Bike taxi services are gaining attention in Kerala, but users are raising questions about the legality and safety of such rides.

Passengers booking online bike taxis have reported that some motorcycles arrive with white number plates rather than yellow plates. They also say there is often no immediate way to verify whether the vehicle has the required documents or what protection would be available if an accident occurs.

Despite these concerns, passengers continue to use the services, particularly for short-distance travel.

Some drivers have reportedly told passengers that a taxi permit is not required for bike taxi services. They say the documents submitted during registration include the vehicle's registration certificate (RC), driving licence and Aadhaar card.

However, the permit requirement remains a concern. A taxi permit is required under the law, raising questions about whether all vehicles operating as bike taxis in the state meet the necessary requirements.

White-board vehicles add to concerns

Users have also reported instances of bike taxis arriving for rides on white-board motorcycles without taxi permits.

This has raised a basic question for passengers: if the vehicle is being used to provide a paid passenger service, what legal and insurance protection applies when the motorcycle does not have the required taxi permit?

The concern becomes more serious in cases involving accidents.

The case of 32-year-old Sani Krishna, a native of Kunnamangalam (Kozhikode), has highlighted the potential consequences. She was involved in an accident while travelling on a permit-less online bike taxi in Bengaluru. Her difficult life following the accident has drawn attention to the risks passengers could face when using such services.

Insurance cover may not settle every claim

The insurance protection offered by bike taxi platforms is another area users are seeking clarity on.

Rapido's website states that passengers can receive insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh in the event of an accident involving a bike taxi.

However, users could face difficulties if the vehicle does not have the required taxi permit. Questions may also arise when the vehicle's documents are incomplete or not in order.

A regular motor insurance policy may not necessarily resolve the issue either. Passengers could face problems if the vehicle does not have comprehensive insurance coverage.

The manner in which police register and investigate an accident can also affect the processing of an insurance claim, even when the vehicle documents are otherwise in order.

Medical assistance remains another gap

Rapido's website says passengers can claim insurance after completing the ride if a safety-related incident occurs.

The available information indicates that the insurance does not provide emergency medical assistance. In such situations, passengers may have to depend on their own medical insurance to meet treatment expenses.

For users, therefore, the concern is not limited to whether a bike taxi reaches the destination safely. The status of the vehicle's permit and documents, the extent of insurance protection and access to medical assistance can all become important after an accident.

The concerns reported by users point to the need for greater clarity over the legal and insurance protection available to passengers using online bike taxi services in Kerala.