From Prohibition to Formalisation: The Safety and Mobility Implications of Formalizing Motorcycle Taxis

Abstract

Motorcycle taxi services in Zambia, locally known as mahonda, have expanded rapidly despite their prohibition under Statutory Instrument No. 46 of 2020. This study examined whether formalising motorcycle taxi services could improve road safety and mobility outcomes amid increasing motorcycle-related crashes and fatalities reported by national authorities. The research was motivated by the absence of locally grounded empirical evidence to guide policy decisions on whether motorcycle taxis should remain banned or be integrated into the formal transport system. The study aimed to assess how standardised safety measures, a structured legal framework, and organised operational arrangements could influence safety and passenger mobility. Guided by a pragmatic philosophical approach, the research adopted a mixed-methods design, allowing for concurrent collection of both qualitative and quantitative data, followed by a systematic convergent interpretation. Quantitative data were collected through structured surveys of riders and passengers in Chipata, Petauke, Lusaka, and Solwezi, while qualitative insights were obtained from key informant interviews with regulators, training institutions, and commuter rights organisations. Approximately 420 respondents participated. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings indicate that prohibition has not removed the motorcycle taxis from operations, nor has it helped improve the safety and mobility of passengers. In fact, prohibition has potentially pushed their operations underground, as evidenced by weak licensing compliance, inconsistent helmet use, limited rider training, and fragmented enforcement patterns. However, respondents strongly supported structured training, registration, and regulatory oversight. The study concludes that phased formalisation could enhance safety compliance, institutional coordination, and passenger mobility, offering a more sustainable alternative to outright prohibition.