The Indian government is preparing to mandate new safety features on two-wheelers to prevent dangerous stunts where riders take their hands off the handlebars.

The Automotive Industry Standards Committee (AISC) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has prepared a draft proposing a three-level safety technology that manufacturers must include in all two-wheelers. Representatives of vehicle manufacturers are also part of the committee.

The proposed system includes three key safety features:

• If hands are not returned to the handlebars within 8 seconds of being removed, the vehicle’s speed will automatically reduce (coast down mode).
• If any hand is removed from the handlebar while riding, a warning will appear on the display and an audio alert will sound within 3 seconds.
• The engine cannot be started without both hands properly placed on the handlebars (ignition lock).

The implementation of these new safety systems is expected to result in a small increase in the price of two-wheelers.