Uber bullish on Moto as category, brings woman rider preference for two-wheeler drivers

Uber is bullish on Moto as a category as the U.S. based ridehailing platform sees more than 50% of its trips coming on it and Auto in India, Manish Bindrani, Head of Regional Supply Growth at Uber India & South Asia told The Hindu.

To encourage road safety among Moto drivers, Uber on Wednesday (March 19, 2025) announced to distribute 3,000 safety kits, free of cost, which includes helmets, reflective vests, safety stickers, and protective gear across the country.

Mr. Bindrani said that there would be over 50 lakh drivers across the industry by 2030 which is a very powerful livelihood generator. “Riders prefer Moto due to affordability, traffic and mainly for shorter routes,” he said.

The ridesharing company also enhanced its helmet verification method with AI-powered tools which randomly asks drivers to upload their selfies with helmet for safety measures. Without it, they will not be able to begin the trip.

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It also introduced helmet nudge, an in-app reminder, prompting riders to wear a helmet before starting their journey.

Similar to Uber Cabs, the ridehailing platform also introduced woman rider preference which will allow female drivers to filter for female riders. They will have the option to use it on switch it off. Uber said that there are around 2% women drivers across the commercial space.

“Women can’t drive for long hours because of safety concerns and with this feature they will get matched only to women riders, and can make more use of the platform and earn more money.”

Minister of State, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs, Harsh Malhotra, who was at the event organised to distribute the kit said that two-wheeler drivers spend 10-12 hours a day on road, and that is why safety becomes paramount for both drivers and riders. He said that two-wheelers have 40% mortality rate on roads.

MoS also asked drivers to register themselves on government’s e-shram portal with which they can get the benefit of up to ₹5 lakh treatment in private hospitals under Ayushman Bharat scheme.

In terms of insurance cover, all Uber drivers get up to ₹5 lakh cover from the company and same goes for riders.

According to the India Economic Impact Report 2024, compiled by UK-based Public First, Uber Auto and Moto contributed ₹36,000 crore to the economy in 2024.