- Mandatory periodic technical inspections to apply to all motorcycles over 50 cc
- Previous exemptions for member states to be abolished
- Resistance from the Council of the EU and motorcycle associations
The debate on a uniform Europe-wide general inspection for motorcycles is gaining momentum again. The reason for this is a draft report on the revision of the so-called Roadworthiness Package, which is currently being discussed in the European Parliament.
Draft report tightens Commission proposal
The European Parliament’s rapporteur, Jens Gieseke, has presented a draft that goes significantly beyond the European Commission’s proposal. While the Commission envisages mandatory periodic technical inspections for motorcycles with an engine capacity of more than 125 cc, Gieseke advocates inspections for all motorcycles over 50 cc.
His amendment states that road safety inspections for motorcycles bring clear benefits for road safety. Several member states have already introduced such systems. Therefore, technical inspections should become mandatory for all motorcycles with an engine capacity of more than 50 cc. In his view, the previous option for states to exempt motorcycles over 125 cc from the requirement is no longer appropriate.
Reason: Focus on safety and the environment
The draft report cites safety-related aspects as justification. Motorcycles and scooters with an engine capacity of more than 50 cc reach higher speeds and have more powerful engines than smaller mopeds. According to the draft, this increases the risk of accidents if safety-related components such as brakes, lights, or tires are not properly maintained.
In the rapporteur’s view, regular inspections should not only protect drivers and other road users, but also have a positive impact on environmental protection. Emissions-related defects could be detected and rectified at an earlier stage.
Different positions of the EU institutions
The initiative stands in stark contrast to the previous position of the Council of the EU. The Council, in which the transport ministers of the member states are represented, agreed in early December 2025 to retain the existing option of exempting motorcycles from regular technical inspections. This line contradicts both the European Commission’s proposal and the draft report now on the table.
Gieseke’s draft is part of the parliamentary process. Members of Parliament can now submit amendments before the lead committee, the Committee on Transport and Tourism, votes on the Parliament’s final position.
Criticism from motorcycle associations
Motorcycle associations have been critically monitoring the legislative process for months. Both the FEMA and the FIM have submitted position papers and technical statements to the Parliament, the Council, and the Commission. These refer to studies at EU and national level, which reportedly all come to the conclusion that technical defects account for only a very small proportion of motorcycle accidents.
Representatives of the organizations have been in regular contact with MEPs and representatives of the member states in Brussels over the past few months. The aim is not to reject safety measures outright, but to point out targeted and data-based approaches.
“We support effective road safety policies,” said FEMA Secretary General Wim Taal. “Europe must avoid symbolic measures that burden riders without improving safety outcomes.”
Legislative process still open
The European Parliament’s final position is currently still open. Amendments could weaken or further tighten the draft. Only after the vote in the relevant committee will the next phase of negotiations with the Council and Commission begin.
It is already clear that the issue of general inspections for motorcycles remains politically controversial throughout Europe. Opinions range from complete rejection of mandatory inspections to an extension to almost all motorized two-wheelers.
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