You want to buy an Electric Scooter. But you don’t have a Driving License.
Or maybe you are 16 years old. Or maybe you just don’t want the headache of RTO registration, Insurance, and Green Number Plates.
There is a massive confusion in India about “Low Speed” (Non-RTO) vs. “High Speed” (RTO) scooters.
The Golden Rule:
If the scooter has a top speed of 25 km/hr or less, and a motor size of 250W or less:
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❌ NO Driving License Required.
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❌ NO Registration (Number Plate) Required.
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❌ NO Insurance Mandatory (Though recommended).
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✅ YES, you still need a Helmet (For your safety).
Below is the definitive Model List to check if your favorite scooter is legal to ride without a license.
The Master List: License vs. No-License Models
Don’t get fined. Check this table before you buy.
| Scooter Brand & Model | Top Speed | License Required? | Green Number Plate? |
| Ola S1 Pro / S1 Air / S1 X | 90-120 km/h | ✅ YES | ✅ YES |
| Ather 450X / 450S / Rizta | 80-90 km/h | ✅ YES | ✅ YES |
| TVS iQube (All Variants) | 78 km/h | ✅ YES | ✅ YES |
| Bajaj Chetak EV | 63-73 km/h | ✅ YES | ✅ YES |
| Hero Electric Flash LX | 25 km/h | ❌ NO | ❌ NO |
| Hero Electric Atria LX | 25 km/h | ❌ NO | ❌ NO |
| Okinawa R30 | 25 km/h | ❌ NO | ❌ NO |
| Okinawa Lite | 25 km/h | ❌ NO | ❌ NO |
| Ampere Reo Elite | 25 km/h | ❌ NO | ❌ NO |
| Komaki XGT KM | 25 km/h | ❌ NO | ❌ NO |
| Yulu Miracle (Rental) | 25 km/h | ❌ NO | ❌ NO |
Warning: The “Software Lock” Scam
Some Chinese dealers will sell you a high-speed scooter but put a “Software Lock” to limit it to 25km/h so they can sell it as “Non-RTO.”
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Be Careful: If the police catch you unlocking the speed (using a hidden switch or app), the vehicle will be seized immediately.
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How to spot it: If the motor is labeled “1000W” but they claim it’s “Low Speed,” they are lying. Low speed strictly means 250W Motor.
Who Should Buy a Non-License Scooter?
These scooters are very slow (25km/h is cycling speed). They are perfect for:
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School Students (Under 18): Legal way to commute to tuition.
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Senior Citizens: Lightweight and easy to balance.
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Local Market Runs: Buying vegetables within 2-3 km.
Do NOT buy a Low Speed scooter if you need to climb flyovers or travel on main highways. It is dangerous because they lack power.
FAQ: Common Police Questions
Q: Can the police fine me if I don’t have a license on a Hero Flash?
A: No. Under the CMVR Act (Central Motor Vehicles Rules), vehicles under 25km/h are categorized as “Electric Bicycles.” They do not fall under motor vehicle laws. However, if you break traffic signals or ride rashly, you can still be fined for general nuisance.
Q: Do I need to wear a helmet?
A: Legally, maybe not for “bicycles.” But practically, YES. Police in major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore) will stop you if you are not wearing a helmet, regardless of the vehicle type. Always wear a helmet.
