Low-Speed EVs could soon be allowed to use more powerful motors while continuing to remain outside conventional vehicle registration requirements. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) issued a draft notification on August 21, 2026, proposing changes to Rule 2(u) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The proposal aims to increase the permitted motor power for certain low-speed electric vehicles from 250 watts to 600 watts.

The proposed change is important for India’s growing electric mobility sector, especially for small electric two-wheelers designed for short-distance travel. While the motor power limit would increase, the maximum speed for these vehicles would continue to be 25 kmph. The draft also proposes removing the existing 60 kg unladen-weight limit.

MoRTH Proposes New Power Limit

Under the existing framework, certain Low-Speed EVs can operate with a motor power of up to 250W or 0.25 kW while remaining exempt from conventional vehicle registration. MoRTH’s draft proposes increasing this limit to 600W or 0.6 kW.

The proposed increase would allow manufacturers to develop vehicles with stronger motors without automatically bringing them under the standard registration system, provided they continue to meet the conditions of the exemption.

The speed restriction, however, would remain unchanged. These vehicles would still have to operate at a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour.

The government has proposed the changes through an amendment to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.

25 Kmph Speed Limit to Continue

Although the motor power limit may rise, the draft does not propose an increase in the maximum permitted speed.

Low-Speed EVs covered by the proposed exemption would continue to have a maximum speed of 25 kmph. This speed limit is a key condition separating these vehicles from faster electric two-wheelers that fall under conventional motor vehicle regulations.

Keeping the speed limit unchanged means the proposal is mainly focused on giving manufacturers greater flexibility in motor capacity rather than allowing these vehicles to operate at higher speeds.

The change could also affect the performance of small electric vehicles, particularly when carrying a rider on slopes or travelling in areas where stronger motor output may be useful.

60 Kg Weight Limit May Be Removed

Another major part of the MoRTH draft is the proposed removal of the existing 60 kg unladen-weight ceiling.

The unladen weight refers to the weight of a vehicle without its load or passengers. Under the existing rules, the weight condition places a limit on the type and design of vehicles that can qualify for the exemption.

Removing this limit could give manufacturers more freedom to design Low-Speed EVs with larger batteries, stronger frames and additional features.

However, the proposal has also raised questions about safety. A heavier vehicle with a more powerful motor could behave differently on roads compared with very light electric vehicles.

Registration Exemption to Continue

The draft does not propose bringing these qualifying vehicles into the normal registration system. Low-Speed EVs that meet the specified conditions would continue to remain exempt from conventional registration requirements under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.

This also means such vehicles would remain outside the regular Vahan vehicle-registration database, provided they fall within the exemption framework.

The registration exemption has been an important feature of this category of electric vehicles because it allows certain small, low-speed models to be used without the same registration process required for standard motor vehicles.

Safety Standards Remain Important

The proposed increase in motor power does not mean that manufacturers would be free from safety requirements.

According to the draft, qualifying electric vehicles would need to meet safety requirements under Annex A of AIS-049. Compliance would be checked through an authorised testing agency under AIS-041.

These requirements are intended to ensure that vehicles meet specified safety and technical standards before being considered eligible for the exemption.

As electric vehicles become more common on Indian roads, technical testing and safety standards are becoming increasingly important. Higher motor power makes proper testing particularly relevant because the vehicle’s performance and electrical systems must be able to operate safely.

Different Views From EV Companies

The MoRTH proposal has received different responses from companies operating in India’s electric two-wheeler market.

Some manufacturers see the proposed change as an opportunity to expand the market for low-speed electric vehicles. Companies such as BGauss have viewed the higher motor-power limit as a possible way to give manufacturers more flexibility and develop new products.

At the same time, Yulu has raised concerns about road safety, particularly in relation to removing the weight limit.

Yulu argued that a physical weight restriction provides a different kind of control compared with an electronically limited speed. Electronic speed controls can potentially be changed, while the physical weight of a vehicle cannot be altered in the same way.

These different views show that the proposed rules could have an impact not only on manufacturers but also on how safety is considered for low-speed electric mobility.

Impact on India’s EV Market

The proposed changes come at a time when India’s electric vehicle market is expanding across different price and performance categories.

Low-Speed EVs are generally designed for short-distance mobility and can be useful for local travel, last-mile connectivity and other urban transportation needs. Increasing the motor power limit could allow manufacturers to improve vehicle performance while retaining the 25 kmph speed ceiling.

Removing the weight restriction could also encourage the development of different vehicle designs. Manufacturers may have greater freedom to use larger battery packs or stronger components.

At the same time, the government will need to balance market growth with road safety. The testing and safety requirements included in the draft are therefore an important part of the proposed framework.

Proposed Implementation From October 2026

The proposed amendments are expected to come into effect from October 1, 2026, subject to the finalisation of the regulatory process.

Until the changes officially take effect, the existing rules continue to apply. The draft notification provides the proposed framework for increasing motor power while retaining the 25 kmph speed restriction and changing the weight requirement.

If implemented, the new rules could give India’s low-speed electric vehicle industry more room to develop products for short-distance mobility while keeping these vehicles within a separate regulatory category.

What the New Rules Could Change

The main changes proposed by MoRTH are focused on three areas: motor power, vehicle weight and safety compliance.

The motor power limit would increase from 250W to 600W, while the maximum speed would remain 25 kmph. The existing 60 kg unladen-weight limit would be removed, but vehicles would still need to meet specified safety standards.

The proposal therefore represents a change in how Low-Speed EVs are defined and regulated rather than a complete shift to the registration system used for conventional vehicles.

As the consultation and regulatory process moves forward, feedback from electric vehicle manufacturers and other stakeholders is likely to remain important in shaping the final rules.