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Motorcycles and mopeds

Classes of motorcycles and mopeds

There are two classes of mopeds:

  • mopeds with two wheels (LA)
  • mopeds with three wheels (LB).

There are three classes of motorcycles:

  • motorcycle (LC)
  • motorcycle and sidecar (LD)
  • motor tricycle (LE).

See also: Which is my vehicle class? 

Mopeds (classes LA and LB)

Vehicle has to meet standard if made on or after...

What sort of standard?

Under what legislation?

1 January 2006

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004

1 January 2006

If fitted:

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004

27 February 2005

Installation standard for lighting on this class of vehicles
OR
fitting requirements in lighting rule*

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004

1 October 2002

Light-vehicle brakes

Land Transport Rule: Light-vehicle Brakes 2002

1 January 1996

Direction indicators

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004

1 January 1992

Rear reflectors

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004

*The number, position and performance of lighting equipment on vehicles manufactured after 27 February 2005 must meet either an installation standard or the relevant requirements in 3.3, 4.3, 6.3, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 8.3 and 9.3 of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

Other moped requirements

More information for moped riders

Motorcycles (classes LC, LD and LE)

Vehicle has to meet standard if made on or after...

What sort of standard?

Under what legislation?

1 January 2006

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004

1 January 2006

If fitted:

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004

27 February 2005

Installation standard for lighting on this class of vehicles
OR
fitting requirements in lighting rule**

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004

1 October 2002

Light-vehicle brakes

Land Transport Rule: Light-vehicle Brakes 2002

1 October 2002

Tyres and wheels*

Land Transport Rule: Tyres and Wheels 2001

1 January 1996

Direction indicators

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004

1 January 1992

Rear reflectors

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004

* You may fit tyres that meet New Zealand standards to your vehicle after it arrives in the country.

**The number, position and performance of lighting equipment on vehicles manufactured after 27 February 2005 must meet EITHER an installation standard(external link) OR the relevant requirements in 3.3, 4.3, 6.3, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 8.3 and 9.3 of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

Differences between mopeds and motorcycles

Here's how mopeds and motorcycles differ across a range of vehicle and driver requirements.

 

Mopeds

Motorcycles

Registration
and licensing

'Moped' means a motor vehicle (other than a power-assisted pedal cycle) that has—
(a) 2 or 3 wheels; and
(b) a maximum speed not exceeding 50 kilometres per hour; and
(c) either—
(i) an engine cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cc; or
(ii) a power source other than a piston engine

'Motorcycle' means a motor vehicle running on two wheels or not more than three wheels when fitted with a sidecar,
and
includes a vehicle with motorcycle controls that is approved as a motorcycle by the Transport Agency,
but
does not include a moped.

Vehicle standards

Under vehicle standards, mopeds must meet requirements of vehicle classes LA or LB.

Under vehicle standards, motorcycles must meet the requirements of vehicle classes LC, LD or LE.

Warrant of fitness (WoF)
inspection

Aren’t required to be regularly inspected for a WoF.

Must be regularly inspected for a WoF.

Driver licence

Riders can hold any New Zealand driver licence (eg car driver licence) to ride a moped.

Riders must have a motorcycle driver licence to ride a motorcycle.

Similarities between mopeds and motorcycles

  • Both must be designed and constructed to meet vehicle standards for lighting, brakes and tyres.

  • They must both be registered and licensed before you can use them on the road.

  • You must securely fix and clearly display the number plate at the rear of your vehicle.

  • You must wear an approved safety helmet.

  • You cannot ride motorcycles or mopeds on the footpath.

  • You can ride both along bus lanes and transit lanes – unless signs posted on the lane prohibit it.

Ensure your safety

  • It’s illegal to register a motorcycle as a moped.

  • It’s unsafe to drive a motorcycle without the proper driver training and driver licence.

  • It’s illegal and unsafe to ride either type of vehicle without an approved helmet to protect you. We also recommend you wear other safety clothing, such as protective gloves and footwear.

See more tips on motorcycle safety

Check out Ride Forever(external link), a website for motorcyclists that includes advice on road awareness.