India to mandate ABS on all two-wheelers from January 2026 for safety
Starting January 1, 2026, all new two-wheelers sold in India must be equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS), under a soon-to-be-issued directive from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This regulatory change, aimed at reducing road accidents involving motorcycles and scooters, will apply to all engine capacities, expanding the current requirement which only covers vehicles above 125cc.
Government officials familiar with the matter say the upcoming mandate is intended to curb the significant number of accidents involving two-wheelers. According to government data, these vehicles were involved in nearly 20% of the 1,51,997 road accidents recorded in 2022.
ABS is a braking technology that prevents wheels from locking during sudden stops, thereby helping riders maintain steering control and reduce the risk of skidding. Experts believe this change could improve overall road safety, especially for pedestrians and riders in urban areas.
Road safety advocates have largely welcomed the move. Rohit Baluja, director of the Institute of Road Traffic and Education (IRTE), called it a “long-overdue measure,” emphasising that many accidents are caused by uncontrolled braking. KK Kapila, president emeritus at the International Road Federation, echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the safety benefits far outweigh the cost concerns.
However, the new rule could lead to a rise in two-wheeler prices. Industry analysts estimate that the cost of entry-level models could increase by Rs. 2500 to Rs. 5000 due to the inclusion of ABS technology. Given that entry-level motorcycles and scooters form about 75% of the market, the cost bump may affect demand in this highly price-sensitive segment.
Despite these concerns, data shows robust growth in two-wheeler sales. In FY25, motorcycles with 75cc to 125cc engines accounted for two-thirds of all domestic sales, with total motorcycle sales reaching 9.26 million units — a 4.6% year-on-year increase. Scooter sales also rose by 17%, totalling 6.85 million units.
While the higher costs may pose challenges for manufacturers and consumers, road safety experts stress that technological advancements like ABS are critical. As cities continue to rely heavily on two-wheelers for daily transport, ensuring rider safety through mandatory upgrades remains a high priority for policymakers.
