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Karnataka to move Supreme Court on bike taxi operations
Karnataka plans to approach the Supreme Court over bike taxi operations after a high court split on licensing. The state government approved filing an appeal, while Uber argues bike taxis expand the urban mobility market and are not cannibalizing autos. Uber data and court rulings illustrate ongoing regulatory uncertainty.
Why It Matters
The case will shape regulatory authority and licensing for bike taxis in Karnataka, affecting urban mobility options and ride-hailing policy in the state.
Timeline
6 Events
April 20, 2026: Karnataka to move Supreme Court on bike taxi operations
April 20, 2026
Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy and chief minister Siddaramaiah approved the move to file an appeal to the Supreme Court. The State government will frame regulations permitting bike taxis following the Supreme Court decision.
January 23, 2026: Two-judge bench ruling on licensing
January 23, 2026
A two-judge bench held that the government could not refuse to grant licences to bike taxi operators, directed the state to examine applications and issue licences, and said yellow board bike taxis could be allowed under central guidelines; the government opposes permitting such services and has filed an appeal.
Karnataka High Court: single-judge bans bike taxis
2025
The Karnataka High Court had earlier a single-judge bench declare bike taxis unauthorised and ban their operation in the state.
Q4 2025 mobility split on two- and three-wheeler usage
2025
According to Uber data, in the fourth quarter of 2025, about 76% of users relied exclusively on autos, 8.8% used only bike taxis, and about 15% used both.
Bike taxi pause in Bengaluru and Mumbai (mid-2025)
2025
Uber cites data from Bengaluru and Mumbai where bike taxi services were paused for nearly two months in mid-2025 as part of a 'natural experiment.'
Uber bike taxi first trips in Bengaluru (2024 milestone)
2024
Since 2024, over 500,000 users in Bengaluru took their first Uber trip on a bike taxi, with nearly half of them later using auto services.