Starting in 2018, antilock braking systems (ABS) will be introduced as standard equipment in India. In the middle of March 2016, the Indian government announced legislation, with the objective of improving road safety for riders.
According to a report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway Department, in 2012 approximately 36,000 people died in India while riding a powered two-wheeler. This accounts for nearly 26 percent of the total traffic accidents. The mandatory fitment of motorcycle ABS means a significant step forward along the way to saving lives and reducing injuries in India.
Motorcycle ABS is becoming a global standard
By making ABS compulsory for two-wheelers, the Indian government aims at improving riding safety. The regulation is set to apply to motorcycles and scooters with an engine displacement over 125 cc. For two-wheelers with an engine displacement less than or equal to 125 cc, manufacturers have the choice of installing either ABS or the combined brake system (CBS) in order to meet the mandate.
In the European Union, motorcycle ABS has been mandated for all new vehicle types from the beginning of 2016. Similar legislation will also be applicable in Japan from 2018 and in Taiwan from 2019. In Brazil, it is set to apply to two-wheelers with an engine displacement over 300cc. ABS for two-wheelers is also on the political agenda in the U.S. and Australia.
FIM Director of Public Affairs John Chatterton-Ross said:
“It will be interesting to see how industry reacts. In Europe many manufacturers are opting to fit full ABS to even the budget sector 125s as the cost of ABS has fallen, rather than take the alternative of a CBS system.”
FIM Communications