Electric scooters have become increasingly popular in recent years as an affordable, eco-friendly way to zip around congested city streets. However, there needs to be some clarification around whether you need a valid driving licence to operate one legally. This blog will clarify the laws in India regarding licences and registrations for electric scooters.
Is License Required for Electric Scooters in India?
The Central Motor Vehicle Rules have yet to explicitly require a license to drive an electric scooter with a power output under 250W and a speed capped at 25kmph. However, many state governments are starting to formulate regulations to fill this legal gap.
For instance, Many states are expected to follow suit. Riders below the age of 18 are prohibited from using e-scooters without a license.
Additionally, you may still require an official permit from local authorities for legal use of e-scooters in some jurisdictions. The regulations also tend to get stricter for more powerful, high-speed electric scooters. So, it’s best to check your state’s updated rules before riding without a license to avoid hefty fines or confiscation of your vehicle.
Laws Around Electric Scooters in India
The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, amended in 2019, governs the registration and operation of all vehicles on public roads. But India’s central vehicle rules framed under this legislation still need to specify clear-cut regulations for the burgeoning electric scooter segment.
This legal void has resulted in a need for standardised implementation of e-scooter laws across states. Some states treat them akin to bicycles, while others want to regulate them like motor vehicles. This discord needs to be clarified for buyers and hindering the mass adoption of electric mobility.
Most industry experts argue that establishing nationwide regulations for e-scooter use is crucial for integrating them into urban transport networks. Uniform rules on licensing, registration, helmet requirements and usage zones would legitimise e-scooters and unlock their immense potential to reduce traffic and pollution in cities.
Advantages of Having a License for an Electric Scooter
Even if it’s not mandatory yet, there are many reasons to obtain a license—even to ride an e-scooter:
- Avoid Legal Hassles: As state governments formulate tighter regulations, you may soon be required to show a valid license when asked by traffic police. Getting certified in advance will help avoid legal penalties or bribery demands down the road.
- Enhances Public Safety: Obtaining a license requires clearing theory and practical tests on road safety. This ensures basic riding proficiency and responsibility when operating your e-scooter among motorists and pedestrians.
- Access to Insurance: Vehicle insurance is getting increasingly critical, given accidents involving e-scooters. Having a license makes you eligible for compulsory third-party or comprehensive insurance to cover liabilities from potential collisions.
- Unlocks Performance Models: High-speed, premium electric scooters with better acceleration and mileage need Registration Certificates and driving licenses before they can be operated legally.
Conclusion
Obtaining certification at an early age establishes your maturity on the road, permits legal use in all regions, increases your eligibility for insurance, and prepares you for future changes to the law. It also improves public perception of e-scooters as responsibly self-regulating vehicles. Therefore, although it might not be necessary right away, it makes sense from a practical standpoint for commuters to obtain a license beforehand. This will help our cities’ aspirations for sustainable mobility while making your daily commutes lawful and hassle-free.