When the Karnataka High Court upheld the state’s ban on bike taxi services on June 13, 2025, many Bengaluru residents feared their daily commutes would grind to a halt. But in true Indian fashion, a workaround emerged—equal parts clever, controversial, and undeniably effective.
Enter the “Bike Parcel” loophole.
Ride-hailing platform Rapido, known for its affordable and nimble bike taxi services, swiftly rebranded its offering as a “Bike Parcel” courier service. The twist? Commuters began booking themselves as parcels—riding pillion under the guise of intra-city deliveries. What started as a workaround quickly became a viral sensation, sparking memes, debates, and even a new acronym: PaaS—Passenger as a Service.
The Ban That Sparked a Backlash
The Karnataka government’s decision to ban bike taxis stemmed from regulatory concerns. Officials cited violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, arguing that private two-wheelers were being used for commercial purposes without proper licensing or safety oversight. The High Court agreed, refusing to lift the suspension unless new regulations were introduced a move the state declined to pursue.
For a city like Bengaluru, where traffic congestion is legendary and public transport often falls short, the ban felt like a gut punch. Bike taxis had become a lifeline for thousands—offering quick, affordable rides through the city’s gridlocked streets.
The Parcel Pivot: Desi Jugaad at Its Finest
Faced with the ban, Rapido didn’t fold. Instead, it launched a new service labeled “Bike Parcel”, officially intended for courier deliveries. But Bengaluru’s tech-savvy, traffic-weary residents quickly caught on. Social media exploded with screenshots and jokes:
“Can’t book a ride? No worries—just parcel yourself to work.”
“Rapido bikers rocked, government shocked.”
“I’m not a passenger, I’m a package. Handle with care.”
Even rival platforms like Uber followed suit, introducing similar “Moto Courier” options. The workaround was so widespread that over 100 bikes were seized by authorities on the first day of enforcement, with officials vowing to crack down on misuse.
Why It Matters: More Than Just a Ride
This isn’t just a story about a clever hack—it’s a reflection of deeper urban mobility challenges. Bengaluru’s dependence on bike taxis isn’t a fluke. These services fill a critical gap in first- and last-mile connectivity, especially for students, gig workers, and low-income commuters.
The public outcry following the ban has reignited calls for clear, inclusive regulations that recognize the role of two-wheeler ridesharing in India’s urban transport ecosystem.
- Karnataka bike taxi ban 2025
- Rapido Bike Parcel workaround
- Bengaluru commuters parcel themselves
- PaaS: Passenger as a Service trend
- Urban mobility hacks in India
What’s Next?
The next court hearing is scheduled for June 24, and all eyes are on whether the government will revisit its stance. Meanwhile, Rapido has stated it will comply with the law while continuing to serve communities through legal means.
But one thing is clear: Bengaluru’s spirit of innovation isn’t going anywhere. Whether it’s coding startups or commuting hacks, the city knows how to keep moving—even when the rules change.