Karnataka Government Tells High Court: Motorcycles Not Meant to Carry Passengers, Upholds Bike-Taxi Ban

The Karnataka High Court heard appeals by Uber, Ola, and Rapido challenging a single-judge order that had prohibited bike-taxi services in the State.

Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty argued that motorcycles are not “transport vehicles” under the Motor Vehicles Act and are not meant to carry passengers for hire. He said the State is empowered under Section 67(3) to regulate such use and has chosen not to permit bike-taxis without a proper policy.

Responding to questions on Karnataka’s earlier electric bike-taxi policy, he clarified that it had been withdrawn. Maintaining that the ban is rooted in public safety, the State defended its stance. The case will be heard next on November 24.