The rising popularity of electric scooters across India has led to a new wave of users—school students and minors. But can teenagers legally ride them? In 2025, the government has updated its transport and licensing guidelines to regulate the use of electric scooters for minors, especially in light of increasing road safety violations.
With many e-scooters looking like toys but riding like motorbikes, confusion around legality and licensing has become common. This article breaks down everything you need to know about whether under-16 kids can ride electric scooters in India as of 2025.
Why Electric Scooters Are Popular Among Minors
Over the past two years, Indian cities have seen a boom in low-speed electric vehicles (EVs). These are lightweight, silent, and marketed as eco-friendly—making them especially appealing to young users.
Reasons why electric scooters attract minors:
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No petrol cost – easy for parents to approve
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Smooth rides and stylish design
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Easy to handle and lightweight
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Claimed “no license needed” in marketing
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Used for school commutes, tuitions, or nearby errands
But popularity doesn’t equal legality. That’s where the new 2025 regulations come in.
Official Driving Rules for Electric Scooters in 2025
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has clearly defined which electric scooters need registration, insurance, and licenses—even if they look like toys.
Here’s how the law treats electric scooters:
| Vehicle Type | License Required | Legal for Under 16? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Speed E-Scooter (under 25 km/h, <250W) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | No registration or license needed |
| High-Speed E-Scooter (above 25 km/h or >250W) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | Requires registration + license |
| Electric Bikes & Scooters with pedals | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Treated like bicycles |
If a vehicle exceeds 25 km/h or 250W, it is considered a motor vehicle—which means underage use is illegal.
What the Law Says About Under-16 Riders
According to the Motor Vehicles Act and 2025 transport amendments:
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Only individuals aged 16 or above can ride e-scooters without gears, under 50cc or below 25 km/h
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Anyone below 16 can only ride non-motorized or low-speed scooters
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Riding a high-speed e-scooter under 16 is a punishable offense
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Parents or guardians can be fined up to ₹25,000 and lose the vehicle’s registration
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Schools can also report cases under Student Transport Safety Guidelines
This means most commercial e-scooters seen on roads are not legal for under-16 users.
What Happens If a Minor Is Caught Riding an E-Scooter?
Several states have started strict enforcement drives to crack down on illegal use of electric scooters for minors.
Penalties include:
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Vehicle seizure by traffic police
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FIR against parents/owners under the Motor Vehicles Act
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Community service or counseling for juvenile offenders
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Delay in issuing future driving license (up to age 25 in serious cases)
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Insurance claim rejection if the minor causes an accident
These rules aim to prevent accidents and ensure roads remain safe for all age groups.
Tips for Parents Before Buying an E-Scooter
If you’re considering an electric scooter for your child, keep these things in mind:
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Check speed specs: Only buy models under 25 km/h and below 250W motor capacity
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Look for ISI or RTO-approved models for children
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Ensure your child wears a helmet—even for low-speed vehicles
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Never allow them on highways or crowded roads
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Educate your child about road safety and traffic signs
Just because it’s electric doesn’t mean it’s exempt from the law.
FAQs
Can a 14-year-old ride an electric scooter in India?
Yes, but only low-speed electric scooters that go under 25 km/h and have a motor capacity below 250W. Anything faster is illegal for under-16 users.
Is a license required for all electric scooters?
No. Only high-speed e-scooters (above 25 km/h or more than 250W) require registration and a valid driving license.
What is the penalty if a minor rides a high-speed e-scooter?
Parents or guardians may be fined up to ₹25,000. The vehicle may also be seized, and the minor could be barred from getting a future license.
Are electric scooters safer than regular bikes?
Electric scooters may feel safer due to their speed limit, but they can still cause accidents. Helmets and safety awareness are essential.
Can schools take action against underage scooter use?
Yes. Schools are encouraged to report students who violate traffic norms under student safety initiatives in various states.
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