Lead Ban Affects Motocross Industry
As of Tuesday February 10, the small powersports industry has literally come to a screeching halt. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 has banned the sale of small motorcycles and off-road vehicles intended for children under twelve years of age because of lead content.
The new law, intended to make small toys safer for kids, has cause an uproar across the industry. Dealers have been advised to remove all of their small cycle inventory from the showroom floor and to stop the sale of the bikes and parts.
The Motorcycle Industry Council, representing manufacturers, has called for an e-mail campaign and has filed for a request for exemption from the new rules. They are also requesting an emergency stay. Paul Vitrano, general counsel for the group said: “There should be common-sense procedures for exclusion of parts, such as brakes, engines and suspensions, that do not present risks to children in the real world.”
In a letter to the commission, the American Motorcycle Association wrote: “If emergency relief is not granted immediately, some consumers will very likely purchase vehicles that are physically too large for young riders, exposing them to unnecessary risks.”
All riders, parents, family and friends are being encouraged to get involved in an e-mail campaign at amadirectlink.com. Click on Rights, then Issues and Legislation, then Take Action in the blue box.
Dealer News Blog reports that there are 13,000 U.S. retailers who currently hold product with a wholesale value of $50 million. They are anxiously awaiting further word on the subject.