Anyone who enjoys spending their free time repairing vehicles, working on them to maximise performance, or simply buying models to enjoy to the fullest, will know what we mean when we say that homologating a vehicle requires certain permits and conditions that aren’t always straightforward.
If you’re thinking of buying a quad bike to have fun on the best dirt tracks, kicking up dust without hesitation and speeding across the most challenging terrain, it’s best to first find out what conditions such a vehicle requires beyond just a driving licence.
Quad bikes vary widely, so homologating a quad will depend on the performance you want from it. The steps to homologate any vehicle, regardless of type, are simple (though not necessarily easy or cheap): it must always be authorised and legalised.
When you’ll need to homologate your quad bike:
- No matter the quad’s brand, you always need the manufacturer’s permission or patent to make any modifications to the vehicle. For example, if you want your quad to be a 2-seater, you’ll need to notify and legally homologate it.
- The same applies if you want to add a part, instrument, or accessory to the quad, whether permanently or occasionally. It must always be homologated, complying with all legal standards to ensure the addition doesn’t compromise safety.
- The quad’s homologation (or any other vehicle’s) must always be authorised by the manufacturer—otherwise, homologation won’t be possible.
Returning to the case of adding a seat to your quad and homologating it, here are the steps to legalise the change in your off-road vehicle.
How to homologate a 2-seater quad bike
- Contact the manufacturer/official workshop to confirm if your quad can accommodate an extra seat to become a 2-seater. If not, ask if they have compatible seats for your model.
- Once you have the seat or confirmation your quad can be modified, request the official modification of the new features from the manufacturer—in this case, the second seat.
- With the authorisation and part (the 2-seater kit in our example), visit a trusted workshop for installation. There, you’ll need to complete all necessary paperwork to prove the modification is fully legal and homologated.
- Finally, pass the MOT (or equivalent inspection) to update the quad’s technical file.
If budget is a deciding factor in customising your quad, you can always opt for thrilling routes across your favourite locations and rent high-performance quads hassle-free. Here, we’ve listed all the routes you can take across the country while driving a quad yourself.
