Modified E-bikes under scanner

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A special drive is being carried out in the Pune district against vehicle manufacturers involved in malpractices

Jigar Hindocha

Pune:  The state transport department has written to all regional transport offices (RTOs) to keep a watch on conventional two-wheelers being converted into e-vehicles and modification of less-powered e-vehicles, which do not require registration, into high-powered e-vehicles.

Speaking on the issue, Sanjay Sasane, Pune’s deputy RTO said, “Initial investigations point towards some people buying EV kits online and then approaching technicians for modification of vehicles. Further investigations are on.”

“We have received such directives from higher officials to take action which in turn can curb instances of fire in e-vehicles.  Our focus will be on modified e-vehicles and those vehicles with 250watt battery power and 25kmph speed, which do not require registration and are being converted into more powerful vehicles in connivance with some garages in the city.”

As per the provisions of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, e-bikes with a capacity of fewer than 250 watts and a speed limit of less than 25 kmph are exempted from registration.

A special drive is being carried out in the Pune district against vehicle manufacturers who sells e-bikes without a certificate issued by a recognised organisation and vehicle manufacturers who make e-bikes through unauthorised alterations of approved special capacity e-bikes. Distributors who sell such vehicles will also be investigated.

In connection with the implementation of environment-friendly policy by the state government, under Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy 2021, e-bikes and e-vehicles have been given 100% exemption from motor vehicle tax for the policy period.