Have you ever wondered what you need to drive a sidecar on your motorcycle?  Discover the permits and some considerations to drive them



The motorcycles with sidecars were models popular in the decade of the 50. The practicality of this addition, made it possible to expand its popularity among regions. With a vehicle with a sidecar it is possible to add an additional passenger to the trip. Currently the use of these motorcycles has decreased, being less common.

To be able to use this plugin, just adding it is not enough. A special driving license is required to do so. If you want to know about this topic, we will tell you about the permits to drive a motorcycle with a sidecar .


What is a motorcycle with a sidecar and what permits do you need to drive?

For all lovers of classic vehicles this information will be very useful. If you want to take more people on your motorcycle, or give it a sophisticated image by adding a sidecar, we will explain what permission you need.

Sidecar motorcycles have an obvious distinguishing feature, which is a side or rear seat supported by one wheel. They are recognized as three-wheeled motorcycles and allow more passengers to be carried. They became an icon of the 1920s due to their design and today their commercialization is very limited.


Do you know what permits are useful to transit one? Let's see it next:

Does the type A permit allow you to drive any type of motorcycle?

In the description of the categories of motorcycle permits we find three types: A1, A2 and A. Regarding type A, we find that it is applied to authorize the use of a motorcycle. This makes it clear that with this type of permit a motorcycle of this type can be mobilized.

The type A license can be used to ride any motorcycle from the age of 20, regardless of its power, displacement or any other related factor. It is the most flexible of the group and gives the freedom to change motorcycle models at any time. These include those with a sidecar seat included.


Can you travel with the A1 permit?

The A1 permit details some characteristics that the vehicle must have in terms of specifications. The motorcycle must meet a maximum displacement of 125cc. In addition, it must have a maximum power of 11kW.

Although the motorcycle is required to meet these requirements, its use is not restricted to travel a motorcycle with a sidecar if they comply with them. In addition, it authorizes the use of motor tricycles as long as they do not exceed a maximum power of 15 kW.

One of the advantages of this type of permit is that the minimum age to obtain it is sixteen years old.


Motorcycles with sidecar and A2 license

On the other hand, with the A2 driving license it refers to motorcycles that are not derived from a vehicle with more than twice its power. Among the requirements to obtain it and ride with it are that the motorcycle must not exceed a maximum power of 35 kW. The ratio of power to weight of the motorcycle should be up to 0.2kW / kg.

This clarifies the question of whether a motorcycle that uses a sidecar can be driven with a type A2 license. There is no specific restriction regarding this type of vehicle, so it is possible as long as they comply with the technical characteristics.


Can you travel with a B permit?

The B permits are known to be the regular ones for the transit of cars, agricultural machinery and any type. This includes motorcycles.

This type of permit according to the general regulation of drivers indicates that you can drive any vehicle if you have more than three years in force with it. This is something that not many people know. Those with a B permit are allowed to ride motorcycles that meet the A1 permit requirements.

Having the three types of permits you can drive a motorcycle as long as it meets the requirements. The technical requirements for the handling of motorcycles in each permit depend on the license.

As mentioned so far, each license is adapted to a vehicle and specifies the needs for its handling and authorization.


Considerations for riding a motorcycle with a sidecar

When riding a motorcycle that has a sidecar, some aspects must be taken in addition to having the proper permit to do so. Yes, we know that obtaining permission to transit is important, but just as important is that you take into account some points.

One of the most relevant points is to adapt to the handling of the sidecar. The sidecar is the seat attached to the motorcycle in which the passenger will ride. Thus, when the time to be busy arrives, the passenger will travel safely and comfortably. Gravity is distributed differently in this case and almost always in the direction of the sidecar.

In the same way, the wind affects the stability of the vehicle differently, so in the presence of a crosswind, the speed must be reduced. This is done in order to maintain stability during the stage.

The occupant of the sidecar must always be the person with the greatest weight to maintain balance and distribution of gravity.

Generally speaking, safety is everything when riding motorcycles. That is why, according to the DGT, all occupants of the sidecar must wear a helmet. And following this law, in order for a child to occupy the position as a passenger, they must be 7 years old.

Sidecar motorcycle models are rare and almost exclusive in designs. This means that, as they are very little seen nowadays, getting them costs more than getting a normal motorcycle. This is reflected in their low number and prices.

In order to maintain balanced weight distribution, it may be necessary to adjust the handlebars to the opposite side to counteract the effect of gravity on the sidecar when driving.


This is everything you need to know about licenses to drive a motorcycle with a sidecar .

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