Context

Affordable and reliable mobility is essential for accessing education, healthcare, markets and livelihood opportunities. However, rural communities across India continue to face significant transportation constraints, particularly in areas where public transport services are inadequate, costly, or inaccessible. According to TERI (2018), an estimated 18.5 million rural residents face severe transport constraints, limiting their access to essential services and economic opportunities.

Electric bicycles (e-bicycles) offer a potential solution to these challenges by providing an affordable, energy-efficient and flexible mode of transportation. Compared to conventional motorised vehicles, they can reduce commuting expenses, improve access to employment and educational institutions, and support greater economic participation among rural households. They also present opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in manufacturing, sales, rental services, repair and maintenance.

However, the existing regulatory framework governing e-bicycles, including the 250W power and 25 kmph speed limits, presents challenges for deploying higher-capacity models suited to the diverse terrain and mobility requirements of rural India. These restrictions may limit the suitability of e-bicycles for longer journeys, difficult terrain and the transportation needs of rural residents who depend on mobility for their livelihoods. Addressing these regulatory barriers requires a closer examination of the existing Motor Vehicles Rules, the applicable technical standards and the scope for context-sensitive policy reform.

This project seeks to examine the regulatory constraints affecting e-bicycle adoption and explore opportunities to reform the existing framework to better address rural mobility needs. Through a comparative assessment of the regulatory environment, stakeholder consultations and engagement with policymakers, the initiative will develop evidence-based recommendations for enabling suitable, affordable and accessible e-bicycle solutions. It will also explore the potential for state-level schemes that respond to local mobility requirements while incorporating appropriate safety considerations.

The project focuses on Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, engaging government departments, regulatory authorities, rural communities, entrepreneurs, industry representatives and civil society organisations. By aligning mobility regulations with the needs of rural populations, the initiative aims to expand access to education, markets and employment while encouraging local enterprise development and job creation. Ultimately, the project seeks to advance inclusive and sustainable rural mobility through regulatory reform and practical policy interventions.

Project Objectives

• To examine the existing regulatory framework governing e-bicycles in India, including the 250W power and 25 kmph speed limits, and assess its implications for rural mobility and livelihood opportunities.

• To identify opportunities for regulatory reform and greater flexibility in the deployment of higher-capacity e-bicycles suited to rural terrain and transportation requirements, while considering relevant safety and technical standards.

• To assess the potential of affordable e-bicycles to improve access to education, markets and employment, particularly for rural communities facing significant transportation constraints, and to examine opportunities for MSME participation in manufacturing, sales, rental, servicing and maintenance.

• To engage policymakers, regulatory authorities, rural communities, industry stakeholders and civil society organisations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to identify regulatory gaps and develop context-specific policy recommendations.

• To develop an evidence-based policy report and undertake targeted policy advocacy to encourage central and state governments to consider regulatory reforms and introduce state-level schemes tailored to rural mobility needs.