Is your e-bike covered by Motor Vehicle rules? New Centre proposal could change that

The Centre has proposed exempting certain low-powered, battery-operated two-wheelers from being classified as motor vehicles under the Motor Vehicles Act. The draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, were notified by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on Thursday.

If approved, the proposed changes would take effect from October 1, 2026.

Which e-bikes could qualify?

Under the draft rules, a two-wheeled battery-operated vehicle would not be treated as a motor vehicle if a specified testing agency certifies that its electric motor has a 30-minute power output of less than 0.6 kW and its maximum speed is below 25 kmph.

The proposal also sets separate conditions for pedal-assisted vehicles fitted with an auxiliary electric motor.

For these vehicles, the motor’s 30-minute power would have to remain below 0.6 kW. Its output would also need to gradually reduce and eventually stop when the vehicle reaches 25 kmph, or earlier if the rider stops pedalling.

Vehicles covered by the proposed provision would additionally have to meet safety requirements specified under AIS-049 (Rev.1).

Safety concerns raised

The proposal could change how some low-speed electric two-wheelers are treated under existing motor vehicle regulations.

However, Velmurugan S, senior advisor at National Council of Applied Economic Research and former road safety scientist at Central Road Research Institute, raised concerns about their potential use by children.

He also questioned how third-party insurance would work if a fatal crash involved such a vehicle.

“At least, if they make helmet use mandatory, it makes good sense.”

The draft proposal focuses on vehicles meeting specific power and speed limits, while the safety concerns highlight questions around how these vehicles would be used and regulated once the proposed changes take effect.

The amendments have been proposed to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, and would apply from October 1, 2026, if implemented.