Riding a moped in France...

[Bob T]

Hi all, I've just exchanged several crumpled notes for a decrepit little go-ped for getting around the camp site whilst á Le Sarthe.

What's the score with riding it around whilst there? I know the camp itself should probably be ok since its "off road" but how about outside of the campsite? Are the local plod likely to stop me using it since it isn't on any plates (or yet got any lights for that matter!).

In the UK its a defininite no-no but I know the French are a bit more relaxed about mopeds...

[termietermite]

Hi all, I've just exchanged several crumpled notes for a decrepit little go-ped for getting around the camp site whilst á Le Sarthe.

What's the score with riding it around whilst there? I know the camp itself should probably be ok since its "off road" but how about outside of the campsite? Are the local plod likely to stop me using it since it isn't on any plates (or yet got any lights for that matter!).

In the UK its a defininite no-no but I know the French are a bit more relaxed about mopeds...

They used to be more relaxed but not any more - the regs have changed.  Off road you need responsibilite civile - public liability - insurance (in case you run somebody over) as I need for my 15kph mobility scooter!

[Rhino]

They can also stop you getting it back in at certain entrances. They were trying to stop people using them apart from the campsites.

[Ian (Liverpool Boys)]

If your on Blue Nord,please don't use the campsite as a offroad track,

It will annoy an awful lot of campers.Going to Arnage or public road use fine by us,

but round and round a residential campsite is a definite NO NO

[Bob T]

Yes tearing around a campsite isn't at all fun or sensible! It's supposed to be transport not a race machine so that was never the intention.

Looks like it might not be feasable anyway if I can't take it into town - a shame, it would have been a lot more practical.

[Jules G]

No Panic will be along shortly to advise as well

[clkgtrlm1]

Would the same rules apply to a Velo-Solex?

Would they let it onto circuit on the grounds that it could only be used as a bicycle?

[termietermite]

Would the same rules apply to a Velo-Solex?

It looks like it to me (do you read French?)

http://lesmordusdugalet.free.fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=262&Itemid=51

It seems that they must have a carte grise (log book equivalent) and insurance  here.  I'll do some more research as it's not clear what happens when the thing is UK-owned.  At the least, once again, anything motorised must have public liability insurance, afaik.

[LuxExpat]

Would the same rules apply to a Velo-Solex?

It looks like it to me (do you read French?)

http://lesmordusdugalet.free.fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=262&Itemid=51

It seems that they must have a carte grise (log book equivalent) and insurance  here.  I'll do some more research as it's not clear what happens when the thing is UK-owned.  At the least, once again, anything motorised must have public liability insurance, afaik.

If a 'carte grise' + insurance is needed locally, the same will apply if it's a foreign vehicle, as it does for cars.

[termietermite]

Yes, they must be registered for use on "roads open to traffic".

Sorry folks, it looks like you'll have to resort to pedal power!

[Bob T]

Looks like its back to Shanks' Pony then! 

[landman]

So where is No Panic? 

[Bob T]

Panicking?

[Perdu]

Relax Bob

If you brought the bike it's you we'd be sending to SuperU for more charcoal, you know

  And biere   and cidre   and meat   and  lots of stuff

Not that we won't anyway, it's just that it will be easier in your boulevard cruiser. Nudge nudge




 

[JDS]

If it's a UK one it'll need to meet all of the UK regs for use on the public road (lights, reg, insurance, MOT etc.). If it's French, it now needs a carte gris and insurance and a reg no - older mopeds don't need a reg no (but do need insurance) if they have been owned by the same person continually - as soon as ownership changes it needs a reggo (I believe; Debs will put me right if wrong). The one I use has no reg plate but insurance etc. as it's never changed ownership - I've been pulled a few times by 'les flics' (having a union jack helmet and no reg on the scoot tends to attract attention), but as I have a French driving licence and it's insured they tend to just shrug and send me on my way.