What is the law on kids riding powered quadbikes

Miss L Toe

Miss L Toe

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I post this because I was watching two young people riding on one brand new small quad bike today, one was sat in front of the other and was maybe 5 or 6, the other was certainly under thirteen, they were driving this thing up and down the pavement, across the road and up and down the public foot path [mud and stone], I told one of them off for going on the road, their father was also riding this thing on the pavement. http://www.funbikes.co.uk/pl-Kids_Quad_Bikes_50cc_100cc-34-0.aspx
I am pretty sure this is illegal, but what concerns me is what would happen in case of an accident, or even meeting them on the footpath with a horse. What would possess a father to allow his kids to take such risks?
 
If they are using a petrol powered vehicle on a public road, then I believe the laws are the same as mopeds etc. They should have road tax and insurance, ring the police none emegency number if they are there again tomorrow.
 
On a road, all mechanised vehicles require MOT, insurance and tax (I think). It is illegal to use a vehicle which has neither of those. They can only be used on private land with permission of the land owner. I think the exception is a mobility scooter. If he has all three of the necessary, the father is ok, the kids are not and no-one should be on the pavement.
 
Agree with the answers the pavements are public highways for pedestrians so they shouldnt be on them on a quad bike. Kids are underage etc etc. Wont be insured(I guess the adult quad wont be road legal either not many are modified for this purpose).

They can ride all they like on private land however if a farmer has given them permission they should not be going on any ROW/Highway not suitable for motorised vehicle if they do this to reach the private land. They are breaking the law.

Police job really. Find the local police direct phone number you might have a rural officer that could go and speak to them perhaps.
 
I arrived at my field last summer to find field-sharer's dad and small children riding quad bike in field with my (and theirs) horses loose..:eek: they had to have ridden a short distance by road to get there..but then I live in a completely rural area where it is not uncommon to see under 12's riding quad bikes on the road for farming tasks and indeed driving tractors :eek:....the only way I could look at it without looking askance was that my horse seemed relatively unfussed :confused: and they were doing a great job of desensitising/traffic-proofing him...:rolleyes:
Not a comfortable sight mind you.
 
Like non plated trail bikes, unplated quad bikes are only allowed on private land and then ONLY with the permission of the landowner. They are not allowed on public roads or pavements to reach that land.

A lot of the owners of them seem very ignorant of that fact and also of the nuisance that they create both in terms of the speed they hare around and the noise nuisance.
 
Quad bikes can become unstable and proper training is required. In a work situation there are requirements and guidance.

See: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/afag701.pdf

But I appreciate that you're not talking about a work situation. Sadly kids have died. Trouble is the message doesn't seem to get through to some parents. Perhaps there should be a duty on those who sell them to make sure that they pass on the legalities and that in the wrong hands and without training death may occur!

See: http://www.brake.org.uk/facts/quad-bikes-and-mini-motos.htm

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/365428-quad-bike-girls-dad-spared-jail

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-son-killed-teenage-girl-quad-bike-crash.html
 
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