North Wales Police are warning parents that they could get more than they bargained for if they buy their children a Mini-Moto or Go-Ped for Christmas.
Mini-motos are miniature, petrol-driven motorcycles and scooters and have become a popular item on youngsters’ wish lists over the past few years.
Many people are unaware of the legalities regarding the use of Mini-Motos or Go-Peds and officers are issuing the following advice:
- 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.
Under current legislation the police have a number of powers to seize and destroy mini-motos, if they are being used irresponsibly. Mini-motos and Go-peds can be seized by the police under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002.
Superintendent Simon Shaw from North Wales Police’s Roads Policing Unit said: “I would urge parents not to buy mini-motos or go-peds. They are dangerous as many fail to meet even the most basic safety regulations.
“They are a waste of money as it is illegal to ride them on roads or other public places. I would hate to think of any young person being seriously injured or even killed as a consequence of having had one of these for Christmas. In many circumstances the law provides us with the power to seize and subsequently destroy them. To minimise the chance of someone being killed or seriously injured we will use those powers when ever we can.”
