Social distancing on bike taxi? Rapido introduces 'back shields'

Bike taxi platform Rapido has introduced 'back shields' for its rider partners as a measure of safety against coronavirus. With this, the company aims to further increase the safety aspect of using a bike taxi during the ongoing pandemic.

Back shield for riders introduced by Rapido bike taxi service
Back shield for riders introduced by Rapido bike taxi service

The back shield, that will be worn by riders during trips, will help prevent any contact with customers on the pillion seat. Made of lightweight PVC board material, the shield will be attached to the rider's back like a rucksack, hence making for a considerable distance with the customer. Rapido says the shield weighs 400gms, which is lighter than some of the smartphones in the market.

The company will bear the cost of installation of the shields in order to ease the financial burden on the riders while ensuring successful adoption of the new safety measure. "[Our] innovative back shield will act as a protective gear that will further increase the safety of our rides," says Aravind Sanka, Co-Founder at Rapido.

Also check these Bikes

Find more Bikes
Svitch Bike Svitch Bike Svitch Xe+ (HT Auto photo)
₹98,999**Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Joy E-bike Beast (HT Auto photo)
₹ 2.42 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Joy E-bike Thunderbolt (HT Auto photo)
₹ 2.33 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Joy E-bike Mihos (HT Auto photo)
₹ 1.49 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Joy E-bike Hurricane (HT Auto photo)
₹ 2.33 Lakhs* *Ex-showroom price
Add to compare
Check latest offers
Hero Electric Ae-47 E-bike (HT Auto photo)
UPCOMING
₹ 1 Lakhs *Expected Price
View Details

Also Read : Motorcycle taxis in this country get backpack shield to battle Covid-19

Rapido says the back shield weighs 400gms, which is lighter than some of the smartphones in the market.
Rapido says the back shield weighs 400gms, which is lighter than some of the smartphones in the market.
Rapido says the back shield weighs 400gms, which is lighter than some of the smartphones in the market.
Rapido says the back shield weighs 400gms, which is lighter than some of the smartphones in the market.

Before introducing the back shields, the company conducted test rides in cities including Hyderabad, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Jaipur. It claims that around 800 driver partners wore the shields and completed their rides. The pilot run included testing the aerodynamics of various materials to build a shield with the right size and quality that is compact and comfortable for riders. It also tested ways to minimise touch points for customers during the rides.

Also Read : Covid-19: Rapido ties up with essential suppliers to aid last-mile deliveries

Apart from the back shield, Rapido had previously introduced a set of safety measures such as requesting customers to carry their own helmets to maintain hygiene. It also introduced a policy support where the company provides free cancellation if riders or customers are without a mask.

Other safety measures for riders include installation of Aarogya Setu app, wearing masks, carrying sanitizers and sanitizing bikes, among others.

First Published Date: 29 Jul 2020, 16:47 PM IST
NEXT ARTICLE BEGINS
Shopping Bag Shop Now
1% OFF
Godrej aer O – Hanging Car Air Freshener | Car Accessories | Cool Aqua (7.5g)
Rs. 98 Rs. 99
70% OFF
VENO Portable High Power 2 in 1 Car Vacuum Cleaner | USB Rechargeable Wireless Handheld Car Vacuum Cleaner Traveling, Camping Reusable and Sustainable (2 in 1 Vacuum Cleaner)
Rs. 899 Rs. 2,999
65% OFF
Ambrane 38W Fast Car Charger with Dual Output, Quick Charge 3.0 and Power Delivery, Type-C & USB Port, Wide Compatibility for Smart Phones (RAAP C38 A, Black)
Rs. 349 Rs. 999
68% OFF
PUNZONE Car Body Scratch Remover - Scratch Repair Polishing Wax Kit Sponge Body Compound Cream Wax, Car Body Compound Scratch Remover
Rs. 289 Rs. 898

Please provide your details to get Personalized Offers on

Choose city
+91 | Choose city
Choose city
Choose city
By clicking "View Offers" you Agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy

Dear Name

Please verify your mobile number.

+91 | Choose city
Couldn't verify the OTP.
It's either expired or it's incorrect.