Mini motorbikes, such as mini motos, mini quad bikes, buzzboards and petrol driven scooters such as go-peds have become a popular 'toy' for young people.
Parents should be aware that the use of these vehicles by unlicensed/uninsured drivers on the road is unlawful despite contrary advice from many salesmen.
What the Law Says
If you are considering using one of these vehicles or buying one for yourself or for a child please consider some of the points below.
- Anyone using one of these motorbikes on a public road must have a driving license, insurance, tax, MOT and index plates and also wear a helmet.
- Mini motos and similar vehicles can be ridden legally on private land, with the owner's consent.
- They cannot be ridden on footpaths, cycle paths, pavements, bridleways, car parks, parks, woods and other public open spaces.
- Anyone, including youngsters who ride miniature vehicles on roads, pavements and car parks, putting pedestrians at risk, are breaking the law and are liable to have their bike seized by police.
- If the rider is too young to drive, any penalty points handed out by the court will be kept on file and activated as soon as they are old enough to apply for a licence.
- In cases where parents or adults are involved in the use they can be prosecuted for aiding and abetting the offence for which they can get up to 6 points on their licence.
What about anti-social behaviour?
- If you are old enough to ride a mini moto then you are old enough to be responsible in the way that you ride your motorbike to prevent it from being a nuisance or danger to other people.
- Remember young children in nearby houses may be trying to sleep, people may be enjoying a walk, some people may not hear or see very well and may not know that you are coming or it may just be that the continual drone of an engine going up and down may become very annoying.
- If you still intend to use your mini moto on private land with the owner's permission please think of the nuisance and safety of other people.
- There are some places where you can ride legally so why not try a simple search in the internet under mini moto to find somewhere legal to ride?
Consequences of misuse
If complaints are made about mini motos being used unlawfully there can be serious consequences for the users.
- Any motorised vehicle ridden illegally or in a careless or anti-social manner may be seized by the police under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002. A fee of £120 is payable to have the vehicle returned.
- The rider, owner or their parents can be subject to a prosecution and a large fine or endorsement.
- Environmental Health Officers may take action in respect of repeated noise.
- Repeated use by the same person could lead to an Anti Social Behaviour Order or Acceptable Behaviour Contract
What about Road safety?
Motorcyclists suffer more risk of death or injury on the road than any other class of road user. When the motorcyclist has a mini moto and is inexperienced, riding off road and not wearing safety equipment this risk often turns to tragedy.
In 2005 there were 5 deaths associated with the use of mini motos, some recent examples are:
- A six year old boy who was crashed into a pavilion in a park and died from head injuries.
- A four year old boy was sitting on the front of a mini moto being driven by his father when it was in collision with a car. The boy was not wearing a crash helmet.
- A seven year old girl was riding a mini quad bike when it hit a wall.
Anyone who rides a motorcycle of whatever size should always wear protective clothing and ride at an appropriate safe speed for the conditions.
Even if the use is off road with the landowners permission safety equipment should be worn, young people should have a responsible adult present and the machine should be checked before use for safety.
