In a giant leap towards the future, the government of India has shown a thumbs up to a new concept of motor vehicles– “L2-5” that merges elements of two and three-wheelers.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) released a notification last week, issuing the draft rules to amend the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, which shows the green signal to such a convertible transportation system.
The L2-5 model comes in the structure of a traditional three-wheeler like an auto or e-rickshaw. The main difference can be spotted in the frontal frame where the wheel is missing. An e-scooter can be fitted into that vacant slot. The rear wheel of the two-wheeler is elevated off the rickshaw base and is inserted into the front compartment of the main frame.
“Category L2-5” refers to a three-wheeled motor vehicle featuring a two-wheel-three-wheel hybrid module that is especially designed to incorporate a non-self-propelled rear module unit with a two-wheeled vehicle of category L2. These cars have an adaptable structure that allows them to be used alternately as two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles, as reported by Business Standard.
“It can be separated or combined, as and when required; At any point in time, either a two-wheeler of Category L2 or a three-wheeled vehicle of Category L5 can only be used,” read the notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The launch of L2-5 vehicles will no doubt benefit those who require a transportation system for both personal and commercial purposes. When they need to ride a two-wheeler, the e-scooter can be the option. Similarly, they can use the three-wheeled structure to transport passengers or goods. Apart from revolutionising the automotive sector, the government hopes to promote equitable and sustainable mobility solutions with the launch of the L2-5 category in India.
Vehicles designed for the transportation of passengers are classified as L2-5 M, whilst vehicles intended for the transportation of goods are classified as L2-5 N. For both configurations, vehicles in the L2-5 category will only have one registration number, according to the MoRTH.
The approval from the government comes days after a Hero MotoCorp-owned startup named “Surge” unveiled a convertible three-wheeler named S32. This vehicle has been built on the L2-5 concept and the modes can be switched in just three minutes.
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