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Govt May Delay ABS Mandate For Sub-125cc Two-Wheelers - Report
The Indian Government is examining a proposal to postpone the January 1, 2026, deadline that requires all two-wheelers up to 125cc to be equipped with anti-lock braking systems, claims a new report by The Economic Times.
According to the report, discussions are underway with industry bodies and technical agencies as manufacturers highlight concerns related to cost, the availability of the required components and market sensitivity.
Current safety norms already mandate ABS for two-wheelers exceeding 125cc, while two-wheelers with smaller engines employ combination braking systems. Expanding ABS requirements to the entry-level segment would represent the most significant braking-technology shift in recent years, affecting scooters and motorcycles that make up a major share of domestic volumes.
Two-wheeler manufacturers have informed the government that mandating ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for all models could increase the retail cost of many commuter-focused motorcycles.
Manufacturers are requesting more time to ensure a stable supply of low-cost ABS modules and to thoroughly test the system's performance on smaller-capacity two-wheelers, which are commonly used in highly congested urban settings. The supply chain for these components is still developing and scaling up.
The government is expected to draft in ARAI Technical teams to assess the relationship between Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and key factors like weight, tyre profiles, and braking loads, specifically for lightweight two-wheelers.
Given that these models are frequently operated in dense, low-speed traffic, their braking characteristics diverge considerably from those of larger motorcycles. The effective date for the rule will only be finalised after the new systems have been fully evaluated, which could take up to a year.
The initial draft proposal targeted uniform enforcement of ABS implementation starting January 2026. Considering that regulatory alignment work between the road transport ministry, vehicle manufacturers and testing agencies is still in progress, the final notification is expected to be published only after the government concludes its current assessment of cost effectiveness and technical testing.
Drivespark Thinks
The Indian Government is expected to outline the updated enforcement timeline for ABS implementation for sub-125cc two-wheelers after completing consultations with key stakeholders. At the end of the day, it will be how much better ABS performs than the current CBS setups, as well as sales, that will determine if and when India's sub-125cc two-wheeler segment (which accounts for quite a large chunk of sales) goes down the ABS route.
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