New Mini Motorcycle Craze Raises Safety Issues

POSTED: 3:54 pm EDT July 25, 2004
CONCORD, NH -- New Hampshire police are trying to decide what motor vehicle rules apply to a new craze - pocket bikes that are about 16 inches tall with speeds of up to 40 mph.

The miniature motorcycles sell for as little as $200 and retailers say they can't keep them in stock.

Derry Police Chief Edward Garone said officers are telling riders to get off public roads or they'll be ticketed for offenses ranging from driving an unregistered motor vehicle to operating without a license.

Meanwhile, groups of enthusiasts have sprung up around the state to race the tiny bikes in large parking lots.

State officials acknowledge the laws don't specifically address new technologies like the bikes - which means police are treating the machines as everything from motorcycles, mo-peds to motorized toys.

Complete Story... (http://www.thewmurchannel.com/news/3575312/detail.html)

These pocket bikes are very popular out here in California. I see them on my street all the time. They look like fun, but not safe on public roads.

These pocket bikes are very popular out here in California. I see them on my street all the time. They look like fun, but not safe on public roads.

I can see it now, the parents of the first kid to get hit will wanna sue the driver of the car. It's gonna be a mess I bet.

these things arent "new"....they have been around for years

however....the fad is just now catching on....and also..they are not just for kids...they will support up to a 275lb rider and there is sanctioned racing events at road courses across the country.

check out the xtreme pocket bike...do a googlesearch