Miniature motorbikes and motorised scooters : VicRoads

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Miniature motorbikes and motorised scooters

Miniature motorcycle (‘Monkey bike’)

A miniature motorcycle can’t be used on public roads, footpaths, naturestrips or any other road related areas.

This is because the miniature motorcycle does not meet registration standards and only registered motor vehicles can be used on public roads and related areas.

Whilst a miniature motorcycle can’t be registered , any person who rides it on a public road without a valid motorcycle licence is committing two offences – driving an unregistered vehicle and driving without a licence.

Consumer Affairs Victoria has banned the sale of miniature motorcycles that do not meet safety standards.

For more information visit http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au and check ‘Banned and Related Products’.

Motorised scooter
A petrol powered motor scooter can’t be used on public roads, footpaths, naturestrips or any other road related areas.

An electric powered scooter can be used on footpaths and on public roads provided :

  • the speed limit is no more than 50 km/h and
  • the road has no dividing lines or a median strip 


and the scooter has

  • an ungoverned power under 200 watts and
  • a maximum speed of 10 km/h.

 
A motorised scooter must have brakes, a bell or horn and front and rear lights. The rider must wear a helmet.

Unusual vehicles
Some unusual motor vehicles are being advertised in Australia. These vehicles however can’t be registered. Only registered motor vehicles can be used on roads and other open public areas.

If you see one of these vehicles and you are thinking of buying one, please contact VicRoads on 13 11 71 to check if it can be registered.

Bicycle
A bicycle may have either an electric or petrol powered motor attached provided that the motor’s maximum power does not exceed 200 watts.

You must be under 12 years of age to ride a bicycle on a footpath. Riders 12 years or older must use bicycle paths or the road.

Skateboard, roller skates and roller blades
It is illegal to use motorised versions of a skateboard, roller skates or roller blades on public roads, footpaths , naturestrips
or any road related areas. However they can be used on private property.

Motorised wheelchair
A person whose physical condition requires a wheelchair can ride it on a footpath.

A motorised wheelchair may be driven on a footpath provided its weight, without a person or load , is not over 110 kg and the wheelchair travels no faster than 10 km/h.

Penalties

Offence    Penalty
Unregistered motorcycle with engine capacity of 60 cc or less $115.00
Unregistered motorcycle with engine capacity more than 61 cc but less than 501cc $314.00
Unlicensed driving / riding $524.00


Children under 12
No one including children under 12 years of age can ride a miniature motorcycle or motorised scooter on public roads, naturestrips, footpaths and other road related areas.
 

How can you tell if a miniature motorcycle or a motorised scooter can be used legally on a public road?

Under no circumstances can a miniature motorcycle or petrol powered motor scooter be used on public roads, footpaths, naturestrips or any other road related areas.

If buying an electric scooter, you should check the specifications closely and ask the retailer for written confirmation that the scooter meets regulations. These regulations include the scooter having a power output under 200 watts and has a maximum speed of 10 km/h.

If you are not sure, VicRoads recommends that you do not buy. You should also check that the miniature motorcycle or motorised scooter is not banned by Consumer Affairs Victoria at http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au

Will police confiscate these vehicles from people who are riding them illegally?

No. However riders may be charged with riding an unregistered vehicle or unlicensed riding ; or with both offences.

More information

Contact VicRoads on 13 11 71
Monday to Saturday 8.30 am to 5.00 pm