BENGALURU: Rapido has introduced a new ‘Bike Lift’ option in Bengaluru, allowing two-wheeler owners to earn money by giving lifts to passengers travelling in the same direction. The move comes amid the continuing legal uncertainty surrounding bike taxi services in Karnataka.
Under the feature, bike owners can view ride requests from passengers whose destinations align with their existing routes. The idea is to help riders earn from journeys they are already making while limiting additional travel and detours.
How Rapido’s Bike Lift feature works
The new option allows bike owners to carry passengers travelling along their route. According to reports, participating riders can earn Rs 5 per kilometre, while the platform does not charge commission for the service.
Unlike a conventional bike taxi arrangement, the feature is presented as a way to connect people travelling in a similar direction. By matching passengers with riders already heading towards their destination, the service aims to make use of available two-wheeler trips.
The feature is being piloted in Bengaluru and other cities. However, details about its wider availability and how the service will operate across different locations remain limited.
Bike taxi services remain a legal flashpoint
Rapido’s latest move comes against the backdrop of the ongoing dispute over bike taxi operations in Karnataka. The issue has involved app-based aggregators, individual bike owners and the state government, with questions surrounding permits, registration and the rules governing passenger transport on two-wheelers.
In January 2026, the Karnataka High Court set aside an earlier order that had effectively halted bike taxi services. The division bench said authorities should consider applications to register motorcycles as transport vehicles and grant contract carriage permits under the Motor Vehicles Act, while allowing the government to impose appropriate conditions.
The state government has challenged the ruling before the Supreme Court. The outcome of the legal proceedings is expected to influence how bike taxi services can operate in Karnataka.
What the new option could mean for riders
The Bike Lift feature could provide another way for two-wheeler owners to earn money from their daily travel, particularly when they have spare space and are already heading towards a passenger’s destination. For commuters, it may offer an additional travel option, depending on availability and the rules applicable to the service.
However, the distinction between offering a lift and operating a commercial passenger transport service could be important amid the ongoing regulatory dispute. The precise legal and operational status of the new feature will depend on the applicable rules and any further directions from the courts or transport authorities.
Rapido has not publicly commented on the rollout, according to the report. Further clarity may emerge as the legal proceedings continue.