Teens to get licence to ride e-scooters, registration must for vehicles
Dipak K Dash | TNN | Dec 12, 2018, 23:09 ISTNEW DELHI: The transport ministry will change the motor vehicles rules in the next fortnight allowing people in the 16 to 18 years age group to obtain a licence and drive electric scooters with a maximum speed of 70 kmph, a move aimed at ending the menace of driving by underage teens.
The maximum motor power of these vehicles will be capped at four kilowatts (4 kWh), which will cover most of the available brands in the market.
Currently, people in the age group of 16-18 are allowed to get licence for driving vehicles that have engine capacity up to 50cc. But no such vehicle is available in the market.
A common sight across cities are youth seen illegally driving gearless electric scooters. Till now they have not been applying for licences since these vehicles are exempted, a source said. But now with the government bringing the electric vehicles with motor power of up to 4 kWh under the purview of the law as a “light two-wheeled powered vehicle”, it will be mandatory for everyone to have a valid licence for driving them. Moreover, registration of these vehicles will be mandatory.
Some models available in the market are manufactured by two-wheeler major Hero and some other brands like Ather and Yo have also marked their presence.
Sources said this move will also create a market for electric two-wheelers, which is one of the government’s thrust areas to push electric mobility. “Once there is a demand, we will see more domestic players manufacturing these vehicles,” said an official, who did not wish to be named.
“This is a good move. However, every such young driver has to undergo the requisite test as per the law. They have to be well aware of the importance of traffic signs, signal and rules of road regulation. They also need to have full knowledge of the duty of drivers in case of an accident and how to cross unmanned railway crossings. Use of helmets is mandatory as per the motor vehicle law and the rules of road users. There must be no leniency in this and it will be better if schools can also impart the traffic education to students,” said Anil Chikkara, an expert on motor vehicle licencing.
The maximum motor power of these vehicles will be capped at four kilowatts (4 kWh), which will cover most of the available brands in the market.
Currently, people in the age group of 16-18 are allowed to get licence for driving vehicles that have engine capacity up to 50cc. But no such vehicle is available in the market.
A common sight across cities are youth seen illegally driving gearless electric scooters. Till now they have not been applying for licences since these vehicles are exempted, a source said. But now with the government bringing the electric vehicles with motor power of up to 4 kWh under the purview of the law as a “light two-wheeled powered vehicle”, it will be mandatory for everyone to have a valid licence for driving them. Moreover, registration of these vehicles will be mandatory.
Some models available in the market are manufactured by two-wheeler major Hero and some other brands like Ather and Yo have also marked their presence.
Sources said this move will also create a market for electric two-wheelers, which is one of the government’s thrust areas to push electric mobility. “Once there is a demand, we will see more domestic players manufacturing these vehicles,” said an official, who did not wish to be named.
“This is a good move. However, every such young driver has to undergo the requisite test as per the law. They have to be well aware of the importance of traffic signs, signal and rules of road regulation. They also need to have full knowledge of the duty of drivers in case of an accident and how to cross unmanned railway crossings. Use of helmets is mandatory as per the motor vehicle law and the rules of road users. There must be no leniency in this and it will be better if schools can also impart the traffic education to students,” said Anil Chikkara, an expert on motor vehicle licencing.
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