In a significant push towards sustainable urban mobility, Pune Metro is launching an e-bike rental service at key stations along the Pimpri-Swargate and Vanaz-Ramwadi corridors. The initiative aims to provide commuters with seamless last-mile connectivity, addressing one of the biggest challenges in public transportation. Expected to go live within the next two months, the service will initially roll out at 10 major metro stations, including PCMC Building, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Nashik Phata, Dapodi, Shivajinagar, and Swargate. With Pune Metro’s daily ridership crossing 1.6 lakh passengers, the introduction of e-bikes is set to make urban commuting more accessible and efficient.
Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) has partnered with TS Switch – eRides to deploy 50 e-bikes at each of the selected stations under the ‘Switch E-Ride’ brand. The rental service will be app-based, allowing commuters to unlock e-bikes using QR codes placed at the docking stations. The e-bikes, designed for short-distance travel, have a top speed of 25 km/h, a weight capacity of 150 kg, and can accommodate two riders. With a range of 80 km per charge, they feature swappable battery technology, enabling quick replacements in under five minutes. Live tracking, geo-fencing, and an SOS button have been integrated to enhance safety. Users must complete KYC verification before accessing the service, ensuring a secure experience. Rental rates start at ₹1.50 per minute, with package options like ₹55 for one hour and ₹450 for 24 hours, making it an affordable alternative to auto-rickshaws and cabs.
From an urban planning perspective, the lack of first and last-mile connectivity has often deterred Pune residents from using public transport. Many commuters rely on personal vehicles or shared transport options, leading to traffic congestion and increased carbon emissions. The introduction of station-based e-bike rentals offers a structured, integrated transport solution that aligns with Pune’s larger vision of promoting sustainable urban mobility. Other cities, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, have experimented with similar solutions, but Pune Metro’s approach of fixed docking stations at high-traffic metro stops could serve as a replicable model for seamless public transport integration.
From a sustainability perspective, the e-bike service aligns with Pune’s green transport goals. By encouraging metro users to opt for electric mobility, it significantly reduces dependence on fossil fuel-powered transport, cutting down emissions and air pollution. With Pune already struggling with rising vehicular pollution and congestion, integrating clean energy transport solutions is critical. The success of this initiative could pave the way for expanded EV infrastructure, including dedicated e-bike lanes and charging stations, further solidifying Pune’s status as a leading smart city in sustainable transportation. As ridership grows, the city can explore scaling up e-bike availability, expanding coverage to more stations, and integrating digital payment solutions to streamline the service further.