Top RTO Rules for Electric Scooter & Bikes in India

As Electric Bikes and Scooters are becoming the first choice for every rider, knowing RTO rules and regulations for the same is very crucial.

The rules and regulations of electric bikes and scooters are different from those of conventional vehicles. So, remembering all the rules and regulations at once can be tedious.

Although the government of India has crafted all the guidelines regarding electric bikes and scooters in a user-friendly manner it also helps in promoting electric vehicles over conventional vehicles.

Below we have discussed all the RTO rules and regulations for electric bikes and scooters that one should know before buying any electric two-wheeler. 

Generally, ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) approval is needed for every E-vehicle in India.

Although E-bicycles do not require to go through a full testing process as per CMVR rules. They do not have to go through such approval requirements. Only powerful vehicles require a thorough testing process. 

Electric vehicles are considered electric bicycles if their electric motors have a power of less than 250W and have a maximum speed of 25kmph.

Electric bicycles are exempt from the transport rules such as Insurance, taxes, registration, etc.  Here, get complete details of RTO rules for electric vehicles:

In this article, RTO rules and regulations for electric scooters and bikes in India- ARAI approval, age limit, the requirement of e-scooter insurance, number plate and registration, and road tax, helmet, and electric two-wheeler subsidy state-wise

Driving License Requirement for EV Bikes and Scooters 

To ride any kind of motor vehicle, you need to have a driving license, EVs are no different. Without a valid license, it is illegal to drive your Electric bike or scooter on the road.

Also, without a valid license if you meet up with an accident or cause any damage on the road then your insurance company will not compensate you. In 2019, approximately 45k accidents occurred in India where the driver was not holding a valid driving license. 

Although electric bikes with power less than 250W and a maximum speed of 25kmph do not require any driving license to drive. Due to this reason, it is a popular choice among students, teenagers, and retirees. 

Find here- No License and No Registration Electric Scooters in India In India, the minimum age decided by the government to ride any motorbike or scooter is 18. Although the non-motor and gearless bikes can be ridden by youngsters between the age of 16-18.

Most of the e-bikes we see on the road fall into this category with power less than 250W and a maximum speed of 25kmph.

Insurance of Electric Scooters and Bikes

The proper knowledge of License and Insurance is a must before buying any Electric bike or scooter.

Many youngsters drive electric bikes without proper Insurance and hence get into trouble afterward. Electric vehicles that reach up to 25kmph could cause accidents or damage if not driven properly hence a valid insurance policy is essential to cover the damage, or else the rider has to bear compensation himself. 

A comprehensive insurance policy is better for electric bikes or scooters as compared to any third-party insurance policy. For two-wheelers, an insurance policy is essential for any e-bike that has a speed of more than 25 kmph and a capacity of more than 250kW. 

Depending upon the engine capacity and coverage, Third-party insurance for any e-bike and scooter would cost between 1k to 3k. Whereas in the case of comprehensive policy, it would cost between 4.5k to 6k depending upon the kind of e-vehicle and coverage.

In case of theft, the compensation for loss of the vehicle is covered in the comprehensive insurance policy.

In any case, the driver should have a valid driving license to claim the insurance.  E-bikes with a speed of less than 25kmph and power of less than 250W do not require to be insured, but still, if one wishes to get your bike insured you can opt for any insurance policy. 

Number Plate Requirement for EVs

As per the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, it is mandatory to have a High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP) for all registered vehicles after 1st April 2019.

This HSRP is provided by only government officers which helps in preventing theft as well as in clearing the database of vehicles.  To differentiate vehicle types, different color codes are assigned. 

A white background with black letters number plate is assigned for Private ICE vehicles.  Yellow background with black letters number plate is assigned for Commercial ICE vehicles.

A black background with yellow letters number plate is assigned for rental ICE vehicles.  A green background with white letters number plate is assigned for Private EVs. A Green background with yellow letters number plate is assigned for commercial EVs. 

Electric bikes with power less than 250W and a maximum speed of 25kmph do not require any RTO registrations as well as HSRPs. 

Helmet Requirement while Riding EV

Wearing a helmet is essential if you are riding an EV with a speed of more than 25kmph and power more than 25kmph.

Although riders having electric bikes with power less than 250W and a maximum speed of 25kmph are not required to wear helmets. But it is recommended that every rider should wear it for the sake of their safety. 

Electric Vehicle Registration and Road Tax in India

Road tax is a means by which the state government recovers its cost of constructing roads and highways. Every state government imposes its road tax.

In February 2020 the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), proposed that electric vehicles do not require to pay any money for the issue or renewal of registration in India.

Although many states have already waived the registration fee for EVs, this proposal will benefit EV customers across the country. This step is expected to bring a boost in e-mobility in the country.

The Department of Heavy Industries has also initiated various incentives for electric vehicles under FAME.  FAME is Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric. In 2019 its name changed to FAME-II. The initiative under this scheme is applicable throughout the country.  For two-wheelers – Maximum up to 40% of the vehicle cost which is 15000 per kWh of battery capacity. 

Apart from this, the Ministry of Finance has also taken out schemes that do not come under FAME-II. These are:

5% goods and service tax (GST) is subjected to all-electric vehicles.  A tax benefit of 1.5 lakh will be given to first-time buyers under section 80EEB of the Income Tax Act.

State-wise Subsidies on Electric Two-wheelers

State-specific EV subsidies have been declared by the governments of various states.

Visit- One Page for All-State EV Subsidies and Policies These policies are applicable for up to a period of four to five years from the date of the announcement.

Depending on the size of the Lithium-ion battery packs, the amount of subsidy is decided by the different states.  State-wise Subsidy for Electric Two-wheelers

State Per KWh of battery capacity Max subsidy Road tax exemption

State-wise Subsidy for Electric Two-wheelers

The Subsidiary Scheme by the Gujrat Government for Students

On the occasion of the 70th birthday of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the CM of Gujrat has announced a scheme to encourage the use of electric vehicles. Under this scheme, the students will be provided Rs 12k for buying e-scooters and Rs 48k will be provided for buying electric three-wheelers.