Riding an Electric Scooter Without Registration in India - Is it Legal?

Why are Electric Scooters Becoming Popular in India?

There are many reasons for electric-scooter’s increasing popularity in India that includes environmental and economical reasons.

• Rising Fuel Prices: As the petrol prices are constantly rising, electric vehicles prove to be an excellent alternative.

• Low Running and Maintenance Costs: The build of electric vehicles is simple and basic causing the process of running it to be very low.

• Government Incentives: Central and state governments offer subsidies under schemes like FAME II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles), making electric scooters more affordable for the buyer.

• Eco-Friendly Transportation: As EVs are known for zero-emissions, environment conscious buyers are shifting towards electric-scooters.

• Daily Commuting: As they are light weight and easy to handle, it is the perfect choice for daily city commuting.

These factors collectively contribute to the growing demand for electric scooters, making them a smart and sustainable solution in India.

What are the Legal Requirements for Riding an Electric Scooter in India?

Not every EV is required to be registered or requires a licence to ride in India. Certain factors like top speed and motor capacity determine whether your e-scooter requires a licence, registration, or insurance. This section breaks down the key legal requirements every rider should be aware of.

1. Driving Licence Rules

Driving Licence is required only for scooters with a specific motor power and top speed.

• No Licence required: Driving licence is not required if the scooter has a motor power of 250W or less and a top speed of 25 km/hr or below.

• Licence Required: For scooters with higher speed or motor output, a valid two-wheeler licence is required.

2. Registration Requirements

• No Registration Required: Electric scooters with a top speed of up to 25 km/hr and motor power below 250W do not require registration.

• Registration Required: All other electric scooters must be registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). They are issued a Registration Certificate (RC).

3. Number Plate Requirements

• Non-Registered Models: These do not require a number plate.

• Registered Models: Must have a valid number plate, as per standard colour codes. Green number plate with white letters (for private electric vehicles) and Green number plate with yellow letters (for commercial electric vehicles).

4. Helmet Rules

• Mandatory for Registered Models: Riders must wear helmets if the scooter is registered, regardless of engine power.

• For Low-Speed Models: Though not legally mandatory, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended for safety, even if your scooter doesn't require registration.

5. Insurance Requirements

• Not Required: Scooters with top speed of 25 kmph do not require a third party insurance currently.

• Required: Higher-speed or registered electric scooters must have at least third-party two-wheeler insurance, as required by the Motor Vehicles Act.

6. Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate

• As electric vehicles are known for zero emissions, they do not require a PUC Certificate.

How to Register an Electric Scooter?

Take your Electric Scooter to the nearest RTO for registration of the vehicle. All electric two-wheelers with a power output more than 250W and top speed more than 25kmph must be registered in the designated RTO. The RTO requests the following documents in order to register your e-scooter.

• ID Proof: Aadhar Card, Voter ID Card, Driving Licence, etc.

• Address Proof: Electricity or Gas Bill, Aadhar Card, Pan Card, Passport, Ration Card, etc.

• Proof of Purchase Of the electric Vehicle

Recently, Road Tax has been exempted for E-Scooters by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. After the documents are verified, RTO will provide a registration number for your e-vehicle.

How to Purchase Insurance for Electric Scooters?

Even though some of the e-scooters are not required to have a third party insurance in India, all e-scooters over 250W power output and top speed higher than 25kmph must have third party insurance as per Motor Vehicle Act.

As electric scooters are costly, having comprehensive insurance is recommended to ensure financial safety. The process to buy two wheeler insurance for your electric scooter is very simple. Following documents are required to buy a two wheeler insurance policy for electric scooters.

• ID Proof (Aadhar Card, Voter ID Card, Driving Licence, etc.)

• Address Proof (Electricity/Gas Bill, Aadhar Card, Pan Card, Passport, Ration Card, etc.)

• 2 Passport Size Photographs

• Purchase Proof of the electric scooter

After choosing the right type of insurance (Third-party, comprehensive or self damage), choose the necessary add-ons and the insurance policy will be issued after verification of documents.

Penalties for Riding an Unregistered or Uninsured Electric Scooter

There are various penalties for riding an unregistered or uninsured electric scooter. These penalties can be a mere fine or could lead to even imprisonment for severe cases. Penalties are as follows:

• ₹2000 fine that can increase up to ₹4000 on repeated offences

• 3 months imprisonment for severe cases

• Driving Licence can be suspended

• Vehicles can be impounded.

Frequently Asked Questions