NEW LEGISLATION MOVES THE GOAL POSTS ON ROAD LEGAL QUADS

Although the motorcycle lobby got their way and had an exemption on tampering included for large motorcycles, it is not good for all. The new ECWVTA 2010/0271 standards passed by the European parliament on 20 November 2012 will have a drastic effect on the future of road registered quads, ATVs and Side-by-sides
The first hurdle of "first reading" has passed and they do not expect to introduce any further amendments before final adoption
The ATVEA had suggested a number of ammendments to the bill, but only some of them have been included.

There are now multiple classications for road quads as follows

• L7e Heavy quadricycle
  • Leisure Quads, ATVs, SBS
    • Four wheels and powered by a propulsion as listed under Article 4(3) and
    • Mass in running order:
      • <=450 kg for transport of passengers
      • <= 600 kg for transport of goods.
  • L7e-A Heavy on-road quad
    • L7e Vehicle not complying with the specific classification criteria for a L7e-B or a L7e-C vehicle and
    • Vehicle designed for the transport of passengers only and
    • Maximum continous rated or net power (1) <= 15 kW and
  • L7e-A1 heavy on-road quad
    • Maximum two straddle seating positions, including the seating position for the rider and
    • Handlebar to steer.
  • L7e-A2 heavy on-road buggy
    • maximum two non-straddle seating positions, including the seating position for the driver.
  • L7e-B Heavy all terrain quad
    • L7e vehicle not complying with the specific classification criteria for a L7e-C vehicle and
    • Ground clearance >=180 mm and
  • L7e-B1 All terrain quad
    • Maximum two straddle seating positions, including the seating position for the rider and
    • Equipped with a handlebar to steer and
    • Maximum design vehicle speed <= 90 km/h and
    • Wheelbase to ground clearance ratio <= 6.
  • L7e-B2 Side-by-side buggy
    • L7e-B vehicle other than a L7e-B1 vehicle and
    • Maximum three non-straddle seats of which two positioned side-by-side, including the seating position for the driver and
    • Maximum continuous rated or net power (1) <= 15 kW and
    • Wheelbase to ground clearance ratio <= 8.
• T Tractor - farm quads & UTVs
  • T2b Heavyweight SBS E.g. Mule 4010, Ranger Diesel
    • With the closest axle to the driver having a minimum track width of not less than 1 150 mm
    • with an unladen mass, in running order, of more than 600 kg
  • T3b ATV and lightweight SBS E.g. Farm Quad, Mule 610, Ranger 400
    • Wheeled tractors with an unladen mass, in running order, of not more than 600 kg;

  What are the changes to the regulations

  • Anti Tampering for power output on all max 15kw vehicles
  • Anti Tampering for max speed on all max 90km/h vehicles
  • On/Off road quads no longer have to be restricted to 15kw, but have a 90km/h restriction instead
  • ALL NEW VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO HAVE A DIFFERENTIAL FITTED BY 2016
  • Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions have to be attained
  • Quads registerd using the tractor homologation must be fitted with ROPS - Roll over protection
  • Quads registered using the tractor homologation must be fitted seat belts
  • All vehicles to be fitted with OBD - on board diagnosis
  • Manufacturers of all type approved vehicles to make maintenance and OBD information available to all

  Will this affect the MSVA process?

  VOSA regularly issue updates to the MSVA standards, and not all changes require a consultation exercise.
  We don't know whether VOSA plan to change the test inline with these changes.
  Hopefully they will drop the 15kw limit from the date the new legislation comes into force.

  Will this affect the MOT process?

  TBA