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Monkey Bike Crackdown Making Victorian Roads Safer

06 January 2017

Legislation introduced by the Andrews Labor Government to impound and crush dangerous miniature motorbikes, known as monkey bikes, is already making our roads safer.

Victoria Police this week spotted a man pushing a monkey bike in Melton, and despite the man’s best efforts to ride off – he dumped the bike before fleeing on foot.

The new powers, which came into effect on 1 January 2017, give police the ability to seize and impound miniaturised motorcycles that have been used on a road or road related area.

The offender or owner will be required to appear in court where they can receive a fine of up to $3109 and the monkey bike may be crushed.

If police find a monkey bike without a rider, the bike will be impounded and crushed after three months.

Riders who are found not to have a valid motorcycle licence will be charged with unlicensed driving.

Victoria Police traditionally receive about 5000 calls each year about kids causing trouble on mini bikes – which are unsafe and pose a threat to not only the riders, but pedestrians.

Tragically, monkey bikes have already cost two Victorian lives in recent years, including a mother of two who was struck by a monkey bike in a Carrum Downs shopping centre car park in 2015.

Monkey bikes remain legal for use on private property, such as a gated farm.

Some other types of miniature motorcycles that meet standards also remain legal under the new definition of a “miniaturised motorcycle” in road safety laws.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Roads Safety Luke Donnellan

“We’re protecting road users and pedestrians, and our police now have the power to crack down on riders who are caught doing the wrong thing.”

“Police won’t be granting second chances when it comes to keeping these bikes off our streets, and keeping people safe.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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