Changes to the law oblige owners of bicycles fitted with motors exceeding 250W to be insured if used on the road as insurance companies call for tighter enforcement.

A spokesman for the Malta Insurance Association said many of the motorised bicycles on the road were not registered with Transport Malta noting that, in many cases, they were converted by their owners who bought special kits online.

He pointed out that many motorised bicycles were being driven by underage people with little or no respect for the Highway Code.

The spokesman was reacting to concerns raised by readers of the Times of Malta about the increasing number of motorised bicycles on the road which have gained popularity, especially among teenagers.

A few days ago, the transport watchdog warned that, from next month, penalties would be imposed on anyone breaching subsidiary legislation regulating low-powered and pedal cycles. However, no details were given of what form of sanctions would apply.

Transport Malta warned that it was illegal to fit an internal combustion engine or an auxiliary electric motor on a bicycle and drive it on the road. It also warned that all kinds of motorised bicycles had to be inspected by its personnel and then registered.

In case of pedal cycles with a motor exceeding 250W – which would have a top speed of more than 25km per hour – tighter regulations apply. Apart from a registration fee of €11.65, owners would have to sit for a theory test about the Highway Code and be covered by a third party insurance policy.

Premiums paid by policyholders are indirectly funding the cost of accidents caused by uninsured vehicles

Two years ago, a 73 year-old man suffered grievous injures while crossing a road in Fleur-de-lys when he was hit by a motorised bicycle driven by a 17-year-old. The teenager was arraigned and pleaded not guilty.

Sources told this newspaper that in recent weeks the police had received several complaints from residents in Swieqi and San Ġwann about gangs of youths roaming the neighbourhood late at night using motorised bicycles.

Apart from the reckless driving and the hazard they may pose to pedestrians and motorists, residents lamented about the excessive noise emanating from the engines, saying it was disturbing public peace.

Tracing the owners is, however, difficult because there is no obligation at law to display some form of identification.

Though such motorised bicycles and low-powered vehicles are supposed to be registered, their ‘road licence’ remains valid beyond a year and does not require renewal.

The insurance companies are suggesting that the same system adopted for standard vehicles, whose road licence is only renewed against the presentation of a valid motor insurance certificate, should be applied to motorised bicycles to cut abuse.

Asked about claims involving uninsured motorised bicycles, the association spokesman said that, in such cases, vehicle owners who suffer loss or damage could resort to the Protection and Compensation Fund. This is administered by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, which is a legal entity operated by the Malta Insurance Association financed by motor insurers.

“Ultimately, it means that the motor insurance premiums paid by policyholders are indirectly funding the cost of accidents caused by uninsured vehicles. If the situation is not controlled this can affect the cost of motor insurance negatively, causing premiums to rise,” the spokesman said.

What does the law say?

Motorised bicycles are regulated by subsidiary legislation 65.26 governing low-powered vehicles and pedal cycles. This states that:

• Users must be at least 16 years old, wear a helmet and register the vehicle with Transport Malta.

• In case of motors exceeding 250W, users have to sit for a theory test, pay a registration fee of €11.65 and be covered by third party insurance.

• Power assisted pedal cycles must have a speedometer and their exhaust system should not emit sound levels exceeding 91 decibels – equivalent to a noisy home appliance.

• Such bicycles have to be fitted with a front and rear light, are subject to inspections by Transport Malta, the police and local wardens.

• Riding power assisted cycles along a promenade, on footpaths, in pedestrian subways or through road tunnels is prohibited

• User must be in possession of a valid identification document.

keith.micallef@timesofmalta.com