Google Rolls Out Two-Wheeler Mode for Maps on Mobile in India

Google claims that the two-wheeler mode shows trip routes that use “shortcuts” not accessible to cars and trucks.

Two-wheeler mode on Google Maps is now live in India.

(Photo: The Quint)

Google Maps in India now offers traffic and navigation feature for two-wheelers. The option first made its way to mobile devices earlier this week (via app update for Maps) but Google officially announced the roll out at its Google for India event in the capital on Tuesday.

The new travel mode in Google Maps in India is seen alongside Drive, Train or Bus and Walk alternatives (as the above image shows). Google claims that the Maps team has managed to optimise the two-wheeler mode in such a way that it shows trip routes that use "shortcuts" not accessible to cars and trucks.

The app will utilise your travel patterns, and the more you ride along, the more roads will open up to Google Maps and its ecosystem, which can be used by others as well.

The India-first feature is the new “two-wheeler mode” in Google Maps. India is the largest two-wheeler market in the world, and the millions of motorcycle and scooter riders have different navigation needs than drivers of automobiles

Caesar Sengupta, Vice President, Next Billion Users Team – Google

The Google Maps team highlighted that over 70 percent of people in the country use two-wheelers as their mode of transport, so no wonder Google thought about catering to this user base.

Since so many Indians rely on local landmarks for navigation, two-wheeler mode will show major landmarks on the route so that riders can plan their trip before starting, and don’t have to keep checking the phone on the go.

Caesar Sengupta, Vice President, Next Billion Users Team - Google

This is one of many products from Google that it claims has been built in India, but will roll out to other countries in the coming months. Going by the initial impression of the two-wheeler mode, we feel that its capability is still very limited, but is sure to improve as more users get on board.

PS: Make sure you’re not using the Maps feature while on the move.

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