High Court Directs Centre, DMRC To Consider Plea For Regulation Of Yulu E-Bikes Plying On Delhi Streets

The Delhi High Court today asked Centre, Delhi Government and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to consider as representation a PIL seeking to regulate the use of 'Yulu Bikes' in the national capital.

Launched in 2018, Yulu Bikes are rental e-bikes to provide last mile connectivity to metro riders. These are available outside several metro stations in Delhi and are rented online.

The Petitioner sought to regulate the lending of these e-bikes, alleging that presently the same are available even to young kids, aged 13 years of age. It was prayed that Yulu bikes be brought under the ambit of the Motor Vehicles Act and proper guidelines be framed for their use.

It was pointed out that "sluggish speed" of Yulu bikes can be dangerous amid fast-moving traffic on busy roads. Further, they may not be easily visible to drivers of bigger vehicles like trucks and buses. Furthermore, since these e-bikes are not regulated, its riders are often found flouting road-safety norms.

The petition was filed by DPS Rajesh through Advocate Dishank Dhawan.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh directed the Respondent authorities to treat the plea as a representation and decide the same as per applicable law, as early as possible.

Last year, the Delhi Traffic Police had also expressed concern over minors, school children, riding Yulu bikes without helmets. It had then held meetings with representatives of the company and asked them to "enhance safety measures".

Case Title: DPS Rajesh v. Union of India