Opinion: Will Mandatory ABS On Two-Wheelers Help Improve Road Safety?

The government is considering a significant move at improving road safety by making ABS mandatory for all new two-wheelers from 2026. Once implemented, the new regulations will make ABS mandatory for all new scooters and motorcycles. Currently, only two-wheelers above engine capacity of 125 cc are required to have mandatory single-channel ABS. Anti-lock braking system, or ABS prevents wheel lock-up during sudden and hard braking, reducing the risk of skidding and crashes, and the move certainly is a welcome step to make two-wheeler riding safer.

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If implemented, all two-wheelers, including entry-level commuter bikes like the Hero Splendor, will need to be equipped with ABS.

The proposal, if implemented, suggests that all scooters and motorcycles manufactured from January 1, 2026, should be equipped with ABS, regardless of engine capacity. The idea seems to be part of a broader strategy on road safety by the Ministry of Road Safety and Highways to reduce road injuries and fatalities of two-wheeler users. Along with the mandatory ABS proposal, the government is also likely to make it mandatory for manufacturers and two-wheeler dealers to provide two BIS-certified helmets with every two-wheeler at the time of sale.

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Mandatory ABS will make two-wheelers a safer experience, for riders as well as pillion riders. 

Making ABS mandatory is certainly a right step in making riding scooters and motorcycles a safer experience. ABS, or anti-lock brakes, can make all the difference between controlling a two-wheeler under hard braking during an emergency or skidding and having a crash, which could lead to serious injuries. While road safety is an extremely important topic, there could be other effects of mandatory ABS in two wheelers, a system which is known to reduce the likelihood of a crash by as much as 45 per cent.

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The Bajaj Platina 110 ABS was discontinued earlier this year due to low demand.

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First, let’s look at the consumer base. The two-wheeler mass-market segments are extremely price sensitive. And making ABS mandatory in all two-wheelers will certainly have an impact on prices of these two-wheelers which are, in many cases, seen to be a convenient form of personal mobility for the masses, and even an alternative to the public transport system. Commuter motorcycles and scooters, are likely to be affected 

If ABS is made mandatory, prices of affordable motorcycles like the Hero HF Deluxe will be increased 

According to most modest estimates, after mandatory ABS is introduced, prices of commuter two-wheelers are expected to increase by at least Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 4,000, depending on model and segment. More importantly, many customers, particularly in rural markets and of the most affordable segments, seem to prefer models equipped with basic drum brakes, even if disc brake variants (without ABS), are offered in the same model. Once implemented and introduced, disc brake variants with ABS will become even more expensive for two-wheelers which are offered in an extremely price-sensitive segment. Market observers say that despite the increased prices, two-wheelers with mandatory ABS will be welcomed by consumers at large.

The TVS Raider, a popular 125 cc motorcycle from TVS Motor Company, is not offered with ABS.

“ABS for two-wheelers is a very good feature, which, if implemented, increases the safety quotient for two-wheeler riders and passengers. Considering the fatalities arising out of two-wheeler accidents is the most, this is an imperative. It should find strong acceptability amongst the customers despite a price impact,” says Sridhar V, Senior Partner, Grant Thornton Bharat LLP.

While the news of ABS being made mandatory seemed to have affected stock prices of India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturers, with stocks of Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Company slipping into the red, observers say that in the long run, making ABS mandatory will be a welcome step and will not affect volumes of manufacturers.

“I do not see this impacting volumes, if made mandatory. Secondly, the awareness has increased and all feature-filled vehicles, particularly the critical ones, find more acceptance,” added Sridhar.

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With mandatory ABS, prices of scooters are also likely to increased. 

Making ABS mandatory for all two-wheelers is a welcome step in improving road safety and will go a long way in reducing number of accidents and injuries to two-wheeler riders and passengers alike. At the same time, there’s the larger issue of looking at the bigger picture of road safety in general. Regulating and reinforcing basic traffic rules is also needed to make Indian roads safer for everyone. 

Improving road safety needs a holistic approach, educating road users on obeying all traffic rules, as well as strict enforcement.

Traffic light violations, riding or driving on the wrong side of the road, use of seat belts by all passengers are only some of the best practices which can be implemented and enforced to improve road safety. Along with mandatory ABS, and selling two helmets with every two-wheeler, awareness about wearing of helmets, and strapping them on properly, can go a long way in reducing injuries and fatalities on Indian roads.