An online petition calling for the regulation of motorised bicycles has been launched in the wake on an accident in Fleur-de-Lys Road which left an elderly pedestrian seriously injured. The bicycle was being driven by a 17-year-old boy.

“The gentleman in question is a much loved husband, father and grand father who was doing nothing wrong but happened to be crossing the road when the lights were red and he had right of way,” petition promoter Matthew Agius said.

“These electric motored bicycles do not come under any road legislation, the riders do not need to have a licence, they do not pay insurance or road tax and they do not have to wear safety helmets. More importantly they do not have to be of a certain age,” he said.

Relatives of the victim were among the first to sign the petition.

A number of other people also enclosed their comments.

Will Nicholls said: “Children on fast machines with no training is pure insanity and (it is) indeed irresponsible policing to allow it to continue.”

Another signatory said: "These modes of transport must be subject to the normal regulations for the vehicle and the driver/rider ie Tests, Licences and be held accountable for damage done, especially where human life endangered or ended."

Jeremy Marsh complained that in Qala, Gozo, these motorised bicycles are also very noisy because the silencers have been removed. The owners seldom have lights at night and don't wear safety helmets. “They are both highly irritating and dangerous to us all.”

Neil Meston said he could not believe that these machines do not have any legal requirements for ownership, let alone any roadworthy certificate.

“At least what about brakes? You cannot expect any form of safety from a machine that has no legally enforceable requirements from a driver or roadworthiness stance. Either ban them or bring in some restrictions/qualifications on their use,” he said.

Karl Scicluna said he hoped for quick government action.