Improving moped standards a great first step

Media Release 25 March 2011

Improving moped standards a great first step

News that the Government is moving to make import compliance and vehicle identification number (VIN) mandatory for mopeds will be welcomed by the motor industry says the Motor Trade Association (MTA).

After numerous submissions and approaches to Government on this issue, New Zealand Transport Agency’s (NZTA) recent announcement that mopeds will be visually inspected and have a VIN for entry into New Zealand, will go a long way to ensuring higher standards of safety for moped riders, says MTA.

Over recent years there has been strong growth in the number of both makes and importers of mopeds entering New Zealand. In 2010, there were almost 2,500 new mopeds registered along with a further 500 used imported units.

Commenting, MTA Marketing and Communications General Manager Ian Stronach said “While some mopeds have been of marketable quality, others have been well below accepted standards of durability, safety and after-market support. Many of our members have had to deal with owners who have suffered significant failure either to the machines themselves or in the delivery of after-sales service.”

The new Rule, set to come into effect from July 2011, will mean any moped (motorcycles 50cc and under and with a top speed of not more than 50 km/h) will be inspected visually before it can be registered in New Zealand, thereby removing the possibility that substandard and non-compliant mopeds may be registered.

According to NZTA, the Rule has been introduced “because there have been cases of substandard mopeds entering the country with defects including faulty steering and poor-quality shock absorbers. Requiring mopeds to have a VIN will ensure that they comply with New Zealand safety standards. The new requirement will also remove the possibility of falsely registering larger motorcycles as mopeds.”

Moped sales tend to follow the price of fuel, and based on previous patterns, sales this year could reach the 5,000 unit mark, making the introduction of this Rule a great first step in increasing the safety of moped riders.

Stronach adds “We still believe there is a case for mopeds to also be subject to a WoF regime like all other vehicles on the road. Apart from being consistent, an increasing number of drivers and riders are coming to rely on WoF as the primary means of determining if their bike or vehicle is up to an acceptable safety standard.”

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