Parents could get more than they bargained for if they buy their children a Mini-Moto or a Go-ped. The warning comes to light as these motorised vehicles are becoming extremely popular among youngsters, but many are unaware of the legalities:
Virtually all Mini Motos/Go Peds CANNOT be legally ridden on a road or public place
- You CANNOT get insurance for them.
- You will probably break several laws if you use these machines especially in a public place e.g. Road Traffic, Environmental, Anti Social Behaviour as well as contravene Tenancy Agreements.
- You CAN ride them on private land WITH PERMISSION of the land owner which in some cases will be the local authority, BUT the environmental health authorities may challenge you and the land owner should be aware that there may be liability issues including contravening Health and Safety Laws.
- Most DO NOT comply with basic EU safety regulations. These vehicles are often only sold from unreliable sources with no sales back up or access to spare parts. They can reach speeds in excess of 30mph and riders have died as a consequence of using them.
The Law:
If you are going to ride one ensure you adhere to the following rules:
We all know that a safety helmet must be worn but there's a little bit more than that.
Legally:
- The strap must be done up.
- It must fit properly.
- It must be an approved safety helmet. It'll either display a BS6658 sticker on the outside, or an EC approval mark somewhere inside. Only BS 6658 types A & B or EC Regulation 22 type 05 series are legal in the UK.
A visor (or goggles) aren't a legal requirement but if you do have them, then the law applies.
Legally:
- It must be an approved visor / goggle. It'll either have a BS4110 mark or the new EC Regulation 22 type 05 mark.
- A tinted visor may be legal if it has the appropriate markings for daylight use only. A lot of the dark, mirrored etc visors are illegal, ask your dealership for advice.
Learners must display L plates
- They must be BS plates, you can't make your own.
- They must be full size.
- They must be front and rear facing.
Motorcycle tyres must legally have at least 1mm of tread depth, continuously across 75% of the tyre. On a moped tyres visible tread only.
Without going through all the road traffic acts, here's a brief synopsis:
- The rider must hold a full licence for the machine you're riding, wear a safety helmet etc.
- Your bike must be capable of carry a pillion (i.e. there must be an approved foot rest and the pillion must be able to reach them) There is no age limit, however the rider is responsible for the safe carriage of goods or people.
- Your pillion must wear a safety helmet. There's no legal age required for riding pillion but he/she must big enough to hold on, sat astride with feet on the foot pegs (so there is a size limit) and able to fully understand the instructions you give.
- Are you prepared to risk riding this vehicle or let your child knowing that it is unlikely to be fit or legal for the purpose?