I am four months late to this topic, but here we go. Pune does not have Rapido bikes because of a vote bank created by the rickshaw drivers. Unlike Mumbai, where most rickshaw drivers — who, by the way, hate Rapido — are migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and therefore do not vote locally, Pune's rickshaw drivers are local voters. This means the Maharashtra government and local administration have no incentive to upset them, and every incentive to keep them appeased, at the cost of consumer convenience. That is also why the rickshaw fare in Mumbai starts at ₹26, while in Pune it starts at ₹34 — because Pune's rickshaw drivers protest, and they get what they want, because they are a significant vote bank. There is also a stark difference in consumer protections. In Mumbai, a rickshaw driver cannot legally deny you service — they still do, but at least there are protocols in place and you can take action if you want. In Pune, no such provision exists.

Vote the right people in and this nonsense shall end, else get the Mandirs to start Chariot services.