TL;DR
New regulations making ABS and dual certified helmets mandatory for all new two-wheelers from January 2026 are expected to increase vehicle prices by ₹3,000-₹6,000.
A new mandate from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, effective January 1, 2026, will significantly impact the pricing of two-wheelers in India. Under this regulation, all new two-wheelers, regardless of engine size (including 100 cc and 125 cc models), must come equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard.
Furthermore, buyers will also receive two BIS-certified helmets at the time of purchase to ensure safety for both the rider and the pillion. These added safety features and equipment are expected to increase production and delivery costs for manufacturers, consequently leading to a rise in retail prices across the segment.
Industry analysts project a potential price increase of approximately ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 per unit, especially for entry-level models. While this move is welcomed by safety advocates as a crucial step towards reducing accidents and fatalities, the price hike could influence purchase decisions in a highly price-sensitive market.
