India to Make ABS Mandatory on All Motorcycles and Scooters from January 2026
In a major push to improve road safety, the Indian government has announced that starting January 1, 2026, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) will be mandatory for all motorcycles and scooters, regardless of engine size. The new safety regulation, introduced by India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, will extend ABS requirements to even entry-level two-wheelers under 150cc vehicles that previously did not require the feature.
ABS Rule Expanded to Include Entry-Level Bikes and Scooters
According to the latest official notification, all L2 category two-wheelers manufactured after January 1 must come equipped with ABS. The L2 classification includes:
- Internal combustion engine bikes up to 125cc
- Electric scooters with speeds above 50 km/h
- Electric models with motors exceeding 0.5 kW
“The primary goal is to curb the rising number of fatal crashes involving two-wheelers,” stated an official from the Ministry during the policy release.
However, electric vehicles with top speeds below 50 km/h or motors under 0.5 kW will remain exempt from the new regulation.
Cost Implications for Consumers
While the move has been largely welcomed for its focus on safety, industry experts estimate that the addition of ABS could increase the price of budget two-wheelers by up to ₹5,000 (approx. NPR 8,000) per unit. This could influence the pricing dynamics of the highly price-sensitive Indian market, particularly among entry-level buyers.
“The new ABS mandate will improve braking stability and reduce accident risks for millions of riders,” said an official from the Ministry, quoted in local media reports. “Despite the added cost, the long-term safety benefits outweigh the initial price hike.”
Why ABS Is Being Prioritized
India has one of the highest road accident rates in the world, with two-wheelers accounting for around 44% of total traffic accidents, according to national road safety studies. The government’s latest move is aimed at curbing this statistic by ensuring that safer braking systems are standard across all vehicle classes.
By enforcing ABS installation on all two-wheelers, the government hopes to significantly reduce fatal accidents, especially among first-time riders and rural commuters, who often use low-displacement models.
What This Means for Nepal and the Region
As many two-wheeler models sold in Nepal are imported from India, this rule could indirectly impact vehicle pricing and feature upgrades in the Nepali market as well.
What Happens Next
- Mandate Effective: January 1, 2026
- Applies to: All motorcycles and scooters, regardless of engine capacity
- Cost Impact: Estimated price increase of ₹3,000-₹5,000 per unit
- Market Affected: 75% of India’s two-wheeler segment (primarily 75cc-125cc models)
Manufacturers are now expected to begin phasing in ABS systems across their entire two-wheeler lineups ahead of the deadline. This will likely lead to new model launches featuring dual-channel and single-channel ABS technology.
