Anti social behaviour

Mini motorbikes

Mini-motorbikes, including quad bikes and petrol driven scooters such as "go-peds" have become very popular recently and incidents that disturb local residence, damage the environment and put peoples safety at risk are becoming more frequent.

If you own one or are thinking about purchasing one there are a few facts that you need to know.

Where can I ride it?

They cannot be ridden on the road unless it is licensed, taxed and insured. The rider must be over 16 and be wearing an approved (E or kite marked) crash helmet.
They cannot be ridden on footpathes, cycle paths, pavements or bridleways under any circumstances.
They cannot be ridden in parks, car parks, woods or common open spaces.
They can be ridden on private land, but only with the landowners permission.

Riding your bike

Take your responsibility seriously - think about what you are doing and how it might affect others. It might seem like a lot of fun to you but it could be keeping others awake, spoiling someone's quiet afternoon, frightening children or be creating a danger to other drivers, pedestrians or yourself. Any child using a mini-moto should be supervised by a responsible adult to ensure its safe use.

Find out where you can ride your bike legally. A simple web search should provide you with numerous places and events where you can ride legally.
Most retailers will make you aware of where you can ride legally. If you have purchased one and feel that you were mislead by the retailer please contact Kent County Council's Trading Standards Advice Centre on 0845 603 0081.
These machines are not toys and some are capable of high speeds. To ride them safely you should ensure that the place is suitable and legal and that you wear appropriate safety equipment.

Action that can be taken against you

Mini-motorbikes are classed as a motorised vehicle and when ridden illegally or in a careless or anti-social manner they may be seized by the Police under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act.
This means your bike could be taken away and you will have to pay a fee to get it back.
Court action could be taken against you (or the owner), this could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.
Riders using their vehicles on public roads and footpaths can also be prosecuted under road traffic legislation.
This means you could be find and receive points on your driving licence or be banned from driving.

The Safer Maidstone Partnership will take action against those using these vehicles in an anti-social manner. Evidence gathered could be used to create an Acceptable Behaviour Agreement or go towards an application for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO).

Are you affected?

If you are affected by problems caused by the use of mini-motorbikes or similar vehicles then please contact the Community Safety Team at Maidstone Borough Council.

Information you give us about the problem will be shared with the other agencies that make up the Safer Maidstone Partnership and will allow us to take the most appropriate action.

If an incident is in progress report it to the Police.