Mopeds Slip Under the Radar

MTA welcomes the Government’s Safer Journeys strategy, and is particularly pleased with the proposed initiatives around motorcycle safety, which include improving motorcycle rider training and assessment tools, the introduction of a specific moped licence for riders and power to weight restrictions for novice riders.

MTA has lobbied hard for these changes and we are pleased that the Government has listened to our concerns around introducing a specific moped licence for riders. However, we believe that a Warrant of Fitness (WoF) test for mopeds has slipped under the radar of driving rule changes being made.

MTA is disappointed that the Government has chosen to overlook a mandatory WoF test for mopeds and believes it is in contradiction with the other motorcycle safety initiatives announced this week.

Mopeds are travelling on the roads mixing with all other traffic. They have tyres, brakes and indicators, just like every other powered device - so why would this class of motorcycle be exempt from passing a roadworthiness inspection?

The Government has indicated to MTA that mopeds are a low cost transport option and they would like to keep it that way. Officials believe that most moped riders are students or low income earners who might struggle to meet compliance costs.

MTA is pleased with the overall result and hopeful that we will soon see safety initiatives applied to moped vehicles as well.