Non-motor vehicle

**Indiana_Jones** · 9th March 2007, 10:42

An importer or user of a low-powered vehicle or mobility device
Some vehicles less than 600 watts may not be considered a 'motor vehicle'
59. What does this involve?

The amendment Act sets out special requirements for vehicles with a power output of less than 600 watts. In particular, the amendment allows the Director of Land Transport to declare that certain vehicles or types of vehicle under 600 watts are not motor vehicles.

If the power output of a vehicle or type of vehicle is 300 watts or less, the Director may declare it is not a ‘motor vehicle’. This means that motorised vehicles with a maximum power output of 300 watts or less (such as an electric scooter) can be exempted from registration, and their drivers would not have to be licensed.
If the power output of a vehicle or type of vehicle is between 300 and 600 watts, the Director may declare it is not a ‘motor vehicle’, but may also set conditions on how to use the vehicle, such as the need to wear a helmet.
While the effect of these declarations will be to remove the vehicles (and their riders or owners) from certain legal obligations – including registration and licensing – it will not remove the general obligation to operate any vehicle in a safe and reasonable manner.

The Director must notify the public of his decisions in the New Zealand Gazette.

Once a class of vehicles has been 'notified' in the New Zealand Gazette, they will be no longer considered 'motor vehicles' in law and people will be able to use them legally without some of the licensing requirements associated with driving a 'motor vehicle'.

60. What is the purpose of this change?

Any vehicle powered by a motor, no matter how small, is considered a 'motor vehicle'. This means that bicycles with a small electric motor and novelty devices (such as motorised skateboards) are defined as 'motor vehicles'.

Legally, a driver of a 'motor vehicle' must be licensed, and the motor vehicle must be registered and display a registration plate. An annual licence fee and ACC levy are also payable.

The proposed change will allow the Director of Land Transport to declare certain appropriate low-powered vehicles not to be ‘motor vehicles’. These will then be able to be used without the need to comply with registration and licensing requirements.

61. When does this come into effect?

The change in law allowing the Director to issue Gazette notices for specific vehicles or types of vehicle is already in place but, until public notices for such vehicles are prepared and advertised in the Gazette, the status quo remains.

I need some transport since I lack my licence, anyone know the rules and loopholes regarding small mopeds etc?

-Indy

**davereid** · 9th March 2007, 10:57

You need a licence for a moped. Even a car learners will do, but you still need a licence.

A licence is NOT required for a mobility scooter, a motorised wheelchair or a Sedgway.

**Indiana_Jones** · 9th March 2007, 11:09

pedal cycles with motors under 300W are not motor vehicles

I have a car licence, but they goes when my bike one goes doesn't it?

-Indy

**Indiana_Jones** · 9th March 2007, 11:10

Power-assisted Pedal Cycles (Declaration Not to be
Motor Vehicles) Notice 2006
Pursuant to section 168A (2) of the Land Transport Act
1998 (“the Act”), and pursuant to an authority delegated
to me by the Director of Land Transport (“the director”),
I, John Patrick White, Manager Vehicles, declare
power-assisted pedal cycles propelled by a motor that has a
maximum power output not exceeding 300 W not to be
motor vehicles.
Dated at Wellington this 31st day of January 2006.
JOHN PATRICK WHITE, Manager Vehicles, acting under
delegated authority from the Director.

-Indy

**Freakshow** · 9th March 2007, 11:19

I thinks its time to get fit!!

**Steam** · 9th March 2007, 11:22

Originally Posted by Indiana_Jones

...not exceeding 300 W not to be
motor vehicles.

300Watts, what is that, one quarter horsepower?? LOL!

**Indiana_Jones** · 9th March 2007, 11:29

Originally Posted by Steam

300Watts, what is that, one quarter horsepower?? LOL!

I can hear danger zone playing in the background as I ride along at 12.3 KPH!

-Indy

**Deviant Esq** · 9th March 2007, 11:29

I think you're gonna be on the pushbike Indy!
I suppose the alternative is to borrow a scooter (so it's not registered to you and therefore not a numberplate they'd watch) and use that as transport. Hopefully the police won't bat an eyelid in your direction.

**dhunt** · 9th March 2007, 11:30

A mate of mine has a electric push bike. With 2 sealed lead acid batteries on either side of the back wheel. It used to go pretty good. I use to have trouble keeping up on my push bike once he got going.

It use to pull around 60-80A starting and about 45A cruising (45*12=540W). He's never been bothered by the cops but then again you don't try and draw attention to yourself.

It was also good enough that sometimes we went 2 up on it places or we could tow another bike (save me pedalling mine).