Promto to launch 10K bike taxis across India in 3 years

Pic for representational purpose

New Delhi: Delhi-based startup Promto is looking to scale up its electric bike-taxi service across the country from 20 at present to 10,000 over the next three years with an investment of USD 15 million.

"We estimate to invest in the range of USD 10-15 million over a period of next three years to scale number of bike taxis from 20 at present to 10,000," Promto co-founder Karan Chaddha told PTI.

The company has raised some funds from angel investors and is in discussion with banks leasing agreement, he said.

Promto has launched its first fleet of 20 battery operated bike taxis in Delhi's Connaught Place and will scale it to four more localities in the next six months.

"We are targeting commuters during odd-even scheme days starting this month. At present, these taxis can be booked over phone or hailing the pilots (driver) by commuters at metro stations. We will be ready with mobile application by end of this month or early next month after which everything will be automatic," Chaddha said.

He said the company has reserved 20 per cent of fleet targeting female travellers.

"Our 20 per cent fleet will be reserved for female travellers. These taxis will be driven by women pilots. In Connaught Place we will start it from Monday," Chaddha said.

The two-wheeler is available for the people of Delhi at Rs 5 per kilometre. The bike taxi will only serve as last mile connectivity from around metro station, bus stops and will ply for distance of 5 kilometres only.

"We are running battery operated bikes. It's a green vehicle and contributes in fight against pollution. All bikes have in-built GPS systems for tracking and verifying drivers. Passengers will be insured on our bike taxis during ride with insurance cover of Rs 1 lakh," Chaddha said.

Promto has plans to expand in tier 2 cities after six months and will aim cities like Noida, Lucknow and Kanpur.

"We are looking at having 500 bike taxis in six months' time. After that, we have plans to add at least 40 bike taxis every month in our fleet in a city," Chaddha said.