Yulu Objects to MoRTH Proposed EV Rule Change

Yulu Bikes Pvt Ltd has formally raised objections to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) over its draft notification proposing changes to Rule 2(u) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989. The draft, dated August 21, seeks to remove the existing 60-kg unladen weight limit for low-speed battery-operated vehicles.

Under the existing exemption, battery-operated vehicles with a maximum speed of 25 kmph and motor power of up to 0.6 kW (600W) are treated differently from conventional vehicles for certain regulatory requirements. However, the proposed amendment retains the speed and power limits while removing the 60-kg weight criterion.

Yulu has warned that removing the weight limit could allow heavier, unregistered electric two-wheelers to qualify under the low-speed vehicle exemption and operate on public roads. According to the company, this could create road safety concerns and put compliant domestic manufacturers at a disadvantage.

RK Misra, Co-founder and President, Ecosystem Partnerships, Yulu, said that the impact of a vehicle on road safety depends on factors including mass and velocity. He added that vehicle weight is a physically verifiable safeguard, unlike speed limits that can potentially be altered through electronic components.

Yulu also highlighted concerns over certain imported low-speed electric two-wheelers that can allegedly be modified through switches or controllers to reach speeds of 40–45 kmph despite having a nominal 25 kmph limit. The company said that vehicle weight cannot be changed through such modifications.

The company has further raised concerns that removing the weight cap could allow heavier vehicle designs, including models with dual seating or cargo-carrying structures, to qualify for the low-speed exemption.

Yulu said the proposed change could also have an impact on the gig economy and quick-commerce sector, which includes delivery platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto and Blinkit. The company claims to operate more than 50,000 compliant vehicles and serves around 100,000 gig workers, supporting up to 500,000 dependents.

Yulu is preparing to raise the matter through the Startup Policy Forum and may explore legal or court intervention if adequate safety safeguards are not introduced. The company has suggested either retaining the 60-kg limit with a small allowance for modern battery technology or, if the limit is removed, introducing safeguards such as a single-seat requirement, limits on load-carrying capacity and physical verification at the point of sale. The 30-day window for submitting objections to the draft notification is nearing its deadline.