Team Goemkarponn
Calangute: Tension broke out in Calangute after a group of locals and traditional rent-a-bike operators detained several electric rental bikes, alleging that the vehicles were being hired out to tourists without mandatory safety compliance.
According to those involved, the EV rental operators were allegedly allowing tourists to ride without helmets, insurance documents, pollution certificates or basic verification such as driving licences. Traditional rent-a-bike operators said they are required to follow a stringent list of rules, including providing helmets, maintaining insurance and pollution certificates, paying road tax and keeping all regulatory paperwork updated. They claimed the EV operators were bypassing these norms and advertising that riders did not require helmets or licences.
The detained electric bikes were transported to the Calangute Police Station, where both sides presented their versions of events. Owners of the EV rentals questioned the police over what they described as a lack of enforcement on illegal operations in the coastal belt.
Police officials confirmed that an inquiry has been initiated into the matter. Officers said they will verify whether the EV rental operators possessed the mandatory documents and whether any violations under the Motor Vehicles Act or local tourism regulations occurred.
Further investigation is underway.
