Last Updated:June 16, 2025, 16:03 IST
Some netizens joked that since the Karnataka HC banned bike taxis, customers are now being offered to become a parcel and be delivered.
Karnataka HC refuses to keep the stay on hold, demanding bike taxi service in the state to halt operations until rules are being formed.
Karnataka Halts Bike Taxi Operations: Starting June 16, 2025, bike taxi services in Karnataka have been suspended following the High Court’s refusal to block an order demanding aggregators to cease operations until new regulations are established.
With the ban now in effect, ride-hailing apps like Rapido and Uber have removed the bike taxi option for users in Karnataka. However, netizens claim that they can still get the bike taxi but with a different terminology ‘bike parcel’ or ‘moto courier’.
Rapido announced: From June 16, 2025, our bike taxi services in Karnataka will be paused in compliance with recent High Court orders.
“While we strongly believe in the benefits bike taxis offer to daily commuters, we respect the law and will fully adhere to the directive. We remain committed to the communities we serve and hopeful for a future where convenient and affordable mobility is available to all.”
Are Aggregators Still Offering Bike Taxis?
Numerous users shared screenshots of these ride-hailing apps, highlighting the switch from bike taxis to bike parcel services in order to resume their services. Some netizens joked that since the Karnataka HC banned bike taxis, customers are now being offered to become a parcel and be delivered.
Karnataka HC: bans bike taxisRapido: “Fine. You’re not a passenger, you’re a parcel now.”Me: sitting sideways with arms folded like a courier bag “Bhaiya, handle with care likhna mat bhoolna.”— Amit Thorat (@scientifitt_) June 16, 2025
So Uber and Rapido in Bangalore wants you to be the courier/parcel. They have renamed their bike taxi options to bike parcel following the ban starting today 😅 pic.twitter.com/SYgrENGx6L— Nie (@nieactually) June 16, 2025
Uber and Rapido have renamed their bike taxi options to bike parcel following the ban starting today. Well played, I guess? 🤓 pic.twitter.com/9W92Zou3y2— Pranay Bagrecha (@BagrechaPranay) June 16, 2025
Why Did Karnataka HC Ban Bike Taxis?
In 2022, petitioners requested the court to allow motorcycles to be registered as transport vehicles and permit bike taxi aggregation. An interim order at that time prevented the state from taking action against them.
However, the April 2, 2025, ruling dismissed their petitions, citing a 2019 expert committee report on the impact of bike taxis on traffic and safety. The court also instructed the state to create rules within three months, which the state has yet to do.
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst…Read More
Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst… Read More
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