Miniature Motorcycles/Minimotos

------Information Sheet------

May 2010

Miniature Motorcycles/Minimotos

Statement

This document provides general guidance and advice on the legislative requirements in Great Britain relating to miniature motorcycles.

Every effort has been made to ensure that it is factually correct but recipients should check with the producers of this document if they have reason to believe any part is not correct or is now out of date.

General requirements

The Department for Transport (DfT) considers that to be used on the public road a miniature motorcycle should comply with all aspects of road traffic law. It is our view that being a two-wheeled, light-weight, low-powered vehicle, the case law that applies to the motorised scooter would also apply to this vehicle. Two high court judgments confirmed motorised scooters to be motor vehicles within the meaning of the Road Traffic Act 1988. One case involved a vehicle powered by an internal combustion and the other by an electric motor. DfT believes it likely that miniature motorcycles would attract a similar judgement.

For use on the road powered two-wheelers must meet the requirements of road traffic law, such as compliance with construction regulations, registration, road licence (tax disc), insurance and MOT testing. The rider would be required to hold an appropriate driver licence and wear a suitable helmet.

For such a machine to be sold for legal road use in any Member State of the European Community, it would generally need type approval in accordance with Directive 2002/24/EC, which came into force on 17 June 2003. The type approval system lays down a set of harmonised technical construction standards for powered two- and three-wheeled vehicles. A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued by the vehicle manufacturer as evidence that the vehicle is manufactured in accordance with the approval type. A vehicle with a CoC is eligible for licensing and registration for road use in Great Britain. DfT is aware of very few miniature motorcycles which have achieved ECWVTA.

A possible alternative route for individual machines is the national Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) scheme. This scheme checks that a vehicle's construction meets the relevant technical requirements for use on our roads. A vehicle that has passed MSVA is issued with a Minister's Approval Certificate (MAC) that will enable it to be registered.

A guide to MSVA is available online at:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/Motorcycle%20SVA%20Guide.pdf. For more information on the technical details of the test please contact the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) on 01 489 786 162.

The vast majority of miniature motorcycles do not have type approval and it is our view that extensive modifications would be needed for one to pass an MSVA test. Unless they have type approval or pass an MSVA test DfT believes they should not be used on the road. Additionally it is an offence under section 72 of the Highway Act 1835 to ride a vehicle on the pavement.

Frequently asked Questions

1. “I have a mini motorcycle (Minimoto), is it legal for road use?”

The answer is likely to be no. It would need to have a Certificate of Conformity, or a Minister’s Approval Certificate to qualify for road registration.

1. “I have been riding a Minimoto on the pedestrian footway outside my house, have I committed an offence?”

Yes. It is an offence under section 72 of the Highway Act 1835 to ride or drive a vehicle on the pavement.

1. “Where can I ride a Minimoto?”

In general the answer to this on any land which is not classified as a public road and with the owner's permission. The Department would stress that appropriate safety clothing should be worn.

Further information

If you require any further information regarding the content of this information sheet, please contact the DfT at the address below:

Transport Technology and Standards

Department for Transport

Zone 2/05

Great Minster House

76 Marsham Street

London

SW1P 4DR

Telephone: 020 7944 2091

Fax: 020 7944 2196

Email:

NOTE: The information in this document is a summary of the Departments understanding of what the law requires. However, ultimately the interpretation of the law is a matter for the courts based on individual facts of any particular case. You are therefore advised to consult the relevant legislation and, if necessary, seek independent advice.