ABS To Be Mandatory For All Two-Wheelers In India

In a significant move aimed at improving road safety, the government will make anti-lock brakes (ABS) mandatory for all new two-wheelers manufactured from January 1, 2026. The new regulations will make ABS mandatory for all new scooters and motorcycles from next year, irrespective of their engine capacity, according to reports. Currently, only two-wheelers above 125 cc are required to have mandatory single-channel ABS.

India's highest-selling motorcycle for decades, the Hero Splendor will also need to be equipped with ABS from January 2026.

In FY 2025, 1.96 crore two-wheelers were sold in India, according to data published by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). Out of this number, more than 1.53 crore two-wheelers have engine capacity of less than or equal to 125 cc, accounting for over 78 per cent of overall annual two-wheeler sales. 

Currently, some 125 cc motorcycles, like the Hero Xtreme 125R, offer optional single-channel ABS.

Anti-lock braking system or ABS prevents wheel lock-up during sudden and hard braking, decreasing the risk of skidding or crashing. ABS also helps reduce stopping distances, and according to studies, this safety feature can reduce the likelihood of a crash by 35-45 per cent. Under current rules, single-channel ABS, or ABS on the front wheel is mandatory for two-wheelers above 125 cc, although some manufacturers offer single-channel ABS in 125 cc models.

The Ministry of Road Safety and Highways has reportedly announced that this safety requirement is part of a broader strategy to reduce road injuries and fatalities. The ministry will also make it mandatory for manufacturers and two-wheeler dealers to provide two BIS-certified helmets with every two-wheeler at the time of sale. The official notification for both these regulations will be announced in a few days.

The price difference between the current Hero Xtreme 125R IBS model and ABS model is around Rs. 3,500

Two-wheeler users make up about 44 per cent of all road accident deaths in India, and many of these deaths are attributed to head injuries resulting from not wearing helmets. The introduction of mandatory ABS in all two-wheelers will make new two-wheelers slightly more expensive from 2026. According to estimates, ABS in entry-level two-wheelers is likely to increase prices by Rs. 2,500-3,500. Currently, two-wheelers with single-channel ABS are equipped with a front disc brake, while non-ABS models have drum brakes at both ends. 

car&bike View: The decision to make ABS mandatory for all two-wheelers from January 1, 2026, is a welcome step to improve road safety. We at car&bike have always reiterated the importance of ABS which can make all the difference between controlling a two-wheeler under hard braking during an emergency and staying upright, or resulting in wheel lock-up, skidding and having a fall or crash. 

Considering the volume of traffic on Indian roads, as well as millions of new vehicles added every year, a more broad-based and all-encompassing road safety drive is urgently needed. ABS certainly will help improve safety of two-wheelers, and it is a step in the right direction. At the same time, regulating basic traffic rules, including mandatory wearing of helmets, using seat belts by all passengers in cars, avoiding wrong side riding or driving and respecting traffic signals all should be implemented as part of the government’s broader road safety campaign.