It may surprise you to know that there is no set age limit when it comes to carrying pillion passengers on a motorbike. However, there are a number of restrictions which mean that it will only be practical for children of around 10 years of age and up to ride as a passenger.
There are no specific rules relating to classic bikes – all regulations and recommendations apply to any motorbike, regardless of age.
WHAT DOES THE HIGHWAY CODE SAY ABOUT CARRYING PILLION PASSENGERS?
Rule 85 of the Highway Codestates:
"You MUST NOT carry more than one pillion passenger who MUST sit astride the machine on a proper seat. They should face forward with both feet on the footrests. You MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger unless your motorcycle is designed to do so. Provisional licence holders MUST NOT carry a pillion passenger."
Due to this rule, it would be illegal to carry very young passengers as they would not be able to reach the footrests. In fact theRoad Safety (Pillion Passengers) Billof 2005 specifies that: "The supports or rests... shall be constructed so as to enable them to be reached by the feet of a person aged 10 of average height for that age".
MAIN REQUIREMENTS FOR CARRYING A PILLION PASSENGER
In short, if you wish to carry a child as a pillion passenger on your classic bike:
- The bike must be fitted with an adequate seat for a pillion passenger
- The bike must be fitted with adequate footrests for a pillion passenger
- The rider must have a full licence and be insured to carry passengers (this comes as standard with aFootman James classic bike policy)
- Only one pillion passenger can be carried at a time, with no allowance for an adult and infant passenger at the same time
- The pillion passenger should be able to hold on effectively
- The rider and passengers must wear a suitable helmet that fits securely, and it is recommended that appropriate protective clothing is worn by both
- Parental consent for under 17s must be provided under law
- You should also follow any guidance from the bike manufacturer on carrying passengers e.g. weight limits and amending rear tyre pressures
Do you have any questions about the above rules? Let us know in the comments.
The information contained in this blog post is based on sources that we believe are reliable and should be understood as general information only. It is not intended to be taken as advice with respect to any specific or individual situation and cannot be relied upon as such.
To find out more about a classic bike policy from Footman James and to get an instant quote online, visit ourClassic Bike Insurancepage.
