minimoto message

Message Re Minimotos

Dear resident, in partnership with Local Councillors ,I am distributing this message to all households to inform residents as to the status and legality of “MINIMOTO” type toy motorcycles, the type intended for young children/ teenagers, examples of which are shown.

You may have seen this type of machine being used on roads, paths and open areas, Many outlets now sell these machines, and they are gaining in popularity fast despite prices around the £300 mark in many cases.They are marketed as “Toys” and should not be confused with legitimate mopeds and scooters which are intended for transportation purposes on the Public highway.

What is perhaps not pointed out so readily is that as far as the law is concerned, they are NOT a toy, but are classed as a “Motor Vehicle” (a legal term) which means that they effectively have similar status to any car or motorbike on the road. This means that they should be taxed, insured, licensed etc and it therefore follows that they simply cannot be used legally on any Public road or any part of a road such as the pavement.The use of them on ANY Public land, such as parks or pathways is also highly illegal.The bottom line here is that the ONLY place that these machines can be used legally is on PRIVATE PROPERTY, for instance your own drive or garden, or private land where permission has been granted i.e. TRAX down on the Dock estate, (where an entry fee is charged).

I am sorry to have to point this “bad news” out to owners or prospective owners, But I feel a responsibility to residents on my beat who may not be aware of the very limited use of these expensive items, and I hope this information may be of use if you own or are thinking of purchasing such a machine.It is worth noting that the penalties for misuse of these machines, (and this applies to ANY motor vehicle) are severe, for instance their use on a public road-no licence, insurance ,tax etc-£200 Fixed Penalty, and their use on Public parks/paths open ground “likely to cause annoyance to members of the Public”can result in a severe fine and in BOTH cases, additionally, subject to a warning, the machine can be seized by the Police and removed. The owner would have to pay a considerable sum of money for its return, often close to or exceeding the value of the bike.

PS Bridgeworth Lea Community Sergeant tel 209429

Lea