There have been efforts made by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of India to formulate guidelines for two-wheeled road ambulances in the country. This step has been taken to ensure that these specialized emergency vehicles are regulated through certain criteria regarding safety, construction, registration, and fitness standards.

This draft was released on 3 August 2026 by PIB Delhi. It proposes certain modifications in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules of 1989. This step has been taken to regulate two-wheeled road ambulances.

Also Read: River Mobility Raises $120 Million Funding: Drive New EV Products, Factory & Store Expansion

Need for Separate Regulations

These two-wheeled road ambulances have a significant contribution to make in cases where it is hard for the regular ambulances to reach the patient. Village narrow roads, city lanes, hills, and inaccessible areas pose certain problems with regards to accessibility of ambulances.

However, at present, two-wheeled road ambulances do not figure as a distinct vehicle category in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. There are thus no standardised national specifications with regard to:

  • Construction of the vehicle and its functional safety.
  • Systems for handling and restraining patients.
  • Accessory/stretcher units for the ambulance.
  • Type approval and registration.
  • Testing of the fitness of such vehicles and their renewal.
  • Warning equipment.

The above amendments would help clarify and standardise the design and operation of these vehicles.

AIS-209 Standard to Govern Compliances

The proposed notification includes the AIS-209 (Part 1):2026, entitled Construction and Functional Requirements for Life Support Two-Wheeled Road Ambulances.

As per the proposed standard, life support two-wheeled road ambulances would be deemed to be L2 category vehicles equipped with an ambulance accessory unit or patient conveyance system.

Apart from focusing on the design and performance of the vehicle. The standards also take into account the process of how a patient is loaded, restrained and transported. It is vital because a two-wheel ambulance poses a unique problem when it comes to stability, braking and balance in comparison to a conventional four-wheeler.

Rules Proposed as of October 2027

Proposed rules will be applicable for the manufacture of L2 category two-wheel road ambulances made from or on and after 1 October 2027. Top emergency lights fitted on these ambulances will also need to satisfy the requirements of AIS-209 (Part 1):2026 as of the same date.

It further goes on to mention that these ambulances may register themselves in the region decided by the concerned State Government. This might give each state the right to determine where such ambulances can best be operated, based on its geographic location and road conditions.

Fitness Certificate Once in Every Two Years

Under the proposed rule, the two-wheel road ambulance will come under transport vehicle category, and thus, the requirement of fitness will also apply.

Fitness examination will involve the following vehicle safety features and patient safety checks including:

  • Correct installation of the ambulance accessory or patient conveyance unit.
  • Condition of tires and rims.
  • Operation of emergency warning lights.
  • Safety of patient stretcher and its lock system.
  • Presence of patient restraint systems.
  • Safety of patient loading/unloading procedures.
  • Presence and validity of the fire extinguisher.

Key Safety Features

According to AIS-209 (Part 1):2026, issues related to vehicle stability, braking performance, parking brake and gradeability will be covered as well. Rear visibility, coupling and emergency conspicuity are some of the provisions included in the standard. It will also guarantee that patients are adequately secured and shielded from any external elements during transportation.

ELCTRIK Speaks

The Ministry shall review the comments received for the draft guidelines within 30 days of the date of publication of the draft notification. The amendments shall be finalized subsequently under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The system would help two-wheeled ambulances gain recognition as well as speed up emergency services.

two wheeled road ambulancetwo wheeler road ambulanceroad ambulancebike ambulanceambulance safety standardgovernement rules and regulations