I saw a guy pedalling a moped in a cycle lane earlier (an old one like [this](https://www.motorbiscuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1978-Puch-Maxi-Newport.jpg) or [this](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/2e/7a/48/2e7a48fc5e0e2d1d069595c0a8d978e4.jpg)), and I’m curious about how the law applies to that particular scenario.
I had a look at the Highway Code, and the only remotely applicable passage I could find was:
> 140\. […] You **MUST NOT** drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its times of operation.
So between that and just common sense I understand that under engine power you definitely can’t use a cycle lane or track with one of these.
But what if you’re just pedalling along with the engine disconnected like the guy I saw? Are you alright to use them then?
Technically it’s still a vehicle with an engine, so I can see it being illegal, but at the same time with all the extra weight you’d be going slower than any other cyclist, so I’d imagine it wouldn’t be as dangerous as riding in a cycle lane with the engine powering it.
3 comments
You’re right it’s vague, but no I don’t believe you are. It is still ultimately a motor vehicle, as it’s capable of motorised travel. If it’s moving with you on it, you are driving a motorised vehicle not a bicycle.
Same applies to motorcycles, technically you can get off a motorcycle and push it through a pedestrianised area. However if you sit on it and paddle your feet, even with the engine off, you’re in control of a motor vehicle and it’s now illegal.
I’d imagine the same applies to mopeds but it’s such an odd scenario I couldn’t say for sure.
If there’s an unbroken white line, you’re not allowed in a cycle lane either to sit there with your engine stopped, to pedal, or to drive using the engine. However, there is so much vagueness in vehicle classification and the rise of e-bikes and e-scooters has only made it worse. There are also exceptions, especially in London. The actual answer would be ten pages of A4 full of exemptions (and I really don’t want to have to type it all). The quick answer (and the one that’s right most of the time) is no, don’t drive in cycle lanes or NCRs.
If it is registered as a moped it would not be allowed to. However I have seen people on regular mopeds go on foot paths which is definitely illegal but what stops them?
I never even considered it when I had one.