Government Plans to Mandate Sound to E-rickshaws and E-karts to Protect Pedestrians

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed making Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) mandatory for E-rickshaws and E-karts.  

The proposal forms part of a draft notification that extends existing safety requirements for electric vehicles to additional categories. 

Compliance Dates Outlined 

As per the draft, all new electric vehicles manufactured or registered from October 1, 2026, will need to be fitted with AVAS.  

Electric vehicles already in use will be given time until October 1, 2027, to install the system. The timelines apply uniformly across the vehicle segments covered under the notification. 

Vehicle Categories Included 

The requirement will cover electric vehicles under M and N categories, which include passenger vehicles, buses, trucks and goods carriers.  

The draft also includes L5 and L7 categories. L5 covers 3-wheelers used for passenger or cargo transport, while L7 refers to heavy quadricycles used mainly for goods or utility purposes. This brings E-rickshaws and E-karts under the same rule. 

Safety Concerns Cited 

Electric vehicles generate very little noise at low speeds. This makes them harder to detect for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in crowded areas.  

The ministry has flagged this issue as a road safety concern, especially in urban traffic where E-rickshaws and small electric vehicles operate in close proximity to pedestrians. 

Function of the Alert System 

AVAS uses external speakers fitted to the vehicle to emit artificial sounds. The sound output varies with speed and is active at lower speeds and during reversing.  

The system is intended to provide an audible signal to nearby road users when the vehicle is moving quietly. 

Public Feedback Invited 

The draft notification has been opened for 30 days for public comments. Inputs received during this period will be reviewed before the rule is finalised.  

Once notified, vehicle manufacturers will need to ensure compliance for new models, while owners of existing electric vehicles will be required to retrofit the system within the given deadline. 

Read More: MHADA Steps Up Safety Push With Citywide Audit of Cessed Buildings! 

Conclusion 

The proposal extends existing electric vehicle safety norms to cover E-rickshaws and E-karts. With fixed timelines for new and existing vehicles, the draft sets out the framework for wider adoption of sound-based alerts on electric vehicles. 

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