MoRTH proposes higher power limit for unregistered low-speed EVs

A draft proposal would raise the motor-power threshold for registration-exempt electric two-wheelers from 250W to 600W while retaining the 25 kmph speed cap and removing the 60 kg weight limit. Yulu flags misuse risks; BGauss and other OEMs see scope for personal mobility and last-mile delivery growth.

— Source publishedSun, 13 Sept, 2026, 19:43 IST·First seen Sun, 13 Sept, 2026, 19:48 IST·Source BL · Consumer & Economy

What happened

MoRTH proposes allowing unregistered low-speed electric scooters with up to 600W power and no weight cap. Yulu opposes the change over misuse risks, while

Key facts

  • Low-speed EV motor-power limit proposed to increase from below 250W (0.25kW) to below 600W (0.6kW)
  • Maximum speed remains below 25 kmph
  • Existing 60 kg unladen-weight ceiling proposed for removal
  • FY26 low-speed electric two-wheeler sales estimated at 2.3-2.6 lakh units versus 1.8-2.1 lakh in FY25
  • FY27 volumes projected at 3.2-3.6 lakh units
  • Potential FY27 growth: 30-35%
  • MoRTH previously warned in 2022 about vehicles capable of 40-55 kmph

Why this matters

Retailers and mobility platforms should assess partnerships with low-speed EV manufacturers and fleet providers as the rule could broaden economical personal-mobility and delivery use cases.

What to watch

  • Publication of the final MoRTH rule and implementation date.
  • Whether the 600W threshold, 25 kmph cap and removal of the 60 kg limit are retained unchanged.
  • Requirements for type approval, battery certification, speed-controller tamper resistance, insurance, vehicle identification and commercial operation.
  • State-level enforcement actions against modified or non-compliant low-speed EVs.
  • Fleet procurement announcements from quick-commerce, food-delivery, logistics and rental operators.
  • OEM launches of sub-25-kmph models with 400W-600W motors and delivery-oriented payload configurations.
  • Accident, fire or misuse incidents that prompt adverse media coverage or regulatory tightening.
  • Changes in financing, battery-swapping access and service-network coverage for low-speed EVs.
  • Track the final MoRTH notification, including whether commercial delivery use receives separate rules or enforcement requirements.
  • Assess exposure to last-mile delivery demand among grocery, food-delivery, pharmacy and quick-commerce partners in dense urban markets.
  • Prepare assortments around low-speed EV ownership: certified chargers, replacement batteries, helmets, locks, rain gear, reflective accessories and service plans.
  • Prioritize partnerships with OEMs and fleet operators that can demonstrate battery certification, speed tamper protection, remote diagnostics and spare-parts availability.
  • Model a shift from bicycle and conventional two-wheeler delivery costs toward low-speed EV fleets, including potential improvements in delivery radius and rider productivity.
  • Avoid inventory commitments to unverified low-speed EV brands until final compliance standards and liability requirements are clear.

Also reported by