the first position in the market with the help of its iQube scooter. This scooter is being liked a lot among families due to its easy operation and reliability. TVS sold 34,440 units in January 2026, which is 43.3 percent more than last year. The company is preparing to further increase the range of its electric models in the coming time.

Strong grip of Bajaj Chetak

Bajaj Auto’s Chetak is also performing well. Its strong design and good build quality are being liked by the customers. Bajaj sold 25,520 units in January 2026, which is about 19 percent more than last year. The company has also recently launched a cheaper version of Chetak, due to which sales may increase further in the coming months.

Increased demand for Ather Energy

Ather Energy is also growing rapidly. Its Rizta model is being liked a lot especially in cities. Ather sold 21,923 units in January 2026, which is much more than last year. The company is providing software updates and connected features in its scooters. At the same time, Hero MotoCorp’s electric brand Vida also registered tremendous growth this year. In January 2026, the company sold 13,274 units, whereas last year this figure was very low. It is clear from this that even big traditional companies are now gaining a strong hold in the EV market.

Falling sales of Ola Electric

Ola Electric, which was earlier leading in the market, is now facing a decline in sales. In January 2026, the company’s sales declined to 7,516 units. The company has admitted that customer confidence has decreased due to service related problems. If the company is able to provide better service and support then it can come back stronger again.

Cab service i.e. Ola, Uber and Rapido will be absent from the roads on today (Friday, 18 July), a cab service booked through mobile apps in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Even today the strike of the drivers will continue. Drivers demand that the fare they get should be rational and equal to black-yellow meter taxis. It is feared that this movement is going to be more fierce.

This movement, which started on Wednesday (July 16) with the people of this sector of Mumbai metropolitan region, Pune and Nagpur, caused a lot of trouble at the airport and railway station. The Mumbai Airport Operator advised passengers to see the availability of transport or find another option.

Demonstration today in Azad Maidan
Dr. KN Kshirsagar, President of Maharashtra Gig Workers Forum, told the news agency PTI-language that about 70 percent of app-based cabs are missing from roads. This left very few vehicles for booking. Cab drivers will protest at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai from Friday (July 18) to intensify their movement.

KN Kshirsagar said that there was no discussion with the government after a meeting with State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik in the ministry on Tuesday (July 15).

These 6 major demands of cab drivers
Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch has demanded to rationalize fares, fare equal fare to traditional black-yellow meters, ban bike taxis, set a limit on black-yellow taxis and autorickshaw permits, constitute welfare boards for app based cab-based cab drivers and implement the Gig Workers Act in Maharashtra on the lines of other states.

Drivers who are forcing other drivers
Some local people have also claimed that the people participating in the strike are forcing their companions to move away from the streets. The Chandivali Citizens Welfare Association shared a video on social media, in which some taxi drivers are seen abusing their partners to bring passengers and not participate in the strike.

Drivers of cab-taxi such as Ola, Uber and Rapido have announced a strike in Mumbai. Due to this, cab companies are suffering heavy losses. Drivers are on indefinite strike. He has many demands, one of which is to increase the fare of the cab.

Kiran Kshirsagar, president of Maharashtra Gig Workers Forum, said that about 90 percent of cabs of these private companies will not be seen on the roads. People representing the organization also met the Transport Minister of Maharashtra, Pratap Saranaik, but they were not given any concrete assurance from the government. In such a situation, the movement of cab drivers became fierce.

These are the demands of cab drivers
According to a report by the news agency PTI, the Maharashtra Gig Works Manch has made several demands such as rationalizing fares, fareing the meter ‘black-yellow’ cab, banning bike taxis and fixing the limit of permits of black-yellow cab and auto rickshaws. Apart from this, there has been a demand for the formation of Welfare Board for the drivers of app based cab and the implementation of ‘Maharashtra Gig Workers Act’ on the lines of other states.

All profit is charging cab aggregators
Kiran Kshirsagar said that cab aggregators are charging heavy commissions, while drivers are being paid rent at a minimum rate of Rs 8 per km. He said that they want equal rates of traditional taxi drivers, who charge Rs 32 per kilometer for AC cab.

People of Mumbai upset due to cab strike
Meanwhile, passengers faced difficulties in booking the cab online due to the strike. Many people completed their journey through Best’s civil transport buses and autorickshaws and then preferred to walk to nearby railway or metro stations.

Bike taxi ban: Bike taxi is considered a relief option in a crowded city like Mumbai, but now the legal sword is hanging on these services. Maharashtra Police has registered a case against big companies like Uber and Rapido in case of running a permit bike taxi. This indicates that bike taxi services in Maharashtra may also be closed after Karnataka.

What is the whole matter?

The Mumbai Police and RTO officials investigated the services of Uber and Rapido. He himself booked the ride and found that the bikes on which the white number plate was installed (which is only for personal use), was being conducted by commercial passenger rides. This is a direct violation of the rules of the Motor Vehicle Act, in which commercial use of white number plate vehicles is considered illegal.

Why is bike taxi increasing popularity?

The demand for bike taxi has increased rapidly in big metros. The biggest reason for this- traffic prevention, low fare, facility to reach metro station or office early and its increasing popularity among the youth. Especially in cities like Mumbai, thousands of people travel by bike taxi every day because it is a cheap and better means.

What does legal status say?

No clear legal category for bike taxi has been fixed in India yet. This means that it is illegal to conduct any kind of commercial operation from a bike with white number plate. Companies such as Uber and Rapido, even though they tell themselves as just a “technology platform”, but from a legal point of view this argument is not accepted in the court.

‘Parcel trick’ is no longer useful

Companies like Rapido found a way to avoid the rules, in which they used to declare the ride as “parcel” and claim that they are only doing parcel delivery. But now the government and courts have started recognizing such cunning and do not recognize it.

Auto and taxi unions opposed

Auto and taxi unions say that when they pay commercial tax, insurance, fitness certificate and permit fees, then why should those who run bike taxi get the benefit of this exemption? This is the reason that due to the pressure of the union in Karnataka, the government took tough action and now the Maharashtra government is also taking steps in this direction.

What can happen next?

Some state High Courts have already ordered governments to formulate a clear policy for bike taxi services, but till now the progress has been very slow.

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Ola -uber-Rapido Affordable Bikes: In today’s time, platforms like Ola, Uber and Rapido have become a great opportunity for youth and people looking for part-time earnings. However, before starting this work, it is necessary to choose a bike that gives excellent mileage and maintenance is also economical.
Let us tell you about those 5 affordable bikes, which can prove to be the best option for bike taxi. These bikes come at a low price, save fuel and also give better performance for a long time, so that you can earn well every day.

Hero splendor plus

Hero Splendor Plus is the first bike in this list and is considered one of the best selling bikes in India. It has a 97.2cc engine which gives a great mileage of about 60 to 70 kmpl. As a budget friendly option, this bike is available in the market for less than Rs 95,000.

Bajaj Platina 100

Bajaj Platina 100 is famous for its best mileage and comfortable riding experience. It gets a 100cc engine which generates 7.9 PS power and 8.3 Nm of torque. This bike gives a mileage ranging from about 70 to 80 kmpl. Better suspension, comfortable seat and low service cost are its major features. Its ex-showroom price is less than Rs 70,000.

Tvs radeon 110

TVS Radeon 110 is known for a strong body and magnificent road grip. It is powered by an engine of 110cc which is capable of giving mileage ranging from 65 to 70 kmpl. The ex-showroom price of the base model of this bike is less than Rs 60,000, which makes it an affordable and durable option.

Honda Shine 100

Honda Shine 100 is equipped with 100cc engine with Honda’s trusted quality. This bike can give mileage of 55 to 60 kmpl easily in urban traffic. Due to its better performance and low cost, this bike is also considered a better and strong option for taxi services.

TVS Sport 110

TVS Sport 110 is known for its brilliant fuel efficiency and gives a mileage of up to 70 kmpl, making this bike a very economical option for taxi platforms. Its ex-showroom price in Delhi is less than Rs 60,000 and its maintenance is also very cheap.

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Affordable Bikes for Ola, Uber, Rapido: In today’s time, working on ride-sharing platforms like Ola Bike, Uber Moto, and Rapido has become a great opportunity for youth and people looking for part-time earnings. However, before starting this work, a bike has to be selected, which not only gives excellent mileage, but also affordable in maintenance and can be easily run in urban traffic.
Let us tell you about 5 affordable bikes that can prove to be the best option for bike taxi. These bikes come at a low price, save fuel and also give better performance for a long time, so that you can earn well every day.

1. Hero splendor plus

Hero Splendor Plus is the first bike in this list and is considered one of the best selling bikes in India. It has a 97.2cc engine which gives a great mileage of about 60 to 70 kmpl. As a budget friendly option, this bike is available in the market for less than Rs 95,000.

2. Bajaj Platina 100

Bajaj Platina 100 is famous for its best mileage and comfortable riding experience. It gets a 100cc engine which generates 7.9 PS power and 8.3 Nm of torque. This bike gives a mileage ranging from about 70 to 80 kmpl. Better suspension, comfortable seat and low service cost are its major features. Its ex-showroom price is less than Rs 70,000.

3. tvs radeon 110

TVS Radeon 110 is known for a strong body and magnificent road grip. It is powered by an engine of 110cc which is capable of giving mileage ranging from 65 to 70 kmpl. The ex-showroom price of the base model of this bike is less than Rs 60,000, which makes it an affordable and durable option.

4. 2025 Honda Shine 100

Honda Shine 100 is equipped with 100cc engine with Honda’s trusted quality. This bike can give mileage of 55 to 60 kmpl easily in urban traffic. Due to its better performance and low cost, this bike is also considered a better and strong option for taxi services.

5. TVS Sport 110

TVS Sport 110 is known for its brilliant fuel efficiency and gives a mileage of up to 70 kmpl, making this bike a very economical option for taxi platforms. Its ex-showroom price in Delhi is less than Rs 60,000 and its maintenance is also very cheap.

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