Why Mandatory ABS On Motorcycles In India Is A Life-Saving Move
contributor: Sumantra Barooah, Senior Associate Editor, Acko Drive
Braking is among the most critical components on a two-wheeler as without its presence, one can’t control the momentum of the vehicle. Braking technology itself has evolved a lot in the 21st century with disc brakes becoming the norm on all modern two-wheelers. However, the biggest innovation was the introduction of ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System). While ABS was introduced in international markets a few decades back, in India, it was restricted to certain performance and premium bikes, before being made mandatory in 2018.
India is the world’s largest two-wheeler market, and motorcycles and scooters are not just recreational vehicles here but lifelines for millions of riders. Unfortunately, they are also among the most vulnerable on the road. To improve road safety, the Government has now made ABS mandatory for all engine capacities. Let’s deep dive into the importance of ABS and how it improves two-wheeler safety.
What Is ABS and Why Does It Matter?
ABS, or Anti-Lock Braking System, is designed to prevent wheels from locking up during hard or sudden braking. On a conventional motorcycle without ABS, braking or panic braking — especially on wet roads, loose gravel, or uneven surfaces — can cause the wheels to lock instantly. When that happens, the rider loses steering control, often resulting in a skid or a fall.
ABS works by constantly monitoring wheel speed through sensors. If it detects that a wheel is about to lock, the system automatically reduces and reapplies braking pressure multiple times per second. This allows the tyres to maintain grip while slowing down, helping the rider stay upright and in control. Once the front or rear tyre of a vehicle starts sliding, it’s very difficult for the rider to regain traction and control the bike resulting in a crash. Hence ABS system amplifies the stopping power offered by disc brakes while ensuring rider safety.
When Was ABS Introduced For Two-Wheelers in India?
India’s ABS journey did not begin overnight. The first major regulation came into effect in April 2018, when the government made ABS mandatory for all two-wheelers with engine capacity above 125 cc. Smaller motorcycles and scooters were allowed to use Combined Braking System (CBS) instead. While CBS helped distribute braking force between the front and rear wheels, it did not prevent wheel lock-up, which meant the biggest safety benefit of ABS was still missing for millions of riders.
Given that the bulk of two-wheelers sold in India fall in the sub-125cc category, a large portion of riders continued to ride without access to ABS for years. Another issue was that manufacturers found a loophole in the new law and offered many 125 cc and above vehicles with a single-channel ABS, which meant the ABS only actuated on the front wheel. The above braking system was fine if the rider applied the front brake only. However, when both the brakes were applied suddenly and simultaneously, the rear tyre used to get locked up thereby making it unsafe for the rider.
What Is the New ABS Law for Two-Wheelers in India?
That gap has now been addressed. As per the latest regulation introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), all new two-wheelers sold in India must be equipped with ABS, regardless of engine size from January, 2026. This means all two-wheelers, be it ICE (internal combustion engine) or EV (electric vehicle) will now have to be equipped with a dual-channel ABS system. The above ruling should make two-wheelers safer as India registered 1.80 lakh road fatalities (the highest in the world) in 2024 and two-wheeler riders constituted almost 40-45 per cent of the deaths.
Since over 80 per cent of the two-wheelers fell under the 125 cc bracket, commuter bikes never got ABS barring for a few models. The above ruling will make ABS reach the masses thereby improving the safety of the riders. However, for dual-channel ABS all vehicles will now have to be equipped with disc brake units on both the wheels as traditionally bikes under 125 cc category and all scooters on sale feature a drum rear brake.
ABS complements safe riding practices and protective gear, and acts as a critical safety net when things go wrong. With mandatory ABS now in place for all two-wheelers, India has aligned itself more closely with global safety standards. Given the sheer number of motorcycles and scooters on Indian roads, even a modest reduction in crashes can translate into thousands of lives saved every year. The above ruling also showcases the shift in mindset for safety from being treated as an option to becoming essential and necessary.
