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ABS Is Mandatory for Bikes in India — New Rule (2026) The Indian government has moved to make abs is mandatory for bikes in india — a landmark road-safety step that will require Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) on all newly manufactured two-wheelers from January 1, 2026. This change shifts the earlier engine-capacity based rule (which applied mainly to motorcycles above 125cc) to an across-the-board safety mandate for scooters and motorcycles of every displacement. (The Economic Times) Background context: what changed and why For several years India required ABS (or single-channel ABS) only on two-wheelers above a certain engine size (125cc and above). Models below that threshold were allowed to use a Combined Braking System (CBS) instead. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has now moved to expand that regime: the draft notification mandates ABS for all two-wheelers manufactured on or after January 1, 2026 — alongside another safety rule requiring two BIS-certified helmets be supplied with every new bike. (www.ndtv.com) Why this matters: ABS reduces wheel lock-up during hard braking, helping riders maintain steering control and shortening stopping distances on slippery or uneven surfaces — a clear injury-reduction measure in a country where two-wheelers account for a large share of road accidents. Industry and market analysts also warn the rule will raise manufacturing costs for low-priced commuter bikes and could nudge retail prices up. ABS is mandatory for bikes in India (ICRA) Quick facts (at a glance) What the ABS mandate means for riders, manufacturers and buyers The new rule that abs is mandatory for bikes in india marks a significant policy upgrade from an engine-cutoff approach to a safety-first standard. Whereas up to now only motorcycles above 125cc were legally obliged to carry at least single-channel ABS, the MoRTH draft says that every new two-wheeler rolled out of factories on or after January 1, 2026 must be equipped with ABS. That includes scooters, commuter motorcycles, mopeds and performance bikes alike. ABS is mandatory for bikes in India(The Economic Times) For riders, the immediate benefit is safer emergency braking. ABS prevents the wheels from locking when brakes are applied suddenly; on low-grip surfaces such as wet roads, gravel, or painted lane markings this can make the difference between a controlled stop and a fall. Therefore, the logic behind making abs is mandatory for bikes in india is to reduce fatalities and serious injuries in two-wheeler accidents — a top concern given India’s high two-wheeler usage. ABS is mandatory for bikes in India(www.ndtv.com) For manufacturers, the change means re-engineering low-cost models that previously relied on CBS into systems that accept ABS hardware and sensors. That technical upgrade adds cost and supply-chain complexity. Market reports and credit analysts expect modest price increases in the most price-sensitive segments, at least initially, as manufacturers amortize ABS hardware and calibration costs. ABS is mandatory for bikes in India (ICRA) For buyers, the short-term effect is higher sticker prices on entry-level bikes and scooters. But the longer-term effect could be lower accident repair costs and fewer injury claims if ABS reduces severe crashes. Some consumer groups argue the government should consider subsidies or phased tax relief to prevent reduced affordability for too many commuters, while safety advocates insist the social benefit outweighs the price shock. ABS is mandatory for bikes in India (The Economic Times) Timeline — from past rule to the new mandate (table) Date Rule / Event Pre-2019 ABS/CBS rules varied; many sub-125cc models used CBS. April 2019 (previous rule) ABS was made mandatory on motorcycles above 125cc (single-channel allowed on some). (www.ndtv.com) Jun 2025 MoRTH draft notification — ABS for all new two-wheelers (effective Jan 1, 2026). Two BIS helmets rule announced. (The Economic Times) Jan 1, 2026 ABS mandatory for all newly manufactured two-wheelers (per draft). (The Economic Times) ABS vs CBS — technical comparison (table) Feature ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) CBS (Combined Braking System) Function Prevents wheel lock-up; modulates brake pressure during panic stops Distributes braking force between front/rear to improve balance Best for High-risk surfaces; emergency braking control Improves braking distribution, but can still lock wheels Typical use (India pre-2026) Required on >125cc (single/dual channel) Common on sub-125cc commuter bikes Safety benefit Higher — helps keep steering control Moderate — reduces rear/front imbalance but not wheel lock Cost Higher (sensors + controller) Lower (mechanical linkages) Pros & Cons of the mandate Pros Cons Impact on different stakeholders Cost expectations & market reaction Analysts foresee an incremental price rise for sub-125cc bikes where CBS was common. ICRA and other research groups estimate margin pressure for OEMs and a possible small fall in demand for some entry models unless manufacturers absorb part of the cost or pass it through slowly. ABS is mandatory for bikes in India. Ultimately, market adaptation is expected over 12–24 months following the rule’s enforcement. ABS is mandatory for bikes in India (ICRA) Suggested authoritative sources (to cite and watch) How to prepare if you plan to buy a bike in 2026 Closing analysis — safety vs cost tradeoff The abs is mandatory for bikes in india decision is a clear prioritization of rider safety over short-term price concerns. The move aligns India with global best practice where ABS is already standard on many two-wheelers and cars. While the transition will create manufacturing and affordability challenges, the expected reduction in severe braking-related accidents is a significant public health win if implementation is combined with enforcement, rider awareness, and service infrastructure upgrades. ABS is mandatory for bikes in India (The Economic Times) FAQs — abs is mandatory for bikes in india Authoritative citations (most load-bearing points)