From 2026, All Bikes Must Have Single-Channel ABS – Prices to Rise
Mandatory Single-Channel ABS in Bikes: If you’re planning to buy a bike or scooter, be prepared to loosen your purse strings. The central government has made a major decision regarding road safety for two-wheelers, which will come into effect from 1 January 2026. Under this new regulation, every two-wheeler — whether a modest 100cc commuter bike or a powerful 150cc machine — must be equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). This means even your favourite budget bike will cost more than before. But what exactly is this change? How much will prices rise? And how will it impact your life? Let’s break it down in detail.
What is the New Rule? Explained in Simple Terms
So far, ABS has been mandatory only in bikes above 125cc. This system prevents wheel lock-up during sudden braking. But now, the government has mandated that every two-wheeler, even a 100cc scooter or bike, must have at least single-channel ABS from 2026. This single-channel ABS works on the front wheel to help maintain balance and prevent skidding during emergency braking.
Imagine riding at high speed and suddenly spotting a cow or a pothole. If you slam the brakes, the wheels of a non-ABS bike could lock, leading to a skid. ABS prevents this. It uses sensors and electronics to modulate braking force, ensuring the vehicle stops safely while retaining balance.
Why Has This Rule Been Introduced?
Road accidents are a grim reality in India. Every year, lakhs of people are injured or lose their lives in traffic accidents, with two-wheeler crashes being a major contributor. Government data shows that most such accidents occur due to panic braking, leading to wheel lock-ups.
In rural areas and small towns, most two-wheelers come with drum brakes — cost-effective but risky on wet or rough roads. The government has thus decided to make ABS mandatory in every bike and scooter to reduce accidents and save lives. It sounds like a good move — but what about the cost?
How Much Will Bikes Cost After ABS?
The big question is: how much will this new rule affect your wallet? Experts say adding single-channel ABS could raise the price of a bike by ₹5,000 to ₹6,000. If dual-channel ABS (which works on both wheels) is added, the increase could be even more.
For instance, if your favourite Hero Splendor currently costs ₹60,000, the new ABS-equipped version may cost ₹65,000 to ₹66,000. The same applies to other popular budget bikes like the Honda Shine, Bajaj Platina, and TVS Raider. Scooters like Honda Activa or TVS Jupiter will also see a price hike.
Currently, most low-cost bikes come with drum brakes, and opting for a disc brake version adds ₹3,000–₹5,000. With ABS now mandatory alongside disc brakes, the total cost increase could be significant.
Will It Affect Your EMI?
Most buyers opt for two-wheelers on EMI. If the price goes up by ₹5,000–₹6,000, monthly instalments over three years may rise by ₹150–₹200. While this may seem minor, for people in rural or small-town India — where every rupee counts — this extra burden could matter.
Which Bikes and Brands Will Be Affected Most?
India’s two-wheeler market is dominated by brands that sell affordable bikes and scooters. Hero MotoCorp, Honda, Bajaj Auto, and TVS Motor lead the segment with models in the 100cc to 125cc range. These companies will need to make major changes to their line-up to comply with the new rule.
Bikes That Will Be Most Affected
- Hero Splendor Plus: India’s best-selling bike, seen in every neighbourhood.
- Honda Shine: A favourite in the commuter segment.
- Bajaj Platina: Known for mileage and affordability.
- TVS Raider: Combines performance with stylish looks.
- Scooters: Honda Activa, TVS Jupiter, and Suzuki Access will also fall under the mandate.
What About Electric Two-Wheelers?
The demand for electric scooters is soaring. Models like Ola S1, Ather 450, and Bajaj Chetak will also need to be fitted with ABS. Since e-scooters are already costlier than petrol bikes, this requirement could raise prices further.
Impact on Manufacturers
- Hero MotoCorp: Heavily dependent on rural markets. A price hike may affect sales in initial months.
- Honda: Price hikes in Activa and Shine could make urban buyers rethink.
- Bajaj & TVS: They offer both budget and stylish models. These brands may need to balance ABS cost with new features or offers.
- EV Brands: Ola and Ather will need to rework their strategy to include ABS in their lower-end models.
Why is ABS So Important?
You might wonder — is ABS really that crucial? Let’s understand in simple terms:
- Prevents Skidding: On wet, slippery, or rough roads, wheels can lock during sudden braking. ABS prevents this and avoids skidding.
- Better Control: Whether you’re a new or seasoned rider, ABS gives you better braking control.
- Reduces Accidents: Studies show that ABS-equipped bikes have 20–30% lower chances of road accidents.
- Essential for Commuter Bikes: Most Indians use commuter bikes daily. ABS can make everyday rides much safer.
Imagine riding in your village and a child suddenly runs across the road — ABS could be the difference between safety and a serious accident.
Will Customers Feel the Pinch? Are You Ready?
For most Indian buyers, price is the first deciding factor — especially in rural areas, where bikes are a necessity for the entire family. A ₹5,000–₹6,000 hike could affect purchasing decisions initially.
However, when ABS was made mandatory for 125cc bikes in 2019, buyers were hesitant at first, but later accepted the change. People now understand the value of ABS. The government and manufacturers may also launch awareness campaigns to highlight that this added cost is for personal safety.
The Role of EMI & Finance Offers
With prices rising, EMI amounts will go up too. But companies and dealers may offer low-interest EMIs, discounts, or cashback schemes to ease the burden on buyers.
How Will Manufacturers Cope?
So how will bike makers deal with this new challenge? Managing ABS cost won’t be easy, but here’s how companies may approach it:
- Cutting Non-Essential Features: Some cosmetic elements or accessories might be trimmed to manage costs.
- Mass Production of ABS: Large-scale manufacturing of ABS units could help reduce cost per unit.
- New Launches: Introducing new models with built-in ABS to attract customers.
- Customer Awareness: Marketing campaigns to emphasise the safety benefits of ABS.
What About Electric Scooters?
Electric scooters like the Ola S1, Ather 450, and Bajaj Chetak are already hot favourites among youth. But they too will come under this ABS mandate. As they are already pricey, adding ABS could increase their prices by ₹5,000–₹7,000.
Some premium e-scooters already offer ABS, but now even budget models like the Ola S1 Air will need to comply.
Safety Comes First — But What About Affordability?
The upcoming ABS mandate from 2026 could be a game-changer for road safety in India. It will reduce accidents, boost rider confidence, and make roads safer. But the flip side is that affordable bikes will no longer remain as cheap.
Manufacturers now face the challenge of balancing cost and safety. And buyers must also be prepared — because safety always comes at a price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why will ABS be mandatory in all bikes from 2026?
To reduce road accidents and enhance the safety of two-wheelers, the government has taken this step. ABS helps prevent wheel lock and skidding during braking.
What is the difference between single-channel and dual-channel ABS?
Single-channel ABS operates only on the front wheel, while dual-channel ABS controls both wheels, offering better balance and enhanced safety.
How much will bike prices increase due to ABS implementation?
The inclusion of single-channel ABS may lead to a price hike of ₹5,000 to ₹6,000. For dual-channel ABS, the cost increase could be even higher.
What impact will it have on EMI?
With increased prices, the monthly EMI may rise by ₹150–₹200, which could significantly affect rural and budget-conscious buyers.
Which bikes and scooters will be most affected?
Budget two-wheelers like the Hero Splendor, Honda Shine, Bajaj Platina, TVS Raider, Honda Activa, and TVS Jupiter are likely to see price hikes.
Will electric scooters also be required to have ABS?
Yes, electric scooters such as Ola S1, Ather 450, and Bajaj Chetak will also need to be equipped with ABS, possibly increasing their prices by ₹5,000–₹7,000.
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