News

MINI MOTOS GUIDE

There is growing concern about the problem of mini motorbikes being used on roads, pavements and in other places that cause disturbance and are dangerous to others.

Although marketed as 'toys', mini motos can reach speeds of up to 60mph and there have been fatalities and serious injury as a result of accidents.

The Home Office has provided the following guidance in connection with the use of:

• petrol driven mini motorbikes

• go-peds

• electric and petrol driven scooters

• some off-road motorbikes

Q: Where can mini motos be used legally?

A: On private land only with the direct permission of the landowner. In the case of parks and forests, the landowner will be the local council.

Q: What other rules apply to the legal use of mini motos?

A: A responsible adult must supervise a rider under 16. The rider should also wear an approved crash helmet (either e-marked or kite-marked).

Q: Can they be used on the road?

A: Only if the rider is over 16, has a driving licence and the vehicle is taxed and insured. They cannot be used on a footpath or cycle route under any circumstances.

Q: If someone is riding a mini moto illegally and causing a danger or nuisance to others, what can be done?

A: Police have a number of courses of action they can take depending on the circumstances:

• following a warning, the bike can be seized by the police (it will cost £120 to have the vehicle returned)

• police officers and police community support officers (PCSOs) can issue a fixed penalty of £80 nuisance behaviour

• the rider can be prosecuted under road traffic law and if found guilty, fined and receive points on their licence (if the rider is too young for a driving licence, the offence will be kept on file and the points deducted when the licence is issued)

• illegal or nuisance use of the bikes can be used to form evidence for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order and Acceptable Behaviour Contract.

As a first course of action, police will always try and reach a voluntary solution with the parents of any children misusing the bikes.

Parents are encouraged to make sure there is somewhere safe and within the law for their children to use the bikes before they buy them.

For more information contact: garry.brimson@kent.pnn.police.uk