News

Abta issues warning about overseas moped and quad bike hire

British travellers are being urged to think twice before hiring mopeds overseas and to only ride quad bikes as part of an organised excursion.

A total of 36 quad bike accidents and seven moped accidents were reported by Abta members last year.

Seven people have been involved in quad bike accidents on the road so far this year.

The figures represent just those cases reported by members of the travel association with Abta believing the total number of accidents is much higher.

New figures reveal as many as 4.5 million Britons have hired a moped or quad bike while abroad – the equivalent of one in ten British holidaymakers.

Younger adults are most likely to put themselves at risk – one in seven British 18-24 year olds who have taken an overseas holiday said they had hired either a quad bike or a moped.

Quad bikes have become increasingly popular, particularly in countries like Greece, Cape Verde and Turkey.

Hiring mopeds has also become common among British travellers in destinations such as Thailand and Vietnam.

But these vehicles give little protection in an accident, and riders are particularly vulnerable on the open roads, according to the association.

Abta destinations and sustainability director Nikki White said: “Every year people suffer serious injuries after hiring mopeds or quad bikes while on holiday. Many have little experience of using these vehicles and are also unfamiliar with the local roads and driving standards.

“It’s so easy when you’re relaxing on holiday to do things you wouldn’t dream of doing back home but you are putting yourself at risk of serious injury if you hire these vehicles, and on top of that, many travel insurance policies won’t cover such activities.

“We’re advising holidaymakers who have little experience on mopeds to think twice before hiring these vehicles, and only ride quad bikes if they are part of a properly supervised off-road excursion.”

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.