Karnataka: Post HC verdict, Rapido, Uber Moto bike taxis go off road from June 16

Bengaluru: Bike taxis operated by Rapido and Uber Moto will go off the road in Karnataka from June 16.

This follows the ban imposed by the Congress government.

The move comes after the Karnataka High Court refused to grant a stay on the state government’s decision, dealing a major setback to bike taxi operators.

The court's ruling supports the Transport Department's position that bike taxis violate current motor vehicle regulations, making such services illegal under existing laws.

This ban is expected to significantly impact thousands of daily commuters in Bengaluru who rely on two-wheeler rides to escape the city’s notorious traffic congestion.

Rapido had challenged the government’s order in court, seeking interim relief. However, the High Court’s decision means that all bike taxi services must cease operations in Karnataka from June 16 or risk legal action. Rapido highlighted that over 75% of its riders depend on the platform as their primary livelihood, with an average monthly earning of ₹35,000.

The court emphasized that bike taxi services must remain suspended until the state formulates specific rules under the Motor Vehicles Act.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru’s auto-rickshaw associations welcomed the decision. “