ABS On All Two-wheelers In India: Government Considering Delay In Enforcement

Quick News Highlights:

• Initially, it was planned to make ABS compulsory on all two-wheelers below 125cc from January 2026

• Manufacturers have raised concerns about costs and production timelines

• Government is reviewing the proposal before issuing the final notification

The Union Government is likely to postpone the planned deadline to make Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) compulsory on all two-wheelers from January 1, 2026. The move comes after multiple rounds of discussions with major two-wheeler manufacturers, who have asked for more time to meet the requirement.

Why The Delay?

The proposal on making ABS mandatory on two-wheelers came in at a very short notice. In fact, it was first reported only a few months ago, in June 2025. That meant manufacturers had less than a year’s time to come up with the appropriate systems. At the moment, ABS is mandatory only on two-wheelers above 125cc, whereas those under 125cc will need to have Combined Braking System (CBS).

Two-wheeler companies have expressed that the segment below 125cc is extremely price-sensitive, and even a small price hike could impact demand. Fitting ABS on these commuter models is estimated to increase prices by several thousand rupees, and that will heavily affect the value-for-money quotient on such two-wheelers.

Alongside the cost factor, brands have pointed to the practical challenge of scaling up ABS production at short notice. It’s reported that the supply chain does not yet have the capacity to ramp up manufacturing and testing at the pace required to meet the original deadline.

Effectiveness Of ABS On Smaller Bikes

Manufacturers also highlighted that they want more clarity on how ABS behaves on low-powered motorcycles and scooters in typical Indian riding conditions. Some reportedly feel that CBS, which is already mandatory on smaller bikes, may be adequate for certain models. Following these discussions, the government has asked for technical evaluations and further testing before finalising the mandate.

Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India Nitin Gadkari reportedly suggested that the industry may consult the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), an automotive R&D organization affiliated to the Ministry of Heavy Industries, to look into how ABS is effective on small-capacity two-wheelers.

However, it’s also reported that ARAI has not received any requests on this front, at the moment. Even if ARAI receives this directive, it will take time for the body to do the necessary studies as it’s a big task considering there are several two-wheelers in the Indian market under 125cc.

All said and done, we feel ABS is important irrespective of a two-wheeler’s engine capacity. Afterall, an impact from speeds even as low as 40kmph may still have fatal consequences without the necessary safety measures. It’s reported that the final notification will be published soon, after taking considerations from the relevant stakeholders, so it’s just a matter of waiting.

What This Means For Buyers

Buyers looking to purchase small-capacity two-wheelers may do so now, if they want to take advantage of the recent price drop due to the new GST 2.0 norms. However, this will come at the cost of safety as not all two-wheelers under 125cc are equipped with ABS. If the rule is delayed, manufacturers will have more time to modify existing models, test new braking systems, and stabilize the supply chain.

That said, since the timeline is still uncertain, and if you’re concerned with safety, you may go for one of the 125cc bikes with ABS at the moment, which includes the top-end variants of the Hero Xtreme 125R, Honda CB125 Hornet, TVS Raider 125, and Bajaj Pulsar NS 125. That said, the bad news for 125cc scooter buyers is that none of them currently have ABS equipped.

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