LTA in talks over anti-lock brakes for new motorcycles

It is looking to make feature mandatory for new two-wheelers; riders welcome proposal

- Christopher Tan

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is in talks with motorcycle retailers on the feasibility of requiring all new two-wheelers here to be fitted with an anti-lock braking system (ABS).

ABS is an electronic feature that prevents wheels from locking up, thereby enhancing stopping power and control. All new cars here are already equipped with it, even though it has never been a legal requirement.

The Straits Times understands that the LTA has proposed rolling out the new requirement from Jan 1, 2025, starting with Class 2A (201cc to 400cc) and Class 2 (401cc and above) motorcycles. In response to requests for details, an LTA spokeswoman confirmed that the authority was in consultation with the industry.

Asked why the proposal does not include Class 2B (200cc and below) motorbikes, the spokeswoman would only say that the authority “will share more details when available”.

The majority of motorcycles here belong to Class 2B, and industry players estimate that less than a third of such new two-wheelers are equipped with ABS, compared with half of Class 2A motorbikes and most Class 2 machines.