Electric cycles also known as e-bikes are gradually becoming popular in India for all age groups. In the last few years, cycles have started a revolution and created a name for themselves in the cycle industry, and for the right reasons. E-cycles are an eco-friendly, healthy, and convenient mode of commuting. Even though normal cycles have the same features, e-cycles are charged by battery. Nowadays, e-cycles are also helping people to lead a sophisticated and sustainable lifestyle as well. It is the best possible option for every individual, creating an extraordinary riding experience for everyone. Riding an e-cycle is safe, fun and most importantly sustainable too. However, you will have to educate yourself on the laws of our country. So, in this blog, we will tell you about the necessary laws you need to know if you want to ride an e-cycle in India.
Regulations for E-Cycles in India
Generally, e-cycles fall under the low-speed e-vehicle category, so they are exempted from needing a license in India. They do not need any vehicle registration. E-cycles in India need to operate on less than 250 watts. The maximum speed you can go up to is 25 kmph. In hindsight, you do not need to produce your driving license for anyone. However, one needs to remember that these vehicles have an upper limit on their top speed. After that, you are free to cycle in the city. Technically, another approach says that individuals do require a license to ride an e-cycle, but this completely depends on the model and speed limit of your e-cycle. In India, e-bikes are regulated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. According to the current guidelines, e-bikes are divided based on their motor power and speed capabilities known as low-speed electric bicycles (LSEBs) and high-speed electric bicycles (HSEBs). They issue a set of guidelines and every rider is bound to follow those guidelines. These include specifications for motor power, speed limits, and other safety requirements. Also, the electric vehicles that will be sold in the Indian subcontinent need to follow all regulations and are pre-approved by the Automotive Research Authority of India.
Several Classes Of E-Cycles In India
There are various classes of e-bikes available in India and each of their top speeds vary from others.
Pedal Assist
These cycles have a motor that starts when only you start the pedal assist. They will stop providing any help once you cross a certain speed threshold. The motor is designed in such a way that it will help the rider but will also not let the motor take over completely. Thus, letting the rider be in complete control.
Throttle And Pedal Assist
These cycles have a lot of similarities with the previous one. However, they contain throttle along with pedal assist. Throttle mode also assists the rider in controlling the speed of the cycle without pedalling. The top speeds of these cycles are 25 kmph but you can reach a much higher top speed by pedalling, especially with gears.
Conclusion
Purchasing an electric cycle is a sustainable option for all of us. The world is moving towards environment-conscious options and an e-cycle fits the agenda perfectly. There are many reasons why one should care about electric cycles. These electric bikes are a convenient, affordable, and sustainable solution for urban commuters. However, to ensure a safe ride we must follow the rules of the government.
