Pune Metro is set to introduce an e-bike rental service at select stations along the Pimpri-Swargate and Vanaz-Ramwadi routes to enhance last-mile connectivity for commuters. The service is expected to be operational within the next two months.
Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) has partnered with TS Switch – eRides to deploy 50 e-bikes at each of the 10 selected stations. These include PCMC Building, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Nashik Phata, Dapodi, Shivajinagar, and Swargate. The e-bikes, branded as "Switch E-Ride," will be accessible via a mobile app or QR code scanning at the stations.
Designed for short-distance travel, the e-bikes have a maximum speed of 25 km/h and can accommodate two riders with a combined weight of up to 150 kg. They offer a range of up to 80 km on a single charge and feature a swappable battery system that allows replacements in under five minutes.
Maha Metro Director Hemant Sonawane stated that users must complete KYC verification and accept the company’s terms before using the service. The e-bikes will include live tracking, geo-fencing, and an SOS button for safety.
Rental rates will start at Rs 1.50 per minute, with time-based packages available from Rs 55 for one hour to Rs 450 for 24 hours. The initiative aims to improve metro accessibility and promote eco-friendly transportation as Pune Metro’s daily ridership surpasses 1,60,000. Officials expect the service to further boost metro usage by addressing last-mile connectivity issues in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.