ABS Compulsory on All 2-wheelers from 2026

ABS Compulsory on All 2-wheelers from 2026 

Why in News? 

Recently, the Ministry of Road Transport announced that from January 1, 2026, all two-wheelers in India must be equipped with Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) to improve road safety and reduce accidents, especially for smaller engine vehicles.

Key Highlights of Mandatory ABS Compulsory on All 2-wheelers from 2026

• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has decided that from January 1, 2026, every new motorcycle and scooter must come with ABS.
• The mandate will now extend to all engine sizes, including sub-125 cc and entry-level segments. Previously, ABS was only compulsory on bikes over 125 cc.
• The draft rule requires manufacturers to supply two helmets—one for the rider and one for the pillion—certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards during vehicle purchase.
• The ABS system must follow the Indian Standard IS14664:2010 to maintain proper performance and safety. Helmets must follow BIS safety norms for impact protection.

Why Did the Government Make ABS Mandatory on All Two-Wheelers?

• High Number of Road Accidents: Every year, India reports a large number of road crashes involving motorcycles and scooters. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) report for 2022, 44.5% of total road fatalities involved two-wheelers. The same report highlighted that over 70,000 two-wheeler riders died in that year alone. 

• Current ABS Old Rules: Until now, Indian regulations made ABS mandatory only for bikes with engine capacity above 125cc (as per a rule enforced in April 2019). However, a large portion of two-wheelers sold in India belong to the 100–125cc segment. In fact, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) reported that over 70% of motorcycles sold in India in 2023 were under 125cc.

• ABS Saves Lives: Global studies by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the US and similar studies in Europe show that ABS can reduce fatal crashes by 31–35%. In India, a pilot study by IIT Delhi in collaboration with MoRTH revealed that bikes with ABS had 45% fewer accidents in similar driving conditions.

• Global Road Safety: India is a signatory to the Stockholm Declaration on Road Safety 2020, which aligns with the United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030. The goal is to reduce road traffic deaths by 50% by 2030. To meet this target, the Indian government has to introduce bold, effective safety reforms.

What is an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)?

• Introduction:

• • • An Anti-lock Braking System is an advanced safety mechanism that prevents the wheels of a vehicle from locking up during sudden or forceful braking.
    • ABS uses sensors to monitor wheel speed continuously. If it detects that a wheel is about to lock, it rapidly adjusts the brake pressure.

• Benefits:

• • • ABS helps the rider keep control of the vehicle while braking forcefully. This is crucial in sudden situations, such as a pedestrian crossing the road unexpectedly.
    • ABS reduces this risk by preventing sudden tyre lock-up, which usually causes loss of grip on the road surface.
    • ABS helps prevent errors by automatically adjusting brake force, making riding safer for everyone.

• Classification:

• Four-Channel ABS: This ABS type has separate sensors and valves at each wheel. This system manages brake pressure separately for each wheel and quickly stops them from locking. High-end cars and premium motorcycles often use this version.

• • Three-Channel ABS: In this setup, the front wheels have their own sensors and valves. In some setups, both rear wheels are managed by one sensor and valve placed on the axle. This design gives enough braking control during most urgent stop situations. It finds use in mid-range motorcycles and smaller SUVs.
  • One-Channel ABS: A single-sensor system for the rear wheel is used to keep the cost lower. It controls only the rear wheel during braking. This is a minimal ABS version aimed at reducing cost. This system appears in entry-level commercial vehicles. It offers basic skid prevention but less comprehensive control.

ABS Components & Working Process

• Components:

• Speed (Wheel) Sensors: Sensors sit near each wheel or the differential. They constantly measure wheel rotation speed. When a wheel slows too quickly, sensors detect it. These sensors detect speed changes and send the data directly to the ABS controller. This data helps prevent skidding.

• • • Electronic Control Unit (Controller/ECU): The ECU acts as the system’s brain. It receives real-time data from speed sensors. The system reads the wheel speed and any signs of slippage during braking. It triggers pressure changes if a wheel is about to lock. It calculates pressure adjustments many times per second.
    • Valves: Each brake line has a solenoid valve. Valves open or close to adjust brake fluid pressure. Three basic valve positions exist: open, hold, and release .
      • ‘Open’ let’s fluid flow normally.
      • ‘Hold’ freezes pressure during impending lock-up.
      • ‘Release’ reduces pressure to restore wheel rotation.
    • Pump: The hydraulic pump restores brake pressure. It activates when valves release pressure. It ensures timely recovery of braking force. It maintains balance after pressure reduction. It works in rapid cycles controlled by the ECU.

• ABS Ring: A toothed ring mounts on each wheel hub. Sensors detect rotation via this ring. It sends rapid pulses as the wheel turns. The electronic control unit (ECU) checks each signal to understand how fast each wheel is moving.

• Working Process:

• • Each wheel has a dedicated speed sensor. If any sensor detects that a wheel is decelerating too fast or about to stop rotating, it sends a signal to the ABS control unit.
  • The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) receives input from all sensors. It processes the data within milliseconds to decide whether intervention is needed.
  • If the ECU confirms a potential lock-up, it instructs the hydraulic modulator to act.
  • The modulator is responsible for adjusting brake pressure at each wheel. It reduces the pressure if a wheel is about to lock, then restores it when the wheel starts rotating again.
  • As ABS continues regulating brake pressure, the vehicle slows down in a controlled manner.
  • Once the braking process is complete, and the vehicle comes to a halt or stabilizes, the ABS turns off automatically.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

• Advantages:

• • • Improves Vehicle Control: ABS helps prevent wheels from locking when a rider applies brakes suddenly. ABS keeps the vehicle stable and lets the rider steer safely during urgent braking.
    • Reduces Accidents: Skidding is one of the major causes of two-wheeler and car accidents. ABS actively prevents skidding by adjusting brake pressure in real time.
    • Supports Road Safety: Governments worldwide, including India, are promoting ABS to reduce road fatalities. Since April 2019, ABS is mandatory in India for two-wheelers above 125cc.

• Disadvantages:

• Increases Vehicle Cost: Installing ABS requires sensors, an electronic control unit, and hydraulic modulators. Adding ABS parts increases the cost of making the vehicle. Buyers may pay ₹3,000–₹8,000 more, depending on the model.

• • Less Effective on Loose Surfaces: ABS may not perform as efficiently on gravel, sand, or snow-covered roads. The system might interpret reduced wheel traction as a lock-up, reducing braking force. 

Higher Maintenance Cost: ABS components need periodic servicing to work properly. Repairing or replacing sensors and ECUs can be expensive for budget-conscious users.