Now even cheap bikes will be safer, ABS will be mandatory in every two-wheeler from April 1, 2026

ABS In Two Wheelers: The increasing number of road accidents involving two-wheelers in India has raised the concern of the government. In view of this, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has taken an important and life-saving decision. Now from April 1, 2026, it has been made mandatory for every new bike and scooter sold in India to have Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). This decision will have a direct impact on crores of common people who travel by bike or scooter every day.

Why did ABS become necessary?

According to government data, about 44% of the total road accidents in the country are related to two-wheelers. The surprising thing is that about 45% of two-wheelers sold in the market fall in the less than 125cc category. Till now, only Combi Braking System (CBS) was offered in this segment, which activates both the brakes simultaneously.

Although CBS is a basic safety feature, it does not prove to be very effective when braking suddenly at high speed. At the same time, ABS is much more effective in such situations. For this reason the government has decided to make it mandatory.

What is ABS and how does it work?

ABS i.e. Anti-Lock Braking System is an advanced safety technology, which prevents the wheels from locking during sharp braking.

How does ABS work?

When the rider applies the brakes suddenly hard, the wheels of the bike may lock, increasing the risk of slipping or falling. In this situation, ABS continuously monitors the wheel speed through sensors. As a wheel begins to lock, the system varies the brake pressure in a pulsating action. Due to this the wheels do not lock and control over the bike remains. This feature proves to be very effective especially on wet, slippery and bad roads and reduces the risk of accident to a great extent.

On which vehicles will the new rule apply?

According to the government order, it will be mandatory to provide ABS in every new bike and scooter launched after April 1, 2026. Now whether it is a 100cc entry-level bike or a 250cc high-end sports bike, all will have this safety feature. Some companies are already prepared for this change. For example, Hero Xtreme 125R, which is considered to be the cheapest 125cc ABS bike in India.

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What will change for general customers?

This decision may lead to a slight increase in bike prices, but in return riders will get more safety and better control. Especially for the lower middle class and people who ride bikes daily, this rule can prove to be life-saving.