RTO Regulations: Electric Bikes and Scooters

As the prominence of EVs is rising, people are understanding the benefits of electric vehicles. Although they are high in cost, an increasing number of individuals are choosing them. So, the Indian government has developed RTO rules for electric bikes to avoid unnecessary accidents and make riding EVs easier and faster. As electric bikes and scooters become the preferred alternative, you should understand RTO laws and requirements.

 

Electric bikes and scooters are subject to different rules and guidelines than ordinary vehicles. Thus, before you purchase your EV, you need to know if you need a licence to drive an EV and what the RTO rules are for electric bikes in India.

 

Do You Need a Driver’s Licence to Ride an EV Bike?

You must have a driver's licence to drive an electric vehicle, just like any other vehicle. Driving your electric bicycle or bike on the street is punishable unless you have a valid licence. Similarly, without a legal licence, if you get into an accident or do any damage by other means, your insurance company will not compensate you. In 2022, out of 4,61,312 road accidents, 35,925 involved drivers who did not have a valid driving licence.  Here are some pertinent pieces of information on electric vehicle licences:

 

Not Every EV Rider Needs a Licence

According to current laws, an electric two-wheeler with a maximum output of 250 watts or a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour does not require a driver's licence. Furthermore, e-scooters need to meet the qualifications required to be classified as motor vehicles. 

 

EV Rider That Needs a Driver’s Licence

In India, electric bikes with motors generating more than 250 watts need a licence. Also, if your electric bike has a top speed of more than 25 kmph, you must have a driver's licence. These vehicles should be registered.

 

Age Limits for Riding EV

Once you've understood whether your electric scooter requires a licence, the next step is to understand additional laws and age limits for electric bikes. Aside from the licence, here are some other important RTO rules for electric bikes:

 

• The riding age limit for electric scooters in India is 16 years or older.
• To get an e-scooter licence, teenagers aged 16 to 18 must pass a needed test.
• The age range of 16 to 18 years is authorised to purchase an electric scooter with an engine capacity of 50 cc.
• Those EVs will get green licence plates.

 

RTO Rules for Electric Bikes in India

With rising awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles, particularly their ability to reduce pollution and the impact of climate change, an increasing number of people are choosing them. While it is a good idea to switch to an electric vehicle, you should know some RTO rules for electric vehicles. As you read above about licence and its rules, let’s check other RTO rules for electric bikes:

 

Registration of Electric Vehicles

After you have purchased your bike/scooter, you must register it with the regional transport office (RTO). Number plates with a white background and black lettering are for petrol and diesel vehicles, while number plates with a green background and white text are for electric vehicles. If the vehicle is classified as an electric bike, registration is not required.

 

Insurance for Your Electric Vehicle

According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, you must obtain bike insurance for your two-wheeler. You can choose third-party electric bike insurance or comprehensive bike insurance. The vehicle's battery capacity determines the insurance rate. If the battery capacity is low, the premium is lower; if the capacity is big, the premium increases. Third-party insurance covers only third-party liabilities, which is not costly. Comprehensive insurance is more expensive due to the comprehensive coverage and additional features included in the policy. When acquiring the policy, you should check the coverage options.

 

Tax on Your EVs

When you register your electric vehicle with the government, you must pay a road tax on it. Each state has its road tax limit for vehicles. However, the Road Transport Ministry has announced that electric vehicles will not be required to pay road tax during registration. The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) plan, which provides different subsidies and incentives, was launched by the Indian government in a bid to raise awareness about electric vehicles. A minimum and maximum subsidy is granted on the bike/scooter's price based on its capacity. In addition, road tax exemptions are applied.

 

Helmet While Riding EVs

Due to a rise in the number of road accidents by two-wheelers, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has made it necessary for two-wheeler riders to always wear helmets while on the road. This law applies to both electric bikes and scooters. Even if you have an EV, you still have to wear a helmet.

 

Conclusion 

It will be paramount to understand and subsequently follow RTO's rules and regulations to stay out of trouble. After you've purchased your bike, make sure you get electric vehicle insurance. Before purchasing a policy, check its benefits and purchase the one that best meets your needs.

 

FAQs

1. What is the minimum age for riding an electric vehicle in India?

The minimum age to ride an EV in India is 18 and 16 if our vehicle speed is 25 km per hour and runs on 25 W. 

 

2. What colour is the number plate for EVs?

According to the Motor Vehicle Act, green with white letters is for private EVs, and green with yellow letters is for commercial EVs.

 

3. What are RTO rules for electric bikes?

Every vehicle that runs on a battery with power less than 25W and speed less than 25 kmph doesn't need a licence