Laws in the UK

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awood12345

New Member
Sep 25, 2012
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Kent, UK
Hi Guys/Gals,

I'm new here so sorry if this has been asked before. I really like the idea of building a Board Track style racer but what are the UK laws. I've looked everywhere and from what I can tell there are two ways to build one. Just build it as a motorbike/moped and go through all the testing (looks to be a nightmare) or there seems to be a class called "low powered moped" (not normal moped) that I can't find much about. It seems to be a class for a bicycle with pedals and a motor with less than 1kw (1.34hp) and capable of 16mph but I can't find any more than that. I have always wanted to build a frame/bike and won't use it for anything other than a laugh/challenge. If I need a plate, mirrors and a full set of lights etc... then I won't bother with a small one.

Any advice would be great. brnot

Cheers,
Alan
 
Ludwig II

Ludwig II

Well-Known Member
Jul 17, 2012
5,071
783
113
UK
OK, I'm in Brum, Dougy's in Southport. He's taken a bike through "full power" moped approval, and I've researched all I can about low and full levels.

What is it you actually need to know? The SVA amateur build regs are very straightforward and common sense based.

I haven't looked at the motorcycle rules though, but they're still not OTT. Have you thought about using a second hand motorcycle and effectively doing a build based around it's VIN number? You would have to inform DVLA of colour and engine changes if you did it that way, and go to a specialist insurer for the best deal. A daytime MOT could be had using a pre existing bike as well.

Send me a pm for phone no if you want more info.
 
A

awood12345

New Member
Sep 25, 2012
4
0
0
Kent, UK
Hi Ludwig,

Thanks for the reply. I had a look through one of the sva documents the other day and kept refering to mopeds not the low power mopeds. I couldn't tell the difference. What is the benefit of building a low powered moped over a moped?

I was interested in the low power moped as I was hoping it was more like an electric bicycle with no tax/insurance/lights etc....

Otherwise I'll consider cutting up a small motorbike or something like you say.

I've got 8 bikes in my garage and race them as a hobby so I'm not after performance, just to build a cool small bike.

Cheers,
Alan
 
Last edited:
Ludwig II

Ludwig II

Well-Known Member
Jul 17, 2012
5,071
783
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UK
LP allows you to use non speed rated tyres, just "good construction and quality and suitability for purpose". You are allowed bicycle brakes, where the 28mph regs require proper dum or disc brakes and at least "B" rated tyres. The only other difference I can think of is that LP does not need a brake light.

Chris Corker is the man at VOSA to talk to for chapter and verse, as he's the one who actully writes the rules.
 
Ludwig II

Ludwig II

Well-Known Member
Jul 17, 2012
5,071
783
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UK
What bikes have you got? My team's just won Class 3 of FAB Racing UK's Moto Team series. Number 359, Someone Famous.
 
Ludwig II

Ludwig II

Well-Known Member
Jul 17, 2012
5,071
783
113
UK
You wouldn't know a great lump called Mike Harrison would you? And his brother, Paul? Mike's originally Manchester way, then Tonbridge. Not sure what class he runs in, but I know it's big cc. His 125 4 stroke is already handicapped by carrying 10st more than mine does.
 
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