TL;DR
India's Road Transport Ministry proposes stricter safety and technical norms for low-speed e-cycles and e-bikes, expanding motor power exemption to 600W and mandating lithium-ion batteries.
The Indian Ministry of Road Transport has put forth draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, proposing a tightening of technical and safety norms for low-speed electric cycles and e-bikes. The new regulations aim to expand the definition of electric two-wheelers exempt from the Motor Vehicles Act to include those with motor power up to 600 watts, a significant increase from the previous 250 watts.
Under the proposed changes, manufacturers will be required to get these vehicles certified by authorized testing agencies to qualify for the exemption. Furthermore, the draft notification mandates that such vehicles must be equipped with suitable brakes and retro-reflective devices to enhance visibility. For pedal-assisted electric bicycles, motor assistance will be required to progressively reduce and cut off once the vehicle reaches 25 kmph or when the rider stops pedaling.
A crucial aspect of the new norms is the requirement for all these low-speed electric vehicles to utilize lithium-ion batteries, moving away from lead-acid batteries. This regulatory update is a response to the rapid growth of affordable urban mobility options in the low-speed electric two-wheeler segment, many of which have operated with limited oversight, aiming to ensure greater safety and quality.
