In a statement, ACIM said the new regulations are specifically directed towards the regulation of pedal and low-powered cycles. Vehicles such as motorised micro scooters and foot scooters, power-assisted cycles and light quadricycles, just to mention a few, all fall within the scope of the Pedal and Low-Powered Cycles Regulations 2004.
In brief, the regulations define a “power-assisted cycle” as a cycle fitted with either an electric or internal combustion motor, “having an output of 250 watts or less and a travelling speed of not more than 25 kilometres an hour”.
The vehicle in question must first be registered with the Malta Transport Authority for a nominal fee of Lm5 before it can be driven on a public road, ACIM said. The regulations further specify that the power-assisted cycle must be fitted with the appropriate equipment including the relative lighting and braking system (as described in the regulations).
Power-assisted cycles may be ridden by anyone who has reached 16 years of age provided that he or she is “in possession of an identity card, and has satisfied the authority that he or she has some knowledge of the Highway Code through a theory test”.
ACIM said that the regulations do not require that power-assisted cycles be covered by third-party insurance in accordance with the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Insurance (third-party risks) ordinance.
In view of the recent increase in cost of insurance premia for motorcycles, this exemption from insurance is truly extraordinary, ACIM commented. Indeed, even with respect to motorists, it is difficult for anyone under 25 to get moderately-priced insurance cover. Yet, 16 years old running around on power-assisted cycles can do so without even the legal third party cover, it added.
Has no one considered that this kind of vehicle can be as life-threatening as any other? the association asks. Hit a child, a slightly-built adult or an elderly person with one of these and the consequences are likely to be gruesome. Who will then pay for the hospitalisation costs, the loss of earnings and direct or indirect damages? The 16-year-old without insurance cover?! ACIM calls for a review of this situation. While the association is committed to free competition in a free market, there should be uniform standards that are uniformly applied. If motor insurance for young adults is high because they could represent a health and safety risk, how can we justify exempting adolescents from giving the public the same safeguards?