India is the largest market for two wheelers in the world and it has been among the largest for a few decades now. While it has traditionally been a market that leans towards commuter vehicles, the last few years has seen a healthy growth in the demand for premium and high-performance bikes. These buyers are not just looking at their vehicle from a mobility lens but also seek improved mileage and safety to go along with that performance.
With increasing sales, India also saw a rise in road accident fatalities due to two wheelers. This has led the automotive industry to significantly shift towards prioritising safety in vehicles. Advanced safety features are now common in four wheelers. However, in a market where two-wheelers are the more popular choice of commute, it is crucial to make advanced safety features a norm in two-wheelers.
The two-wheeler industry has the potential for technology that will enhance safety.
One significant step towards improving two-wheeler safety was the mandatory implementation of Antilock Braking System (ABS) technology for all bikes with engine capacities of 125cc and above in India. This technology helps in preventing the wheels from locking up during sudden braking. Thus, it gives higher control to the rider and has the potential to significantly reduce the occurrence of mishaps on the road.
Traction Control System in bikes checks if the wheel is spinning as it should be when in contact with the road or else it is freely spinning causing a slip. The electronic traction control sets in to make reduce the wheel spin and bring it to the optimum level so as the tyres do not lose friction and the bike stay on its path with optimum grip.
Optimised Curve Braking technology is another innovation aimed at making braking safer, especially when navigating curves where there is a high risk of falling due to wheel lock. It enhances vehicle control and safety during turns.
Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS) is a game-changer in two-wheeler safety, encompassing a range of technologies such as collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot detection. The adaptive cruise control system automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, thereby reducing the risk of rear-end collisions. Studies have shown that ARAS has the potential to prevent one in seven accidents.
As part of the ARAS technology suite, emergency brake assist is designed to alert the rider of an impending collision with a vehicle ahead or an obstruction. It then assists the rider by initiating the braking manoeuvre, mitigating the impact of the collision.
While still rare in two-wheelers, the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System maintains optimal tyre pressure, ensuring safe riding and effective braking. This system provides real-time monitoring of tyre pressure, alerting the rider if a tyre is low on air or flat, preventing accidents.
One technology that has the potential to transform two-wheeler safety is V2X (Vehicle to everything) communication. Although not yet widely implemented, V2X will enable vehicles to communicate with each other and with surrounding infrastructure, providing real-time information about potential hazards. This enhances a riders' situational awareness, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
There is immense potential for further advancements in two-wheeler safety technology. Technologies such as autonomous riding systems, connected vehicles, and predictive maintenance are poised to revolutionise the way we approach safety. As we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible, we are confident that the roads will become safer for riders everywhere. Not just the manufacturer but even the newer and well-informed generation of consumers are becoming more aware of safety features and will demand advanced safety technologies in their two-wheelers.
Today 2-wheeler commuter feel that they are risky since riders getting into an accident because of vehicle fall/skid/slips. The answer to this future looking technology is self-balancing 2W. It seems to be a farfetched commercially unviable solution today, but very soon it will become a reality.
