The Indian government has set an ambitious target of increasing the sales of electric two-wheelers to up to 80% of total two-wheeler sales by 2030. This will help decarbonise the Indian transport sector and reduce the reliance on crude oil imports. In addition to increasing sales, it becomes crucial to ensure that rider safety is maintained.
As a result, the government has also passed laws to regulate the new electric scooter industry. These laws help the concerned authorities keep an eye on the growth of electric scooters and boost investor confidence. This can give a further push to the electric scooter market, which is at present expected to attract investment worth $20 billion by 2030.
From licensing requirements to insurance mandates, this article delves into the comprehensive legal framework surrounding new electric scooters in India.
Top 3 Laws Governing the Use of New Electric Scooters in India
As these sleek and eco-friendly vehicles become a common sight on Indian roads, it is crucial to understand the legal regulations governing their usage.
Listed below are the top 3 laws that buyers should be aware of:
1. License Requirement
Just like traditional petrol-powered scooters, riders of new electric scooters must possess a driving license. This regulatory measure ensures that individuals operating electric scooters have undergone the necessary training and testing.
It demonstrates their ability to navigate the roads safely. Individuals can face legal penalties and insurance claim rejection without a license. However, no license is required in the case of electric scooters with a maximum speed of 25 km/hr and power of 250W. This encourages the broader use of environmentally friendly transport options while maintaining public safety.
2. Registration of the Vehicle
The registration of new electric scooters with the appropriate Regional Transport Office (RTO) is mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This process involves submitting essential documents such as proof of identity, address, and the sales invoice of the electric scooter. Once registered, the vehicle receives a unique registration number and a registration certificate. This registration number becomes the scooter’s unique identifier, linking it to its owner and making it traceable in the event of theft or involvement in traffic incidents.
3. Minimum Age
To ride a new electric scooter legally in India, individuals must meet the minimum age requirement stipulated by the government. As per the current regulations, riders must be at least 18 years old to operate an electric scooter with a motor power not exceeding 250 watts and speed not exceeding 25 km/hr.
Adhering to these age restrictions is crucial for promoting safety on the roads and preventing accidents involving inexperienced or underage riders.
Some More Laws to Keep in Mind
1. Number Plate
The issuance of a distinctive and legally compliant number plate is a crucial step in the registration process for new electric scooters. The number plate must adhere to the specifications outlined by the RTO. It must display the registration number prominently on both the front and rear of the vehicle.
Private electric scooters must have a green number plate with white letters, while commercial e-scooters can have yellow letters with a green background. Complying with these regulations ensures easy identification and tracking of vehicles. This can aid law enforcement agencies in maintaining road safety.
2. Insurance
Insurance is vital for responsible vehicle ownership, and new electric scooters are no exception. The law mandates that all electric scooters must be covered by a valid insurance policy. Two types of insurance are applicable – third-party liability insurance and comprehensive insurance.
Third-party liability insurance is the minimum requirement. It covers injuries caused to third parties in the event of an accident. However, opting for comprehensive insurance provides additional coverage for damages to the scooter and personal injuries.
3. Helmet
Wearing a helmet is a non-negotiable safety requirement for new electric scooter riders in India. The helmet not only protects the rider’s head in the event of an accident but also serves as a legal mandate.
4. Road Tax
New electric scooters are subject to road tax, similar to their petrol-powered counterparts. The road tax amount varies across states and union territories in India. It is calculated based on factors such as the vehicle’s age, model, and the cubic capacity of the motor.
Concluding Thoughts
As new electric scooters continue to gain traction in India as a sustainable mode of transportation, riders must be well-versed in the legal regulations governing their use. From obtaining the necessary licenses to adhering to safety measures such as helmet usage, compliance with these regulations ensures a hassle-free riding experience.
In addition to staying informed about the evolving legal framework of new electric scooters, individuals must also be clear about which vehicle is right for them. A popular electric scooter brand, Chetak, offers two top-notch models to match diverse needs.
Customers can enjoy an unparalleled riding experience with the following features of the Chetak Urbane 2024 and Premium 2024:
- Cost-effective price ranges starting from ₹1,15,002 (Urbane 2024) and ₹1,35,463 (Premium).
- Vibrant colours plus a glare-free coloured LCD console for a stylish look, along with an upgraded 5″ TFT display in Chetak Premium for a more premium look.
- Impressive range of 113 km (Urbane 2024) and 126 km (Premium 2024) to ride long distances.
- Powerful performance with a top speed of 73kmph (Premium) and 63kmph (Urbane), along with enhanced manoeuvrability.
- Solid metal body for protection against dents, scratches, and water-related damage.
- 100+ service centres and 300+ Chetak experts for dedicated customer service.
- Full app connectivity to receive tamper alerts, listen to music, get updates regarding calls, and receive navigation assistance.
Chetak’s new electric scooters thus make a reliable companion to start the electric mobility journey. Individuals must go through these features in detail on the Chetak website and make the transition with confidence sightwiki .
