There have been concerns regarding the safety of scaled down replica motorised motorcycles commonly known as monkey, mini or pocket bikes. Some models did not have adequate brakes, acceptable steering and/or throttle operation, a supplemental engine stop switch or adequate foot pegs. These unregisterable bikes have become more common in the marketplace.

As a result the Fair Trading Amendment (Monkey Bikes) Regulation 2007 has been introduced. The regulation applies to all scaled down cruising or sports motorcycles commonly known as monkey, mini or pocket bikes that are powered by an internal combustion engine and that do not comply with applicable vehicle standards under the Road Transport Vehicle Registration Act 1997. It requires these bikes to meet certain safety requirements in relation to their:

• Throttle (accelerator)
• Braking systems
• Foot pegs
• Steering head system
• Supplemental engine stop or cut out switch.