India’s testing and certification agencies are reportedly considering a revision of the technical specifications for low-speed electric two-wheelers, which are currently exempt from registration and driving licence requirements. The proposal involves increasing the maximum power output from 250W to a higher limit and raising the kerb weight cap beyond the existing 60kg threshold.
At present, electric two-wheelers with motors not exceeding 250W and weighing up to 60kg are classified as “low-speed” vehicles. These are treated similarly to bicycles under the law — they do not require registration, a driving licence, or mandatory helmet use in many cases. This exemption has played a key role in the rapid growth of affordable electric cycles and small scooters, especially in urban and semi-urban markets.
However, experts and safety advocates are raising serious concerns over the proposed relaxation. Increasing power and weight limits could blur the line between a pedal-assisted cycle and a proper electric scooter. This risks enabling faster, heavier vehicles to operate on pedestrian-heavy roads and footpaths without any licensing or safety oversight.
Critics argue that many operators are already flouting the existing 250W and 60kg limits with modified vehicles or imported models that exceed specifications. Relaxing the norms, they say, would only legitimise non-compliance instead of addressing the root issue through stricter enforcement. Higher power outputs could lead to increased speeds in crowded areas, raising the probability of accidents involving pedestrians, senior citizens, and children.
Another major worry is the potential for heavier loads and modified vehicles to be used commercially — such as for food delivery or last-mile logistics — without proper insurance or regulatory checks. This could compromise road safety while creating an uneven playing field for fully compliant, registered electric two-wheelers that must adhere to stricter norms.
Safety specialists recommend that instead of raising the limits, authorities should focus on two parallel approaches: rigorous enforcement of current regulations and the creation of a separate registered category for slightly more powerful low-speed electric vehicles. This new category could mandate basic registration, age restrictions, helmet use, and insurance while still keeping the vehicles affordable and accessible.
As India pushes aggressively towards electric mobility, balancing promotion of green transport with public safety remains critical. Any change in low-speed e-two-wheeler specifications must be backed by thorough safety impact studies and clear guidelines to prevent misuse.
The final decision by testing agencies and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will have a far-reaching impact on urban mobility, road safety, and the future of India’s booming electric two-wheeler industry.
