In a landmark move to enhance road safety, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced that Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) will be mandatory for all new scooters and motorcycles manufactured after January 1, 2026 . This new rule marks a significant upgrade from the earlier regulation, which applied only to two-wheelers with engine capacities above 125cc.ABS Now Mandatory for All Scooters and MotorcyclesPreviously, only two-wheelers with engine capacity above 125 cc were required to be equipped with single-channel or dual-channel ABS . However, under the updated safety norms, all two-wheelers, regardless of engine size, must now come fitted with ABS from 2026 onwards. This includes entry-level scooters and commuter motorcycles under 125cc, which form a major chunk of India’s two-wheeler market.Dealers to Provide Two Helmets with Every Two-Wheeler SoldIn addition to the ABS mandate, the government also plans to make it compulsory for vehicle dealers to provide two ISI-certified helmets with every new two-wheeler purchase. This step aims to promote the use of protective headgear and curb fatalities caused by head injuries.Two-Wheelers Account for Nearly Half of Road Accidents in IndiaAccording to MoRTH data , two-wheelers were involved in 44.5% of total road accidents reported in 2022. A large number of these incidents resulted in head injuries , underscoring the urgent need for safer braking systems and helmet usage.The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has reported that over 1.96 crore two-wheelers were sold in FY25 , making India one of the world’s largest markets for motorcycles and scooters.What is ABS in Motorcycles?Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is a crucial safety technology that prevents wheel lock-up during sudden or hard braking. By modulating brake pressure in real time, ABS allows the rider to maintain steering control , reducing the risk of skidding, particularly on wet or slippery roads.Key safety benefits of ABS include:Shorter stopping distancesImproved vehicle stabilityReduced chances of crashes due to brake lock-upEnhanced control in emergency braking situationsSeveral studies have shown that motorcycles equipped with ABS experience 35% to 45% fewer accidents compared to those without it.Conclusion: A Step Forward in India’s Road Safety MissionWith mandatory ABS on all scooters and motorcycles from 2026 and the helmet rule for two-wheeler dealers , India is taking a major step toward reducing road accidents and fatalities. These measures are expected to save thousands of lives annually and encourage the adoption of safer, smarter two-wheeler mobility.