RTO rules and regulations for electric bikes and scooters
RTO rules and regulations for electric bikes and scooters
Indian roads are showing a steady increase in the number of electric vehicles, the electric two-wheelers being the more popular ones in this respect. The increasing awareness among the general public is further enhancing this growth and popularity. It is easy to maintain, quite cost-effective in the long run, maintains a sustainable approach and observes eco-friendly technology.
If you are owning an electric two-wheeler or planning to purchase one, you need to be keenly aware of the prevalent RTO rules for electric scooters. This article will guide you along the way in this respect.
List of RTO rules and regulations for electric bikes and scooters
1. Driving Licence
Similar to any other conventional type of two-wheeler, electric two-wheelers too require a valid driving licence. You are liable to legal consequences if you are found driving an electric two-wheeler without a proper driving licence. Under any accidental circumstances, your insurance provider will refuse any claim settlement in the absence of a DL. However, you can drive an electric two-wheeler without a DL if its optimum speed limit is 25 km/hr and the power is not more than 250W.
2. Minimum age criteria
An electric two-wheeler requires the user to be at least 18 years, similar to the age criteria to drive any other vehicle in India. However, if your electric two-wheeler possesses an optimum power of no more than 250W and an optimum speed limit of 25 km/hr can be driven by people aged between 16 and 18 years.
3. Necessity of Insurance
Bike insurance is a must for every electric two-wheeler. Under any accidental circumstances, it acts as a protective shield. If your bike gets stolen, the insurance coverage will aptly compensate the vehicle owner. There are several electric bike insurance options available. A thorough research and homework will get you the one that is best suited for you and your vehicle.
4. The necessity of number plate
A High-Security Number Plate has been made mandatory for every Indian vehicle from 1st April 2019 by the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. Electric vehicles are no exception to this rule. The number plate of the private EVs is green with white letters and numbers. However, EVs with an optimum speed of 25 km/hr and power, less than 250W do not require HSNP.
5. Necessity of helmet
While driving or riding an electric scooter or bike, you must ensure to wear a proper helmet at all times without fail. It ensures your own safety and aids in avoiding unprecedented unpleasant circumstances.
6. Registration of electric two-wheelers in India
Once you purchase a vehicle, you must compulsorily register it under your designated RTO. An unregistered vehicle cannot legally ply on any Indian road. Moreover, this may lead to serious legal consequences resulting in high penalties, as well as impounding your vehicle. However, registration is not mandatory for electric bicycles.
7. Tax on electric scooters and bikes
As soon as you register your vehicle under competent authorities, you become eligible to pay road tax for the concerned vehicle. The amount of the payable road tax is decided depending on the make, mode, type, and age of the vehicle concerned.
The Government of India has launched the special FAME scheme to popularise the sale of EVs in the country. They offer several subsidies and incentives to popularise this growth. Depending on the optimum capacity of the electric scooter or bike, the percentage of government subsidy/incentive is decided. Moreover, a road tax exemption facility is also available under specific circumstances.
State-wise subsidies for electric bikes and scooters
| Name of the state | Battery capacity per KW (INR) | Optimum subsidy (INR) | Rod tax exemption |
| Delhi | 5000 | 30000 | 100% |
| Maharashtra | 5000 | 25000 | 100% |
| Meghalaya | 10000 | 20000 | 100% |
| Gujarat | 10000 | 20000 | 50% |
| Assam | 10000 | 20000 | 100% |
| West Bengal | 10000 | 20000 | 100% |
| Rajasthan | 2500 | 10000 | NA |
| Odisha | NA | 5000 | 100% |
| Uttar Pradesh | No | No | 100% |
| Kerala | No | No | 50% |
| Karnataka | No | No | 100% |
| Tamil Nadu | No | No | 100% |
| Telangana | No | No | 100% |
| Madhya Pradesh | No | No | 99% |
| Andhra Pradesh | No | No | 100% |
Conclusion
This article highlights all the important aspects of RTO rules and regulations that have been specifically designed for electric bikes and scooters. Ensure to keep these simple points in mind and observe them every time you ride your EV.
Disclaimer : The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales
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