TL;DR
India will mandate ABS for all two-wheelers manufactured from January 2026, impacting entry-level models and aiming to boost road safety.
Starting January 1, 2026, all two-wheelers manufactured in India will be required to be fitted with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as per new regulations from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This mandate aims to significantly enhance road safety, especially for riders of entry-level motorcycles and scooters that currently utilize Combined Braking Systems (CBS).
The new safety requirement will primarily impact two-wheelers with engine capacities below 125cc, which constitute a large portion of the market. Industry estimates suggest that the implementation of ABS could lead to a 3-5% increase in vehicle prices within this segment, translating to an additional cost of Rs. 2,500-4,000. This measure addresses India's high rate of road accidents involving two-wheelers, where ABS technology is crucial in preventing wheel lock-up and maintaining steering control during braking.
