Mini motos must have bike insurance, officer warns

Posted : 29-11-2006

Those considering buying their child a mini motorbike this Christmas are being warned that driving one requires not only a licence but motor insurance also.

According to specialist PC Jim Lavery of the Farncombe and Binscombe division, the mini bikes can only be used in conjunction with a number of rules and have the potential to be dangerous.

"They are not toys," PC Lavery said. "Potential buyers should be aware of the legal position on their use and the penalties for breaking the law."

Such rules require all drivers to have registered, insured and taxed the mini bike, which can only be driven by a person aged over 16 who must wear a helmet.

And as the machines cannot be used in public areas such as roads, parks or woodland, PC Lavery is suggesting that unless a rider has somewhere to use the bike, there is no point in buying one.

"Buying one of these machines without having somewhere to use it is irresponsible," he continued.

In related news, a councillor in Newham is backing action to try and stop the use of mini bikes in the area.

The Newham Recorder reported that Operation Kick Start aims to help residents "reclaim their streets".

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