Uber Resumes Bike Taxi Services in Karnataka After Rapido Restart

Uber has brought back its bike taxi offering in Bengaluru, rebranded as Bike Direct (previously known as Uber Moto), days after rival Rapido restarted operations with its zero-profit bike taxi facilitator model.

Rapido’s relaunch, announced on August 25, aimed at supporting riders by not taking a commission share.

High Court Clarification Sparks Restart

The decision to resume services comes after the Karnataka High Court clarified on August 22, 2025, that it had not issued any ban or order restricting bike taxi operations during its hearing on August 20. This clarification opened the door for companies like Uber and Rapido to re-enter the market.

However, the legal battle is not over yet. The next court hearing in the matter is scheduled for September 22, 2025.

Drivers Still Hesitant

Despite the green light, bike taxi drivers in the state remain uncertain and cautious. Many fear harassment on the roads as enforcement agencies and rival auto unions create pressure while the case remains pending, as per The Economic Times report.

Karnataka is home to an estimated 600,000 gig workers, many of whom depend on bike taxi services and ride hailing platforms for income. The prolonged uncertainty has left both riders and drivers on edge.

Read More: Rapido to Pay ₹10 Lakh Fine for Advertising Misleading Promises of Guaranteed Auto in 5 Minutes.

Conclusion

While Uber and Rapido’s restart signals a possible revival of the bike taxi sector in Karnataka, the lack of a final court order keeps the future unclear. For now, companies are operational, but drivers remain wary until a definitive ruling is passed.

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