Quads & Trikes - MOT Testing
This Manual is a detailed guide to the inspection for statutory MOT testing of the following classes:
- Class III: 3 wheeled vehicles not more than 450 kg unladen weight (excluding motor bicycles with side cars).
- Class IV: Cars, including 3 wheeled vehicles more than 450 kg unladen weight. Taxis, Minibuses and Ambulances up to 12 passenger seats. Goods Vehicles not exceeding 3000 kg Design Gross Weight (DGW), Motor Caravans and Dual Purpose Vehicles.
- Class VII: Goods Vehicles over 3000 up to and including 3500 kg DGW If a vehicle is presented with a manufacturer's and a 'Ministry' plate the weights to be used are those on the 'Ministry' plate.
Detailed definitions are given in the MOT Testing Guide.
Tricycles and Quadricycles are tested under classes III or IV and these vehicles can present particular problems at mot test, especially when motorcycle derived steering and/or suspension components are fitted.
Section 9 of this manual provides additional information for testing these types of vehicles, with the exception of sub-section 9.2. This replaces Sections 2.1 and 2.2 of this manual, where motorcycle derived steering and/or suspension components are fitted.
Table to determine the vehicle class and test requirements for Tricycles and Quadricycles
| Vehicle Type | Description | Tested in Class |
|---|---|---|
| Moped | Three wheeled vehicle with max speed of 45Km/h, not over 50cc for a petrol engine or 4KW for any other engine or electric motor, not more than 450kg ULW | III |
| Moped | Three wheeled vehicle with max speed of 45Km/h, not over 50cc for a petrol engine or 4KW for any other engine or electric motor, more than 450kg ULW | IV |
| Motor Tricycle | Three wheeled vehicle with wheels symmetrically arranged, a max speed over 45km/h, or engine size over 50cc, not more than 450kg ULW. | III |
| Motor Tricycle | Three wheeled vehicle with wheels symmetrically arranged, a max speed over 45km/h, or engine size over 50cc, more than 450kg ULW. | IV |
| Light Quadricycle (Classed as Moped) | Four wheeled vehicle with a max ULW of 350kg, max speed of 45km/h and not over 50cc for a petrol engine or 4KW for any other engine or electric motor. | IV |
| Quadricycle | Four wheeled vehicle with a max ULW of 400kg (500kg for a goods vehicle) with a max net power of 15KW | IV |
If any of the above vehicles are electrically powered, their unladen weight must not include the weight of the batteries.
If there is any doubt about the power output or the weight of the vehicle, the vehicle presenter must provide documentary evidence.