Uber introduces new safety measures: AI-powered helmet selfies, in-app helmet nudges and female driver filter

The multinational transportation company Uber on Wednesday, March 19, announced its new safety measures for riders and drivers on Uber Moto, its two-wheeler service in India. The features include initiatives focused on improving helmet adoption in the country and a feature allowing female drivers to filter for female drivers.

The new safety features for the Uber Moto section include AI-powered helmet selfies for drivers and in-app helmet ‘nudges’ for riders.

The ride-hailing platform Uber aims to ramp up safety for two-wheeler riders and drivers with its new technology-enabled features and distribution of 3,000 safety kits across the country as more than half of the rides on Uber today happen over auto and moto services.

"With new safety features and distribution of safety kits, we are affirming our commitment to safer roads while supporting drivers with flexible earning opportunities," said Manish Bindrani, Head of Regional Supply Growth, Uber India and South Asia, at a conference.

In the first phase of this initiative, select Uber Moto drivers in the national capital received safety kits including helmets, reflective vests, safety stickers and protective gear from Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra.

Bike taxis have become a preferred mode of transport for users across the country due to their affordability and convenience during high-traffic hours, Uber said.

The significance of bike taxis is reinforced by estimates—as per India Economic Impact Report 2024, compiled by UK-based Public First, Uber Auto and Moto contributed nearly ₹36,000 crore to the Indian economy in 2024. Furthermore, according to a KPMG report, an estimated 5.4 million flexible livelihood opportunities could be created through this sector in India by 2030.

The Minister, speaking at the event, said that the government has been introducing road safety rules and regulations and working on improved infrastructure, along with spreading awareness, to prioritise road safety. AI and technology are also being put to use for intelligent traffic management systems, he added.