Did you know that 80% of drivers in India drive without a license? Only 1 in 6 drivers in India has a legal driving license, and about 30% of driving licenses in India are fake. With the growing popularity of e-bikes, those of us who don’t have a driving license may wonder, ‘Does electric bike need license in India?
For some, obtaining a driving license may not be viable due to financial issues, motor issues, or age requirements. Many are discouraged from getting a license due to long waiting periods, difficult tests, or even negligence by officials. If you’re a part of this group or simply curious whether does electric bike need license in India, you’ve landed on the right page.
In this blog, we answer the pressing question, ‘Is license required for electric bike in India?’ We also provide some information on RTO registration, FAME subsidies, and benefits of e-bikes. Keep reading for a curated list of electric two-wheelers that you don’t need a driving license for!
Classification of E-bikes and Scooters
In order to determine if it is possible to ride an electric bike without a driving license in India, we need to first understand what an electric bike is. According to Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), we can divide most electric bikes and e-scooters into two categories: Low-Speed Electric Vehicles (LSEV) and high-speed EV bikes.
Low-Speed EVs: LSEVs or Low-Speed Electric Vehicles have a low speed limit. These electric vehicles have a maximum speed of 25 km/h and a maximum power output of up to 250 watts. LSEVs are part of the Non-Motorised Electric Bicycles (NMEBs) category. For example, the Hero Electric Flash LX.
High-Speed EVs: These electric bikes and scooters have a top speed higher than 25 km/hr and also power outputs that are higher than 250 watts. For example, the BMW CE 04 (Electric) scooter.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Rule 3(u) CMVR, 1989 states that if a vehicle falls into the aforementioned category, it is classified as a ‘battery-operated vehicle’ rather than a true ‘motor vehicle’. Vehicles that are legally not classified as motor vehicles are exempt from certain rules and regulations.
Does Electric Bike Need License In India?
Now that we’ve clearly defined the line between LSEVs and other electric two-wheelers in India, let’s actually answer the question, ‘Does electric bike need license in India?’. The answer is both yes and no.
To explain it simply, LSEVs, or vehicles with low top speeds and engine capacities, do not need a license. So if you plan on riding an electric two-wheeler with an electric motor power of 250W or less and a top speed of 25 kilometers per hour or less, you do not need a driving license to ride it. On the other hand, electric bikes and scooters that do not fall into this category require a driving license.
If you’re still confused about does electric bike need license in India, let’s make this even easier to understand. Remember when we stated that according to the Motor Vehicle Act, certain vehicles are classified as ‘battery-operated’ instead of ‘motor vehicles’? The two-wheelers which aren’t technically motor vehicles don’t require a license. Any electric two-wheelers that are classified as motor vehicles will require a license.
The manufacturer of a battery-operated two-wheeler should obtain an exemption report from ARAI, which allows people to ride a battery-operated bike without a license. Most LSEVs in India are either e-bikes (bicycles) and e-scooters. There are currently no e-motorcycle models that fall under the LSEV category.
So if you asked us, ‘Does electric bikes need license in India?’, we’d say no; you don’t need a license for electric scooters and bikes that are LSEVs. But if you’re thinking of electric motorcycles or ‘bikes’ in Indian terms, then yes, you need a license to drive most electric bikes.
Also read: Best Affordable Honda Motorcycles
Does Electric Bike Need a license in India? Age Matters
You can ride some electric scooters without a license in India, provided you are old enough. In India, the minimum riding age for motorcycles and scooters is 18 years, but the minimum age requirement for riding electric bikes and scooters is lower, at 16 years. If you are 16 or 17 years old and want to ride an LSEV bike, you will have to visit an RTO office near you and get a temporary electric bike license.
You cannot use this license to legally drive other vehicles, such as cars or two-wheelers with gears. So if you are between the ages of 16 and 18, take care to ensure that the two-wheeler you are riding is a non-motor, LSEV e-scooter or bike. Illegally riding any type of bike can result in hefty fines and can render both your driving license and bike insurance invalid. However, if you are above the age of 18, you can drive LSEVs without a license.
Registration and License Plate Of Electric Bikes
Now that you know about the license and age requirements to ride electric bikes, let us move to the legal aspects of e-bike ownership in India.
According to The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, all motor vehicles must bear special color-coded license plates.
- All petrol and diesel vehicles must bear white number plates with black lettering.
- If you own an electric vehicle intended for private use, your license plate must have white letters over a green background.
- If you own a vehicle used for commercial purposes, the number plate will still be green, but the lettering on it must be yellow.
HSRPs (High Security Registration Plates) were introduced as a security measure to put an end to vehicle-related crimes. These license plates are extremely durable and feature unique identification numbers and laser-etched characters, which makes them difficult to forge or tamper with. No matter what state you live in, it is now mandatory to obtain an HSRP for your vehicle.
Of course, the above rules don’t apply if your electric scooter, moped, or bike is an LSEV and does not classify as a motor vehicle. You don’t need to register your electric two-wheeler if it has a top speed lower than 25 km/hr and a maximum power output of below 250 watts. Yes, that means you can ride it without a number plate.
Do Electric Bikes Require a Helmet?
Everyone knows how important it is to wear a helmet while riding a bike. Helmets offer indispensable protection during an accident. So now that we’ve answered the question, ‘Does electric bike need license in India?’, let’s address the equally important question, ‘Do we need to wear a helmet with electric bikes?’
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, wearing a helmet is mandatory for all bike rides. The only exception is if your bike is a low-speed EV. You do not legally need to wear a helmet while riding low-speed electric two-wheelers.
However, just because you don’t have to doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Put your safety first, and always wear a helmet. Yes, even if you’re riding a non electric cycle. It could be the one thing that saves your life in an accident. While buying a bike helmet, make sure that it has an ISI and BIS certification. Only helmets that meet these standards are legal for two-wheelers in India.
Do Electric Bikes Require Insurance?
Insurance is a very important aspect of bike ownership. In India, it is mandatory for all motor vehicle owners to purchase third-party insurance for their car or bike. You are legally required to purchase third-party insurance for electric bikes with a power of 250W and a top speed of above 25 km/h. For other non-motor vehicles, insurance is not legally mandated.
However, we still recommend buying two-wheeler insurance for your electric bike, even if it is not legally required. Insurance can provide you with peace of mind, cover costs of repairs, and even medical costs in case of an accident. While third-party insurance provides liability coverage, comprehensive insurance provides better all-round protection for your electric bike.
Financial Benefits And FAME Subsidies
Electric vehicles are more environmentally friendly than regular ICE ones. They produce zero emissions and run on a more sustainable fuel source. In a bid to increase the popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles, the government has started the FAME II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme. Through this scheme, many subsidies and incentives have been introduced to make hybrid and electric vehicles more accessible to the public.
These incentives include exemptions on registration fees, state-specific subsidies on purchase, as well as road tax exemptions. Depending on the state you’re in, you may be able to claim even 50 to 100% exemption on road tax. If you want to avail FAME 2 subsidy on electric scooter or bike, check if the manufacturer is registered with the FAME scheme and if the model is eligible.
Here is a list of the state-wise subsidies on electric vehicles in India.
| State | Road Tax Exemption | Subsidy Amount | Maximum Subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | 100% | Rs.5,000 | Rs.25,000 |
| Meghalaya | 100% | Rs.10,000 | Rs.20,000 |
| Assam | 100% | Rs.10,000 | Rs.20,000 |
| West Bengal | 100% | Rs.10,000 | Rs.20,000 |
| Bihar | 100% | Rs.10,000 | Rs.20,000 |
| Gujarat | 50% | Rs.10,000 | Rs.20,000 |
| Rajasthan | NA | Rs.2,500 | Rs.10,000 |
| Odisha | 100% | NA | Rs.5,000 |
| Karnataka | 100% | NA | NA |
| Andhra Pradesh | 100% | NA | NA |
| Telangana | 100% | NA | NA |
| Punjab | 100% | NA | NA |
| Tamil Nadu | 100% | NA | NA |
| Uttar Pradesh | 100% | NA | NA |
| Madhya Pradesh | 99% | NA | NA |
| Kerala | 50% | NA | NA |
Benefits Of E-Bikes
Let’s summarize what we’ve learnt so far. Some electric ‘bikes’ and scooters don’t require a driving license. However, if you are 16–17 years old, you will have to obtain a temporary license, which is valid only for Low-Speed Electric Vehicles. LSEVs are exempt from registration, insurance, and certain taxes.
There are many benefits of owning an electric bike in India. Here are some aspects in which owning or riding an e-bike can be beneficial:
| Factor | Benefits Provided |
|---|---|
| Price | Subsidies and road tax exemptions |
| License | Some electric bikes and scooters do not need a driver’s license |
| Registration | Some electric bikes and scooters don’t need to be registered at the RTO |
| PUC (pollution under control) certificate | Although a PUC certificate is a mandatory requirement for most two-wheelers, you don’t need one for electric two-wheelers |
| Fuel Costs | Charging electric bikes costs less than conventional fuel like petrol and diesel |
| Maintenance | Electric bikes and scooters are simple machines and thus have lower maintenance costs |
| Lower Age Limit | Some electric bikes and scooters have lower minimum age requirements (16-18) |
| Lightweight Handling | Electric bikes are lighter and easier to handle. They are suitable for students, retired people, and teenagers. |
| Zero Emmissions | Since these two-wheelers run on electric power, they produce zero emissions and are thus a clean and environment-friendly mobility option. |
Best Electric Bikes and Scooters In India
TVS, Bajaj, and Aether are some of the best electric bike brands in India. If you are looking for an electric two-wheeler that doesn’t need a driving license, we’ve got you covered! Here are the top 10 electric scooters in India that do not require a license:
Hero Electric Flash LX: Starting from ₹59,640/
Komaki XGT KM: Starting from ₹56,890/
Yulu Wynn: Starting from ₹55,555/
Komaki XGT X One: Starting from ₹35,999/
Avon E Scoot 504: Starting from ₹45,000/
Hero Electric Atria: Starting from ₹77,690/
AMO Electric Jaunty: Starting from ₹62,964/
Okinawa Lite: Starting from ₹69,093/
Lohia Oma Star: Starting from ₹51,750/
Gemopai Miso: Starting from ₹92,290/
Here are some top-rated electric bikes and scooters that you need a license to ride:
Revolt RV400: Starting from ₹1,20,750/
Odysse Evoque: Starting from ₹1,71,250/
Ola S1 Pro: Starting from ₹1,34,999/
TVS iQube: Starting from ₹1,07,299/
PURE EV eTryst 350: Starting from ₹1,29,999/
Ultraviolette F77: Starting from ₹2,99,000/
Bounce Infinity E.1: Starting from ₹1,15,605/
Ather 450 Apex: Starting from ₹1,94,946/
Tork Kratos R: Starting from ₹1,32,499/
Bajaj Chetak: Starting from ₹1,37,723/
Conclusion: Does Electric Bike Need License In India?
So, does electric bike need license in India? The answer is both yes and no. Some bikes don’t require them, while some do. If you want to attempt riding an e-bike without a license, ensure that you ride one that classifies as an LSEV and has a low top speed and power output.
For answers to questions like how to buy a bike on EMI, what is third-party and comprehensive bike insurance, can you buy a bike using your credit card, and more, keep reading blogs on AUTOLIVENEWS.
Leave a comment if this blog helped answer your question, ‘does electric bike need license in India?’ Let us know what you’d like to read about next!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Electric Bike Need License in India?
Electric bikes that are more powerful than 250 KW and faster than 25 km/hr require a driving license in India. Electric two-wheelers that are slower and less powerful don’t require a driving license.
What is the minimum two-wheeler license age requirement in India?
The minimum age for a two-wheeler driving license is 18 for petrol and diesel models and 16 for LSEV two-wheelers.
Do all electric bikes need RTO registration?
Electric bikes that have a top speed lower than 25 km/hr and power less than 250W don’t need any RTO registration or license plates.
What is an LSEV?
An LSEV is a Low-Speed Electric Vehicle. These vehicles have a capped top speed of 25 km/hr and a power output below 250W.
Do I need a license to use shared e-bikes from apps like Yulu?
Some e-bike sharing apps like Yulu offer LSEV bikes on a rental basis. These do not require a license. However, make sure to check with the company beforehand.
