New Petrol Bikes and Scooters Face Delhi Ban from April 2028 Under EV Policy Draft

Delhi’s state government has released the first draft of its 2026 EV Policy, proposing a complete halt on new registrations of petrol-powered motorcycles and scooters in the capital from April 2028. The draft is currently open for public feedback and stakeholder consultation for 30 days before any official notification is issued. If finalised, the policy will run through 2030 and mark one of the most significant regulatory shifts for two-wheeler ownership in India.

Vehicular emissions account for roughly 23 percent of Delhi’s air pollution, according to the policy document, which also invokes Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, the provision that guarantees every citizen the right to clean air. The government says reducing fossil fuel dependency on two-wheelers is central to improving the city’s air quality, which deteriorates severely each winter.

Subsidy Structure That Will Drive the Shift to Electric

The draft lays out a declining subsidy model designed to push buyers toward electric two-wheelers quickly. In the first year from the date of official notification, buyers can claim up to Rs 30,000, calculated at Rs 10,000 per kWh of battery capacity. That drops to Rs 20,000 in the second year and Rs 10,000 in the third.

Only locally manufactured electric two-wheelers with an ex-showroom price below Rs 2.25 lakh qualify for these incentives. Buyers who scrap a BS4 or older petrol two-wheeler in exchange for an electric model stand to receive an additional Rs 10,000 on top of the standard subsidy, making the effective discount meaningful for budget-conscious consumers.

Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh confirmed that over one lakh EVs, spanning both two-wheelers and four-wheelers, have been registered in Delhi over the past year alone. That figure signals growing consumer readiness even before the ban comes into force.

Which EV Brands Stand to Gain the Most

The policy, if it holds in its current form, positions established electric two-wheeler makers strongly in one of India’s largest urban markets. Ather Energy with its Rizta and 450 series, Ola Electric with the S1 and Roadster X, TVS Motor Company with the iQube and Orbiter, Bajaj Auto’s Chetak EV, and Hero MotoCorp’s Vida V2 and Vida VX2 are all priced in the range where these subsidies would apply.

For legacy automakers already managing petrol and electric lines simultaneously, the Delhi policy adds regulatory pressure to accelerate EV production volumes. The subsidy window narrows over three years, which means early registrations will attract the highest benefits and likely trigger a front-loaded surge in demand.

The Delhi EV Policy 2026 is still a draft, and the final version will only be notified after stakeholder discussions conclude. But the direction is clear. New petrol bikes and scooters are being phased out of Delhi’s roads, and the timeline of April 2028 is now on the table for every buyer, dealer, and manufacturer operating in the capital.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)

Will existing petrol bikes and scooters be banned in Delhi after April 2028?

No. The proposed ban applies only to new registrations, not vehicles already on the road. Existing petrol two-wheelers will continue to be used legally. The policy targets the entry of new ICE-powered two-wheelers into Delhi’s market from April 2028 onwards.

Who qualifies for the electric two-wheeler subsidy under the Delhi EV Policy 2026?

Buyers purchasing locally manufactured electric two-wheelers priced below Rs 2.25 lakh ex-showroom are eligible. An additional incentive of Rs 10,000 is available for those trading in a BS4 or older petrol two-wheeler against a new EV purchase.

Is the Delhi EV Policy 2026 ban on petrol two-wheelers confirmed?

Not yet. The draft is open for public feedback and stakeholder consultation for 30 days. The final policy will be officially notified only after those discussions are completed. Changes to the April 2028 timeline or subsidy structure are still possible.

References

Government of Delhi. (2026). Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy 2026 Draft. April 2026.