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0Although EV bikes are gaining traction across India, there’s still much confusion among daily commuters regarding the specific. RTO rules and guidelines. You can easily spot more electric bikes on the streets each day, and yet it’s hard to track down proper knowledge of licensing, registration, and safety requirements.
To ensure that you’re equipped with all you need to know, let’s delve into the RTO rules for electric bike in India. In this blog, we’ll address any concerns you might have around aspects like: when is a license needed; what are the registration guidelines, age limits, helmet requirements? What are the rules applicable to e-rickshaws; among other things.
Want to discover all the registration nuances of taking an e-bike on the Indian streets? Keep on reading.
Do Electric Bikes Need a License in India?
Most assume that this question has a yes or no answer. The truth, on the other hand, is that it depends. More so on the overall specifications of the vehicle itself. Here is a quick guide to RTO rules for electric bike in India:
- Low-Speed EVs:
Electric bikes that have a top speed below 25 km/h and a motor output under 250W do not require an electric bike license. In simple terms, do you need a license for an electric bike? For these low-speed models, the answer is no.
- High-Speed EVs:
However, if an electric bike exceeds 25 km/h or has a power output above 250W, then an electric bike license is mandatory. This means that for these models, the standard RTO rules for electric bikes apply just as they would for petrol bikes.
When it comes to e-bikes, many low-powered electric bikes fall under the category of electric bikes without proper registration.
On the other hand, high-performance models require full licensing. Of course, it’s important to remember that these rules are in place so that every rider can have a safe journey.
You can dive into the finer details of EV bikes and registration here
RTO Rules for Electric Bikes & Scooters in India
Now that we’ve gone over the two main registration routes, let’s get down to the finer details. Age, speed, and number plates are all crucial considerations as well.
Registration & Number Plate Rules
The RTO rules for electric bike in India specify that:
- Low-Speed EVs:
Because of their limited speed and power, low-speed EVs often exempt from registration. This means they can be legally ridden as an electric bike without registration.
- High-Speed EVs:
On the other hand, electric bikes that ride faster than the low-speed criteria must be registered with the RTO. These bikes are issued a green number plate to denote their eco-friendly nature. Getting these bikes registered is a critical part of the RTO rules for electric bikes in India.
Looking for a guide on registration for EVs? Read here
Age Limit for Riding Electric Scooters & Bikes
If you’re looking up the RTO rules for electric bikes, it’s important to consider all the necessary age limits.
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For high-speed electric bikes and scooters, the minimum riding age is usually 18 years.
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Some low-speed models might have less strict requirements. Either way, most authorities enforce an electric scooter license age and electric scooter age limit, for safety reasons.
Get more information about age limits for EVs in this comprehensive guide here
Helmet Requirement for Electric Two-Wheelers
Is the helmet mandatory too for e-bikes? Or can you skip this one? Well, let’s see:
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For high-speed electric bikes and scooters, wearing a helmet is absolutely mandatory.
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Helmets are enforced strictly for vehicles that require licensing.
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Some exceptions may exist for low-speed, registration-exempt models; however, don’t forget – your safety comes first.
Electric Bikes Without Registration: Are They Legal?
So you bought a new bike or are ready to make the leap, but you’re still wondering if riding an electric bike without registration is legal? Well, the answer, once again, is that it depends.
As discussed above, electric bikes with a top speed below 25 km/h and a power output under 250W are categorized as low-speed vehicles. Under the RTO rules for electric bike in India, these vehicles do not require registration or an electric bike license.
So if you’re looking to skip the registration go for a speed on the lower spectrum: you technically can. However, remember that these bikes can be tricky for long rides.
Read More
RTO Rules for E-Rickshaws in India
If a 3-wheeler is where your heart is, it’s important to remember that RTO rules also apply to e-rickshaws. Let’s get down to the specific details:
- Registration and Licensing:
E-rickshaws must be registered and adhere to the standard RTO rules for electric bikes in India. This means that they require a valid license, similar to high-speed electric bikes.
- Insurance:
E-rickshaws must be insured to ensure safety on the road.
- Operation Guidelines:
If you’re looking for a vehicle for commercial use, there are additional guidelines regarding operation zones and maximum permissible loads.
These e-rickshaw RTO rules make sure that in the new era of the EV wave, safety stays on the road with you, wherever you go.
Want to keep digging for more information? Get a holistic view of all things e-rickshaws here
FAQs
Does an electric bike need insurance in India?
Yes, high-speed electric bikes that require an electric bike license must also be insured.
What are the penalties for riding an unregistered EV?
Riding an EV that requires registration without all the paperwork in place can result in fines, legal penalties, and impoundment of the vehicle under the RTO rules for electric bikes in India.
Can minors ride electric scooters in India?
High-speed models require a minimum age of 18 years as per electric scooter license age guidelines. If a minor is looking to ride an electric scooter, you can look for a low-speed model that may be exempt and be available to ride to 16-year olds.
What is the electric scooter license age in India?
The electric scooter license age is generally 18 years for high-speed models but for low-speed variants, it can be 16 years of age depending on the make and model of the bike.
Conclusion
The RTO rules for electric bikes can get complicated so it’s always important to be aware of their many intricacies.
For those who prefer their electric bike without registration, verify that your vehicle meets the low-speed criteria. Beyond that, in this article, we explored other essential secondary queries like helmet use and electric scooter license age have been addressed.
In case the process gets frustrating, it helps to remember that the RTO rules for electric bikes are designed to create a safer, more efficient for you. In this new Indian era of mobility, safety must keep pace with innovation after all.
