India Removes E-Rickshaw Apps for Remote Shutdowns

Two e-rickshaw apps, BAT-BMS and Lossigy, have been removed from app stores in India. This action follows reports of apps being used to remotely shut down vehicles.
By Newsroom | Technology, India |

As of July 3, 2026, the Indian government confirmed the removal of mobile applications from app stores following reports of widespread interference with e-rickshaw operations. Reports emerged on July 2, 2026, showing vehicles being rendered inoperable via remote commands facilitated by smartphone software.

Govt lens on e-rickshaw remote shutdown issue; two apps removed from app stores - 1

IT Secretary S. Krishnan has mandated stricter due diligence for app platforms to prevent the distribution of software capable of hijacking vehicle functionality.

Govt lens on e-rickshaw remote shutdown issue; two apps removed from app stores - 2
App StatusIdentified ThreatAction Taken
BAT-BMSRemote shutdown capabilityRemoved from stores
Lossigy / Epoch-i-ionMisuse in vehicle disablingTargeted for removal

Technical Implications and Oversight

The breach revolves around Battery Management Systems (BMS), which communicate with smartphones via Bluetooth or internet connections. While designed for monitoring battery health and charge cycles, the software contains features allowing for remote disconnection.

  • The government identified the misuse of these Cybersecurity vulnerabilities after video evidence showed vehicles being stopped mid-ride.

  • Authorities have signaled a broader Crackdown on any application found to possess unauthorized remote-control features over critical infrastructure or transport assets.

  • Government sources confirmed that beyond the primary applications, additional software packages identified as risks are currently under scrutiny for potential blocks.

Background on Vehicle Connectivity

The rapid digitization of transport has outpaced current regulatory oversight. E-rickshaws, or 'tirris,' have increasingly adopted connected Technology to bridge the gap between low-cost manufacturing and the need for data-driven maintenance.

This specific incident highlights the vulnerability of the "Internet of Things" (IoT) when manufacturers outsource software development to third-party providers with insufficient security protocols. By integrating remote shutdown functions—likely intended for theft recovery or payment enforcement—these developers inadvertently created a mechanism for public disruption. The state's intervention reflects an evolving policy stance that places the burden of security on the distribution platforms—the app stores—rather than solely on the vehicle owners or end-users.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Indian government remove e-rickshaw apps on July 3, 2026?
The government removed apps like BAT-BMS because they could be used to remotely shut down e-rickshaws, causing disruption. This action was taken after reports of vehicles being disabled mid-ride.
Q: Which e-rickshaw apps were removed from app stores in India?
On July 3, 2026, the government ordered the removal of apps identified as risks, including BAT-BMS and Lossigy/Epoch-i-ion. These apps had features that could misuse vehicle control functions.
Q: How could these e-rickshaw apps control vehicles?
The apps used features in the Battery Management Systems (BMS) that communicate with smartphones. While meant for monitoring, these features allowed remote disconnection or shutdown, which was then misused.
Q: What happens next for e-rickshaw owners and app platforms in India?
The government is demanding stricter checks on app platforms to prevent similar issues. Any app found with unauthorized remote-control features over transport assets will face removal and scrutiny.