As India begins its transition into electric mobility, there is a need for current and aspiring adopters of electric scooters to have concise knowledge about RTO rules and guidelines regarding electric scooters in India. The rules and regulations for electric scooters differ from those of conventional ICE scooters, and getting familiar with them can be tedious. The Indian Government has crafted rules and regulations for EVs and electric scooters in favour of the environmentally-conscious commuter, encouraging Indians to transition to electric mobility.
This blog will cover all revised RTO rules for electric scooters and bikes in India, ARAI approval and testing requirements, insurance, number plate and registration, road tax, helmet requirements, and electric scooters subsidy.
Rules and safety criteria for electric scooters:
The approval of the ARAI ( Automotive Research Association of India) is required for every EV in India. However, electric scooters not exceeding the maximum speed of 25 km/ph are classified as e-bicycles and do not undergo thorough ARAI testing. Electric vehicles which exceed the maximum speed limit of 25 km/ph undergo complete testing as per CMVR norms. Electric bicycles are exempt from transport rules such as insurance, taxes, registration, etc.
Driving license requirement for EV Bikes and Scooters.
A valid driving license is a compulsory requirement to ride any motor vehicle on Indian roads. Driving a vehicle without a valid driving license is illegal. Electric scooters need a license and are not exempt from this requirement. Insurance companies are not liable for compensation in case of an accident if the rider does not a license for electric scooter.
Electric bicycles are the only electric vehicle class that does not require a driver’s license, making it a popular choice for students.
Documents required for EV registration
- Documents accepted as proof of identity
- Aadhar card
- Election card
- Driving license
- PAN card
- Indian passport
- Documents accepted as proof of address
- Aadhar card
- Electricity bill
- Water bill
- Telephone bill
- Bank statement
- Election card
- Indian passport
Number plate
According to RTO regulations, EVs and electric scooters have a green number plate. To differentiate vehicle types, RTO has assigned different colour codes for every class.
- Private EVs and electric scooters have a green background with white letters on the number plate
- Commercial EVs and electric scooters have a green background with yellow letters on the number plate
Helmet Requirement
A helmet is mandatory for riders with electric scooters that go above 25 km/ph. For riders with electric scooters that do not exceed 25 km/ph, a helmet is not required by law. But it is advisable to wear a helmet for the safety of life in case of an accident.
Electric vehicle road tax and registration
- Road tax
Every state government levies its road tax. Road tax is the state government’s means of recovering the construction cost of roads and highways.
- Registration
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways proposed the waiver of the registration fee for electric scooters and vehicles in February 2020. This was done to promote the adoption of electric mobility amongst citizens. The Government also introduced subsidies like FAME( Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric) and FAME to further incentivise the production and purchase of electric vehicles.
New Rules Issued For Electronic Vehicles
Due to the electric motor’s silent running, electric vehicles can pose a hazard, since other drivers do not expect a vehice in their immediate vicinity. New solutions are being tested for this issue, like the addition of an exhaust note, or other types of electric voice.
Final Thoughts
The EV industry is on an upward surge and several consumers are choosing electric vehicles over their traditonal ICE counterparts. This transition is due to several factors including rising fuel prices, global outcry for sustainability. Electric vehicle technology is rapidly advancing, and there are several manufacturers offering electric scooters with attractive features. In order to make a purchase of an electric scooter or vehicle, you need to know the laws that apply to them since they are different from the regular ICE vehicle laws. iVOOMi is a reputed EV scooter manufacturer in India of high-speed and long-range electric vehicles. Our power-packed EVs are designed for environmentally-conscious consumers who care about their carbon footprint and the future of our country. We have a wide selection of exciting electric scooters if you consider switching to EVs.
