Petrol Bikes and Scooters to be Banned in Delhi from August 2026?
Delhi government proposes to ban new petrol two-wheeler registrations from August 2026 under its revised EV Policy 2.0. Learn what it means for you.
The Delhi Government is once again making headlines with its aggressive push toward sustainable mobility. As part of its upcoming Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2.0, a bold and controversial proposal has been introduced — a complete ban on registration of new petrol-powered two-wheelers (bikes and scooters) in Delhi from August 2026. If approved, this move could mark a historic transition in India’s capital, but not without raising serious concerns among consumers and industry stakeholders alike.
The Proposal: A Shift Toward Electric Two-Wheelers
According to several reports, the Delhi Government’s draft EV Policy 2.0 includes a clause that prohibits the registration of petrol-powered two-wheelers starting August 2026. This is part of a larger goal to achieve 95% EV adoption in the city by 2027.
The proposed ban will apply only to new registrations, meaning existing petrol bikes and scooters will still be allowed to operate, at least for now. However, it’s a clear indication that the government is moving toward a complete phase-out of fossil fuel two-wheelers in the near future.
Why Focus on Two-Wheelers?
Two-wheelers are the most widely used form of transportation in Delhi, especially among middle-class families. They are cost-effective, fuel-efficient, and perfect for navigating through the city’s congested roads.
Despite this, the Delhi government believes that two-wheelers are also major contributors to urban pollution and sees electric two-wheelers as a cleaner alternative. Over the past few years, the government has incentivized electric vehicle purchases through subsidies, tax waivers, and scrappage policies.
However, EV adoption remains low. According to data from the previous EV policy (implemented in April 2020), only about 10% of the targeted 48,000 charging points were installed, and EV penetration continues to be in the single digits.
What Will Replace Petrol Two-Wheelers?
There has been a steady rise in electric scooter models like the Ola S1 Pro, Ather 450X, TVS iQube, and Bajaj Chetak. However, electric motorcycles are still in their infancy, with very few practical and affordable options available in the market.
Moreover, EVs face challenges such as:
- High upfront costs
- Limited real-world range
- Longer charging times
- Inadequate charging infrastructure
- Questionable long-term durability and servicing
For instance, the Simple One electric scooter claims an ARAI range of 212 km, but real-world usage often shows lower performance, especially when compared to petrol scooters offering over 300 km on a single full tank.
Infrastructure and Implementation Concerns
One of the cornerstones of EV Policy 2.0 is the promise of 13,200 new EV chargers across Delhi, with a goal of having one station every five kilometers. But with no concrete timeline or execution plan, many remain skeptical.
The past track record doesn’t inspire confidence. The previous EV policy aimed for 25% of all new vehicles to be electric by 2024, yet adoption still lags significantly behind that goal.
Public Reaction and Industry Concerns
The proposed ban has drawn mixed reactions. While environmentalists welcome the move as a bold step toward reducing emissions, many consumers and automobile experts feel it’s too abrupt and unrealistic.
There are also concerns about:
- Increased pressure on public charging stations
- Overburdened electricity grids
- Economic impact on automobile dealerships and service centers
- Lack of viable EV alternatives, especially in the motorcycle segment
Conclusion: A Policy Ahead of Its Time?
If implemented, Delhi’s proposed EV Policy 2.0 will be one of the most aggressive EV transitions in the country. However, with existing infrastructure still underdeveloped and affordability concerns for the average Indian, the policy appears more aspirational than practical — at least for now.
As of April 2025, the ban is still in the proposal stage and not yet approved by the cabinet. Consumers, especially two-wheeler owners and buyers, should stay updated on further announcements.
Stay tuned for updates as we track the official approval and implementation of Delhi’s EV Policy 2.0. Want to know how this affects your daily commute or your business? Drop your questions in the comments.
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