Bengaluru, June 13, 2025 — Uber has announced it will suspend its bike taxi operations across Karnataka starting June 16, following a Karnataka High Court ruling that upheld the state government’s ban on unregulated bike taxi services.
In a statement released on Thursday, the ride-hailing company called the decision “difficult but necessary,” citing serious consequences for both commuters and drivers.
“This will negatively impact the many thousands of riders who rely on bike taxis for their daily mobility needs, as well as the many thousands of drivers who depend on the service for their livelihood,” Uber said.
🏍️ Government Crackdown on Unregulated Services
Uber’s move comes amid a statewide crackdown on bike taxis that were operating without regulatory approval under the Motor Vehicles Act. The Karnataka Transport Department flagged concerns about passenger safety, insurance coverage, and licensing compliance, leading to enforcement actions against bike taxi aggregators.
📜 Court Backs Ban Until Regulatory Policy is Formulated
The High Court’s decision reaffirmed the government’s right to restrict such services until a formal policy is in place. This marks a significant moment in the ongoing tug-of-war between tech-enabled mobility platforms and state-level transport regulations.
🚦 Impact on Urban Mobility & Gig Economy
Bike taxis had become a popular last-mile connectivity option, especially in congested metro cities like Bengaluru, offering a faster and cheaper alternative to cars and autos. The sudden halt is likely to:
- Disrupt daily commutes for thousands of riders
- Severely affect the incomes of bike taxi drivers
- Increase reliance on slower, costlier alternatives like autos or cabs
🤝 Uber Open to Dialogue with Government
Despite the suspension, Uber stressed its commitment to collaborating with authorities.
“We will continue engaging with the Government of Karnataka to help shape a progressive policy framework that enables safe, accessible, and affordable mobility options for everyone,” the company said.