What Should I Do With My Bike After 15 Years: A Guide To Bicycle Retirement

Is it permissible to use a 15-year-old bike on Indian roads? In India, a new bike is considered roadworthy without any special requirements until it reaches the age of 15 years. However, once a bike reaches this age milestone, it becomes necessary to obtain a bike fitness certificate to ensure its continued safe operation on the roads. This fitness certificate must be renewed every two years to ensure the bike remains in compliance with safety and emissions standards. As of April 12, 2023, this regulation is in effect to ensure the proper maintenance and safety of older bikes used on Indian roads.

In India, there are specific regulations regarding the usage of scooters and other private vehicles beyond their initial 15 years of registration. According to the Central Motor Vehicles Act, all private vehicles are required to undergo a reregistration process 15 years after their initial registration. This process aims to ensure that vehicles on the road meet safety and roadworthiness standards. If the Regional Transport Office (RTO) determines that a scooter or any other private vehicle is indeed safe and roadworthy, the vehicle owner can apply for registration renewal, which is typically granted in five-year intervals. This means that after the initial 15 years of registration, scooter owners can continue using their vehicles provided they meet the necessary safety criteria and renew their registration every five years as approved by the RTO. This regulation ensures that vehicles on Indian roads remain safe and in good condition even after many years of use.