Legal to Ride on Car License Over 125cc

[kil43]

Am a complete noob to the biking world (always wanted to ride but ended up with a car), so please go easy on me lol.

I have been informed that there are some bikes that can be ridden using a car license which are above 50cc (i.e. Yamaha Tricity, Piaggio MP3, etc etc), however does anyone know if this rule only applies to trikes, or alike, which are registered as cars? I have been told that the Piaggio MP3 is considered a car if 300cc but the 400cc model is considered a bike/trike and requires bike licensing.

I am looking to obtain one of these for my sheety Auckland motorway commute, but obviously would not be seeking to do this without getting some standard bike training and becoming confident on one first. And yes I will be looking to getting a bike at some stage with full bike license but this is what I am aiming at now :rolleyes:

I do not like the idea of anything below 200cc, does anyone know of where I might be able to get a full list of bike/trikes that can be ridden using a car license and are over 125cc? Information seems to be quite limited for these.

[EJK]

I heard "trikes" with two wheels in the front is considered a car.

[Hawk]

I heard "trikes" with two wheels in the front is considered a car.

yep they are, this thread has more info (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/181594-Licence-law-for-3-wheels)

[pritch]

Interesting question, I think the information is limited because the field is limited. I have never actually set eyes on one of the models you mention. The Can Am Spyder is the most common three wheeler but It would seem to have the disadvantages of a car and a bike without the advantages.

[kil43]

yep they are, this thread has more info (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/181594-Licence-law-for-3-wheels)

Thanks for the link, but this seems a little conflicting as well. Reason I say this is the link states trikes under 1000kg can be registered as cars, however I have heard (could be BS), that the Piaggio MP3 400cc (and higher), cannot be registered as a car and only the 300cc (and below), can. This goes against the link info as the Piaggio is around the 255kg area.

[kil43]

I heard "trikes" with two wheels in the front is considered a car.

Some yes, and some no from the information I have come across so far. Seems to be weight and cc driven as well which is adding to my confusion lol.

[kil43]

Interesting question, I think the information is limited because the field is limited. I have never actually set eyes on one of the models you mention. The Can Am Spyder is the most common three wheeler but It would seem to have the disadvantages of a car and a bike without the advantages.

Yeah very much so, I think I total I have seen 3 small trikes around.

Yeah its a shame about the larger trikes like the Spyder, I don't really see the point to them but guess they appeal to some people. But good if you have disabilities/confidence issues/getting on in life and still want to ride.

[Hawk]

Yeah very much so, I think I total I have seen 3 small trikes around.

Yeah its a shame about the larger trikes like the Spyder, I don't really see the point to them but guess they appeal to some people. But good if you have disabilities/confidence issues/getting on in life and still want to ride.

the appeal for me is they allow me to ride despite of medical conditions.

[kil43]

You would actually find a 50cc scooter easier to ride as a beginner as they are so much lighter to steer. I had a sit on a Piaggio MP3 once and moving the handle bars from side to side felt similar in weight to my big road bike due to the weight of the second wheel. I was going to demo it but the dealer could not find the key. Having a third wheel would be safer on a wet road but make not much difference as far as safety goes on dry roads.

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately due to "I am looking to obtain one of these for my sheety Auckland motorway commute", a 50cc would not allow me to touch the motorway. Am quite appealed to the Yamaha Tricity ABS version (riding for noobs), but the 125cc on a motorway just doesn't seem to cut it properly. If it was 200cc or higher, it would be the one I would go for. Although is ugly as sin...

[jafagsx250]

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately due to "I am looking to obtain one of these for my sheety Auckland motorway commute", a 50cc would not allow me to touch the motorway. Am quite appealed to the Yamaha Tricity ABS version (riding for noobs), but the 125cc on a motorway just doesn't seem to cut it properly. If it was 200cc or higher, it would be the one I would go for. Although is ugly as sin...
Just get a bike. I never look at scooters on trade me but I'd imagine the ones you've mentioned are expensive. If you are going to have the danger of a bike while riding a scooter you may as well have the fun of a bike. 250's aren't hard to ride or very heavy or very wide so are good for commuting.

[kil43]

***New information update***

Apparently the manufacturer has to register it with 'Land Transport Safety Authority' as a car for them to be legal to ride on car license.

At this stage, this would be the Yamaha Tricity (all versions), Piaggio MP3 300cc and the Cam Am Spyder (although not sure in NZ for the last).

Know idea if this is correct or not though?

[jafagsx250]

Sounds like he does not want to get a motorbike license though which rules out a 250 bike.
The bike license is expensive but worth it. It's not hard to get if you're not an idiot

[kil43]

Sounds like he does not want to get a motorbike license though which rules out a 250 bike.

At this stage that is correct. Do want a bike but need to work up to it IMO.

[kil43]

The bike license is expensive but worth it. It's not hard to get if you're not an idiot

Lol, agreed and something I will def aim toward; at this stage though am just after a trike for commute. The Tricity is 4.5-5k new (inc road costs and GST). The Piaggio is very expensive though, so am on a second hand scout for that.

[Scubbo]

get learners licence - ride this (http://gnear.net/fxr.jpg), $1700 and it's yours! lane splitting machine, so thin and agile, perfect for motorway commute

[Hawk]

***New information update***

Apparently the manufacturer has to register it with 'Land Transport Safety Authority' as a car for them to be legal to ride on car license.

At this stage, this would be the Yamaha Tricity (all versions), Piaggio MP3 300cc and the Cam Am Spyder (although not sure in NZ for the last).

Know idea if this is correct or not though?

Spyder is registered as a car in NZ

[Gremlin]

The confusion you're getting is because there is no consistency. Some 3 wheelers are registered as cars, some as bikes, sometimes even the same model depending on whether NZ new or import. There are adjustments for those registered as cars for things like needing to wear a helmet, but not have seatbelts etc.

Essentially, the most clarity you're going to get is around registration. If it's registered as a car, then you need a Class 1 on your Drivers licence. If it's a bike, then you need a Class 6.

[FJRider]

Thanks for the link, but this seems a little conflicting as well. Reason I say this is the link states trikes under 1000kg can be registered as cars, however I have heard (could be BS), that the Piaggio MP3 400cc (and higher), cannot be registered as a car and only the 300cc (and below), can. This goes against the link info as the Piaggio is around the 255kg area.

I found this ...

http://www.autobase.co.nz/motorbikes-for-sale/Piaggio/MP3/Scooter/2831294.htm

[FJRider]

Sounds like he does not want to get a motorbike license though which rules out a 250 bike.

But it doesn't rule out a 300cc Piaggio MP3 it would seem ... and if THAT option suits him ... why not ... ??

Making decisions without knowing your options is stupid. Finding out his options is the sole purpose of this thread. And the class of motorcycles (with two wheels) that can be legally ridden on a class 1 license ... are well under 250cc.

But I'm sure he appreciates your ... help ... ??

http://www.autobase.co.nz/motorbikes-for-sale/Piaggio/MP3/Scooter/2831294.htm

[jasonu]

Am a complete noob to the biking world (always wanted to ride but ended up with a car), so please go easy on me lol.

I have been informed that there are some bikes that can be ridden using a car license which are above 50cc (i.e. Yamaha Tricity, Piaggio MP3, etc etc), however does anyone know if this rule only applies to trikes, or alike, which are registered as cars? I have been told that the Piaggio MP3 is considered a car if 300cc but the 400cc model is considered a bike/trike and requires bike licensing.

I am looking to obtain one of these for my sheety Auckland motorway commute, but obviously would not be seeking to do this without getting some standard bike training and becoming confident on one first. And yes I will be looking to getting a bike at some stage with full bike license but this is what I am aiming at now :rolleyes:

I do not like the idea of anything below 200cc, does anyone know of where I might be able to get a full list of bike/trikes that can be ridden using a car license and are over 125cc? Information seems to be quite limited for these.

Anyone who wants to ride any sort of moped, scooter or motorcycle legally on public roads should be made to get a proper motorcycle license before being allowed to do so.

[jafagsx250]

Lol, agreed and something I will def aim toward; at this stage though am just after a trike for commute. The Tricity is 4.5-5k new (inc road costs and GST). The Piaggio is very expensive though, so am on a second hand scout for that.

I'm not trying to convince you to get a bike as I don't mind what you get but for 5 grand you can get a sweet bike or that fxr150 and spend a grand on gear and you'll have 2.3 grand left. Just seems more cost effective to get a bike to Mr.



get learners licence - ride this (http://gnear.net/fxr.jpg), $1700 and it's yours! lane splitting machine, so thin and agile, perfect for motorway commute

When I was going to go to uni it was either one of those or a cbr125r for commuting. Would be excellent at it.


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[Swoop]

a 50cc would not allow me to touch the motorway.

From what I've witnessed, some "scroterists" would not see this as an impediment to being on the motorway...

[jafagsx250]

get learners licence - ride this (http://gnear.net/fxr.jpg), $1700 and it's yours! lane splitting machine, so thin and agile, perfect for motorway commute

Is this in dork land like your profile suggests?

[Moi]

The Piaggio MP3s that are being offered for sale as "ride it on a car licence" may well be the LT version. The original version could only be registered as a bike, so Piaggio developed the LT version which complies with EU regulations about what can be ridden on a car licence. The LT version has a wider track at the front than the original and also has a foot brake with operates both front and rear brakes, as well as the usual hand brakes.

If these vehicles can be registered as a car and so carry car number plates both front and rear then they should be treated as a car when it comes to bus, and T2/3, lanes and not be allowed to be used in those lanes. It is registered as a car then it is a car and cars are not permitted to use bus lanes.

If you seriously want to commute on two-wheels then seriously consider either a bike, which you has discounted, or a scooter round the 150+cc and begin on getting your bike licence.

[WristTwister]

I am looking to obtain one of these for my sheety Auckland motorway commute, but obviously would not be seeking to do this without getting some standard bike training and becoming confident on one first. And yes I will be looking to getting a bike at some stage with full bike license but this is what I am aiming at now :rolleyes:

I do not like the idea of anything below 200cc.

Just bite the bullet and do the Basic Handling Course and Learner Theory test, then you can ride any LAMS approved crotch rocket your heart desires.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4sed644SA4

[Moi]

I would have thought though just because a trike qualifies for car registration it can not be called a car in name as well. Perhaps they need to be given a registration between what you pay for a car and a bike as they do offer a mostly wet road safety advantage over a bike.

If it is registered as a car and if that's what the vehicle is recorded as on its registration document then it is a car... they carry car number plates... it's a car...

and should be treated as one...

[FJRider]

The Piaggio MP3s that are being offered for sale as "ride it on a car licence" may well be the LT version. The original version could only be registered as a bike, so Piaggio developed the LT version which complies with EU regulations about what can be ridden on a car licence. The LT version has a wider track at the front than the original and also has a foot brake with operates both front and rear brakes, as well as the usual hand brakes.

If these vehicles can be registered as a car and so carry car number plates both front and rear then they should be treated as a car when it comes to bus, and T2/3, lanes and not be allowed to be used in those lanes. It is registered as a car then it is a car and cars are not permitted to use bus lanes.

If you seriously want to commute on two-wheels then seriously consider either a bike, which you has discounted, or a scooter round the 150+cc and begin on getting your bike licence.

Well if they are registered as cars ... why are these Piaggio's ... the MP500 series (Actually 460cc) on the LAM's list ... ??

http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/07/07/2015-piaggio-mp3-500-abs-first-ride-three-wheel-scooters-review-photos

But in my opinion .... WristTwister is correct. For minimal effort and cost ... a class 6L is available. Heaps of bikes then available that handle better and more power and speed) than a 3 wheel auto-cycle ... <_<

[FJRider]

I would have thought though just because a trike qualifies for car registration it can not be called a car in name as well. Perhaps they need to be given a registration between what you pay for a car and a bike as they do offer a mostly wet road safety advantage over a bike.

The Piaggio MP3s (and all the Piaggio range) are actually on the NZTA LAM's list. Thus ... they are not cars ... They are (at least in NZ) ... Motorcycles.

[FJRider]

At this stage, this would be the Yamaha Tricity (all versions), Piaggio MP3 300cc and the Cam Am Spyder (although not sure in NZ for the last).

Know idea if this is correct or not though?

In New Zealand ... only a valid car licence is required to operate the Can-Am Spyder.

http://au.brp.com/spyder/shopping-tools/licensing-requirements.html

If you have the money .... :2thumbsup

[Moi]

Well if they are registered as cars ... why are these Piaggio's ... the MP500 series (Actually 460cc) on the LAM's list ... ??

http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/07/07/2015-piaggio-mp3-500-abs-first-ride-three-wheel-scooters-review-photos

But in my opinion .... WristTwister is correct. For minimal effort and cost ... a class 6L is available. Heaps of bikes then available that handle better and more power and speed) than a 3 wheel auto-cycle ... <_<

The first MP3/Fuoco scooters that came into NZ were from the original series and they are classified as motorbikes, both here and in the EU:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/scooters/auction-1202615359.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/scooters/auction-1211174680.htm

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/scooters/auction-1160483157.htm

Piaggio altered the front track and fitted a foot brake and called them "LT" which complied with EU regulations which allowed them to be ridden with a full drivers licence. The one in that article is an LT version - there's a foot brake on the right foot board [like the foot brake on traditional Vespa scooters].

Agree about doing the learn to ride a bike and get a 6F licence in time - whether you ride a 150cc scooter or a 1800cc cruiser: do the training and ride safe...

[FJRider]

Agree about doing the learn to ride a bike and get a 6F licence in time - whether you ride a 150cc scooter or a 1800cc cruiser: do the training and ride safe...

It's about (his) personal choice. Knowledge is power ... and this thread may help with his choice.

My advice would be for him to do the sums ... but money may not be his bottom line. Simply (his) personal preference.

[FJRider]

Essentially, the most clarity you're going to get is around registration. If it's registered as a car, then you need a Class 1 on your Drivers licence. If it's a bike, then you need a Class 6.

Not even then ... <_<

A Motorcycle dealer is selling Piaggio's in the motorcycle section of Trademe ... and stating they can be ridden on a car license ... ???

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/scooters/auction-1209439481.htm

[Hawk]

Even though some ...cars... are ridden as motorcycle and require a car licence to be legal, from my experience I would not like to take on one those vehicles without at the very least having a full motorcycle licence (implies a certain level of experance) because since changing to a Spyder my bikers radar (the want if factor) has enabled me to avoid some unpleasantness and hospital time.

just because you ride a car does not mean you avoid the SMIDSY

[danchop]

what a fucked up country,how the fuck do those 3 wheeled things pass as a car?so legally you could be ticketed for riding your tricycle in a buslane approved for motorcycles and get parking tickets for parking in a motorbike space(ive seen a canam ticketed for this and good job)
Anyway, if your intent on getting one of these toddler three wheelers get the yamaha 125,ive been riding my 125 primary schoool two wheel scooter in the fast lane on aucklands motorways for a good 10 years and its adequate in light traffic and next to unbeatable in gridlock..
Just dont hold the rest of us up trying to lanesplit/filter sitting there trying to decide whether your fucken two wheels will fit between the traffic or not

[MarkH]

get learners licence - ride this (http://gnear.net/fxr.jpg), $1700 and it's yours! lane splitting machine, so thin and agile, perfect for motorway commute

I have to agree. It would take so little cost and effort to get the learner's motorcycle license and then you open up a whole heap of options.
I have no idea of why anyone would be so reluctant to go the easiest route.

[Luckylegs]

it does appear having a 3rd wheel can turn your bike into a car according to the NZTA. I must email them to find out if there is any logic behind it considering from an impact perspective they would come off just as bad as a bike.

I think that might be the idea. Get as many of the people willing to ride one to get 'emselves killed on it. The fact they're riding them suggests theyve given up on life anyway...

[caspernz]

Just stop faffing about, learn how to ride on two wheels and go thru the bike licence process...:cool:

[tamarillo]

OP! The Yamaha tricity is made for you. It rides like a bike, leans etc, but has enhanced stability and grip. It is ride on car license with Yamaha NZ fitting locally made front licence plate holder. The 125 is totally capable of an auckland commute, and it is remarkably cheap.
Local rider has one and bought it to training day on go cart track. Surprised a few people! He find sit capable of motorway speed for short runs.
If later you want a two wheeler fine, but these really are bikes with extra tyre grip and stability at slow speed.


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[Moi]

... Yamaha tricity is made for you. It rides like a bike, leans etc, but has enhanced stability and grip...

I'd suggest that using the word "stability" gives the wrong impression of one of them - the Yamaha leans and so has the potential to be dropped like any other two-wheeler, whereas stability tends to give the impression that it is unlikely to do that...

stability - noun: stability: the state of being stable

I'd suggest it is better to describe the Yamaha as being more "surefooted" than a two-wheeler... it can still be dropped but the two front wheels are less likely to slide out on slippery road surfaces...

sure-footed - adjective: unlikely to stumble or slip

[tamarillo]

I'd suggest that using the word "stability" gives the wrong impression of one of them - the Yamaha leans and so has the potential to be dropped like any other two-wheeler, whereas stability tends to give the impression that it is unlikely to do that...

stability - noun: stability: the state of being stable

I'd suggest it is better to describe the Yamaha as being more "surefooted" than a two-wheeler... it can still be dropped but the two front wheels are less likely to slide out on slippery road surfaces...

sure-footed - adjective: unlikely to stumble or slip

Pedantic ?


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[Berries]

Pedantic ?
I think you meant pedant.