Bounce to make comeback after 3 years

BENGALURU: After the state Transport Department banned aggregated bike taxis, Bounce Bikes, which was shut down three years ago, has now resumed operations with new rules and regulations.

Amid complaints of aggregators like Ola and Uber overcharging in Bengaluru, and Rapido bike taxis being shut down, Bounce Bikes has started its rental service again.

The company has obtained permission under the Rent a Motorcycle Scheme-1987 of the state Transport Department. Currently, Bounce Electric Bikes are available for rent, targeting gig workers such as food delivery agents, courier boys and salesmen.

Over 1,000 bikes are set to hit the roads, with a daily rental charge of Rs 240-280. The minimum booking period is three days. The bikes are hub-based, with locations in JP Nagar, Hoodi, Yelahanka, RR Nagar, and HSR Layout. Bounce Bikes has already started its services in Bengaluru and Delhi, receiving a good response from gig workers.

The company had previously shut down its bike rental service due to issues like helmet theft, bike parking and damage during the Covid pandemic. However, it has now resumed its service with new rules, including returning the bike to the same hub after the rental period is over and there will be a system of monitoring riders.

Vivekananda, co-founder of Bounce, said, “The important thing is now we are using electric vehicles and manufacturing on our own. This bike is very easy to ride and designed targetting gig workers. We are giving it on rental for 2, 3, or 16 days or a month. KYC and Aadhaar registration should be done. They should deposit some (rental advance money). Anybody can come, deposit it, and take it for a ride from the nearest hub. There are no issues with the battery because we are giving a battery-swapping facility and it covers 100 km. Booking a bike for three days is compulsory, including the deposit amount”.