640 Dangerous Bikes Seized

[Raddy]

DATE: Thursday, July 7, 2005


DANGEROUS MONKEY BIKES SEIZED FROM RETAILER

Up to 640 potentially dangerous and banned monkey bikes have been uncovered during a Consumer Affairs Victoria inspection of a West Melbourne retailer, the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Marsha Thomson, announced today.

The seizure comes less than two months after the Bracks Government banned the supply of monkey bikes that failed a four-point safety check.

"I am advised these monkey bikes are in breach of the ban order under the Fair Trading Act and Consumer Affairs Victoria has moved quickly to ensure they do not reach the marketplace," Ms Thomson said.

"A sample of these bikes have been taken for further testing but they are banned from further sale until the results are known.

"Parents should be aware that banned monkey bikes may still available in the marketplace and are unsafe for children to ride.

"Despite the recent ban, some retailers may still be unaware or defying the government order to withdraw from sale all monkey bikes outlined in the ban.

"This latest development should be a warning to all retailers selling these banned monkey bikes that they will be caught and appropriate action will be taken."

She said Consumer Affairs Victoria was still considering what action to take against the retailer.

Ms Thomson said the ban order specified that any monkey bikes, which often look like miniature Harley Davidsons, that had faulty or poor-quality throttles, steering, foot pegs or braking systems were illegal to sell in Victoria.

She said Victoria had taken the national lead on banning dangerous monkey bikes with both the Federal and South Australian governments also looking at the bikes' safety.

"The Bracks Government takes very seriously the safety of Victorian consumers, especially our most vulnerable consumers – children," Ms Thomson said.

"Ban orders like this helps to make Victoria a safer place to live and raise a family."

Ms Thomson said Consumer Affairs Victoria inspectors would continue to patrol the marketplace to ensure that unsafe products were not sold to unsuspecting consumers.

"All known suppliers have been sent letters and information packs outlining the safety standards with the onus on the seller to ensure products complied with the ban order," Ms Thomson said.

"Retailers who sell banned monkey bikes potentially face fines for up to $25,540 for an individual and up to $61, 350 for a company."

[Extreme Marine Concepts]

Yep...as a wise man once said...F@#k m !!!! :evil:

[aussieghostrider]

Some more intresting reading taken from the Daily Telegraph newspaper on 14/7/05.

Bikes hurt more than your pocket

By JAEDENE HUDSON

July 14, 2005

THE Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched an investigation into the safety of popular miniature motorbikes.



The bikes, known as pocket bikes, were bought from the internet by many parents as Christmas presents last year.


They can cost up to $1500, but cheaper versions costing as little as $200 have recently flooded the market, prompting concerns about the quality of these bikes.


Although they can reach speeds of up to 70km/h, there is no requirement for them to meet any safety guidelines relating to brakes, steering, throttle control and foot peg strength.






Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer Chris Pearce said the bikes were not capable of being registered for road use.


"[They] should not to be confused with legitimate off-road mini bikes," he said.


"We are concerned about the level of safety that these bikes provide."


An investigation is under way in the US, where the bikes have been blamed for a number of teenage injuries and deaths.


Despite the concerns, Mason Salim, part-owner of Crazy Pocket Bikes in Caringbah, said customers could get a quality bike from about $499: "The problems are related to bikes that you can get [on the internet] for $200. We have had a few of these bikes coming through. Most people end up throwing them away."


"I have even heard of bikes snapping."


Mr Salim said with no brand names it was hard to let people know which bikes were better but advised potential buyers to look for the quality of the welding, the brake set-up and to make sure the throttle worked properly.
http://www.crazypocketbikes.com.au/

Joe Leone, owner of Kartatak, a go-kart track in Arncliffe that offers pocket bike riders a place to legally ride their machines, said suppliers were bringing them into Australia for as little as $300.


He said the quality dropped dramatically within a few months.
http://www.kartatak.com.au/

The law in NSW restricts the use of motorised scooters to backyards and other private property, such as a farm.


An RTA spokesman said the use of motor vehicles such as scooters, skateboards and mini replica bikes (pocket bikes) on road or road-related areas was subject to fines of at least $900 for operating an unregistered and an uninsured motor vehicle. The rider may also incur a $375 fine for operating a vehicle without the correct licence.

[Raddy]

This is sure something to be mindful of, people.

Pocket bike racing will certainly grow, but I think that the safety standards are a major factor with Ebay bikes.

There are several reputable suppliers that offer a safety compliance certificate when they sell you a bike. I think that this certificate will become a real requirement as pocket bike racing grows.

To all those reading this in Victoria, I don't think it is unreasonable as a customer to request (in writing) that the bike you are purchasing meets the Consumer and Business Affairs safety standards. Make sure you request this prior to bidding on any bike on Ebay. If they won't provide it to you, then don't buy it!