Auto-cycle
A auto-cycle is the French name reserved for a lawful category of two-wheeled vehicles motorized of small-engined car. The majority of the countries have a similar legislation and a specific name.
Auto-cycles according to the countries
France
Since 1943, a auto-cycle is a vehicle with 2 or 3 wheels provided with an engine of a cubic capacity not exceeding 49.9 cm ³ with internal combustion (2 wheels), with positive ignition (3 wheels) (article R 311-1 of the Highway code, Légifrance site) or Coffee cup) (the category of the auto-cycles took the continuation of BMA) in the event of internal combustion engine.In the other cases, the maximum power is of 4 kw.
Maximum speed should not exceed 45 km/h.
The obligation of the pedals disappeared in July 1983.
After having been prohibited in 1980, the transmission by gear box was authorized at the end of the Nineties. In the jargon, one calls these machines of mécaboîtes.
The registration is obligatory for the vehicles put on sale starting from July 1st, 2004.
The transport of a passenger is authorized if a seat, footrests and a handle of maintenance are installed. The transport of the children of less than 5 years is authorized if a special seat with device of reserve is installed, like if it is not likely to get the hands or footholds in moving parts.
The auto-cycles do not have the right to circulate on the fast tracks nor on the cycle tracks except if a panel authorizes it.
To lead a auto-cycle , it is necessary to have more than 14 years and to have followed the formation of BSR if one were born after January 1st, 1988. No title is required if one were born before this date or that one has more than 18 years.
Germany
In 1952, Germany defines a standard imposing 580 mm in maximum diameter of the wheels, cranks of 125 mm minimum, maximum weight of 33 kg.
Belgium
The name used for this kind of vehicle is the Vélomoteur, and its maximum speed should not exceed 25 km/h for the vehicles of Class has (which does not ask for a license of lead) or 45 km/h for the Class B which require a driving license provisional during minimum 2 months and a final license following a practical examination
Switzerland
It is called familiarly " boguet" , " bog" or " pêteux" and the limit is fixed at 45 km/h or 30km/h (Class M)
Ontario (Canada)
The auto-cycle (or moped) has a maximum speed of 50 km/h, must be equipped with pedals and does not have a clutch with foot/hand nor of Gear box (the mécaboites are thus motor cycles).
Characteristics of the engine
This one is of 49,9 cm ³ to the maximum.
It is of type two times either with Carburateur, or with injection, and seldom with four times.
Transmission
The transmission of the engine to the wheel is done, by a Embrayage centrifuges then, either by chain (Mobylette or Mécaboite) or by belt (Ciao), or by an axis on the aft wheel (Scooter), or by the nose gear wheel with a roller (Vélosolex).
Reduction is usually managed by a Variateur. She was often entrusted to a gear box on the sporting auto-cycles, which has little interest within the framework of a speed limit by construction.
Obligatory equipment of the auto-cycle (France)
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a label of Insurance stuck to a visible place.
- Registration on all the new since January 1st, 2004 and older auto-cycles starting from January 1st, 2009.
- a Rear view mirror left side.
- a plate manufacturer comprising the name of the manufacturer, the mark of reception, the Identification number, the noise level with the stop and the driving Mode corresponding.
- a Tachometer.
- a sound signalling Hooter.
- One or two Projector S with the front one.
- One or two Side-lights to the back.
- One or two reflective devices, Reflector S, side.
- a reflective device, Reflector, with the back.
- reflective Device, Reflector, on the Pedal S.
- One or two red fires of braking to the back.
Optional equipment of the auto-cycle
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One or two main-beam headlamps.
- a device of lighting of the number plate.
- Warning signals of change of management (flashing lights), (obligatory if the machine leaves its fabriquation with indicators)
- a Rétroviseur right-sided.
- Of the Satchel S or a trunk.
- a Theft protection device.
- a Odometer.
- an oil warning light…
Obligatory equipment of the driver
France
- a helmet
- 14 years completed
- the BSR (Brevet of Road safety). This measurement applies only to the 16 year old elderly starting from January 1st, 2004 (i.e. born after January 1st, 1988).
Switzerland
It is enough to a helmet, to be 14 years old completed and to have the driving license Mr. category.
Modification/Tuning
Any modification concerning the engine is prohibited under penalty of an immobilization of the auto-cycle and a sorrow important (2 years of imprisonment and 30 000 € of fine).
The débridage of the engine is however very frequent, it makes it possible the auto-cycle to exceed the speed of 45km/h.
is authorized as much as it does not block the safety of the driver and others, that it does not remove the obligatory equipment or does not cause any dysfunction to them. Measurements must they remain identical to those of origin (weight, size of the tires). For example: painting, kit déco, replacement of the indicators, rear view mirror, muffler, handlebar, poignés, plate headlight, rear light (all these new parts must of course be approved in France)
The machine must be in conformity with a delivered type. The insurers and their experts base themselves on the reports/ratios of experts and manufacturers and check in the event of serious accident the absence of any modification having involved an increase in the power not announced to the contract.
Nouveautées as regards auto-cycles
Recently, of new scooters at very gravitational prices coming from China (twice less expensive than the French scooters) arrive by containers and are distributed at the approved distributers. They are equipped with four-stroke engines (combustion interns), speedometer, petrol gauge, in option signal puts, alarm…
Various categories of auto-cycle
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auto-cycles with variator and air cooling, example: Mobylette (3 ch unslung) (60 to 65 km/h) *
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auto-cycles with variator and liquid cooling, example: Scooter (6 ch unslung) (70 to 85 km/h) *
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auto-cycles with gear box and air cooling or liquid, Mécaboite (7 ch unslung) (75 to 90 km/h) *
The power is based on a median value.