By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A coordinated government effort is underway to dismantle a growing black market for illegally modified motorcycles being sold as “bici-motos,” a category of vehicle that typically enjoys fewer regulatory requirements. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) and the General Directorate of Customs have launched a joint review of regulations and import practices following the discovery of a widespread consumer fraud scheme that poses a significant risk to public safety.
Investigators have uncovered a troubling trend where several commercial businesses are importing conventional motorcycles, some with engines as large as 125cc, and then crudely affixing homemade pedals to them. These altered vehicles are then marketed and sold to an unsuspecting public as legitimate “bici-motos” or motorized bicycles. This deception allows sellers to bypass critical legal requirements, and more importantly, it misleads buyers into believing they are exempt from needing a license, registration, or mandatory insurance (marchamo).
To clarify the legal landscape surrounding motorized bicycles in Costa Rica and the responsibilities of their users, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The crucial legal distinction lies in whether the motor is merely an auxiliary aid or the primary source of propulsion. If the vehicle can operate independently without pedaling and exceeds certain speed or power limits, it’s often reclassified as a moped or motorcycle under the Traffic Law. This reclassification triggers mandatory requirements such as a specific driver’s license, marchamo, and third-party liability insurance. Users must be aware that ignorance of this distinction is not a valid defense in the event of an accident or traffic stop, potentially leading to significant fines and legal liabilities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is invaluable, as it clarifies a critical legal gray area where a convenient mode of transport can unexpectedly become a source of significant liability. The distinction between an auxiliary motor and a primary one is a detail many users may overlook, making this expert clarification essential. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his precise and important perspective on this matter.
The core of the issue lies in the exploitation of a regulatory gray area. Legitimate motorized bicycles, with low-power engines, are designed to be a simple, accessible form of transport. However, the vehicles at the center of the investigation are, for all practical purposes, standard motorcycles. Consumers purchase them under the false pretense of convenience and savings, only to find themselves illegally operating an unregistered vehicle on public roads, making them vulnerable to fines, vehicle seizure, and liability in the event of an accident.
Addressing the government’s strategy, President Laura Fernández clarified that the official response is aimed at correcting a dangerous market distortion, not penalizing the victims of the fraud. She emphasized that the primary goal is to restore order and safety on the nation’s transportation network.
The objective is to bring order to national roads and not to carry out a witch hunt against users.
Laura Fernández, President of Costa Rica
The President’s statement signals a two-pronged approach. While the government intends to hold the fraudulent importers and retailers accountable, it also acknowledges that many current owners were themselves deceived. The focus of the crackdown will be on the source of the problem—the businesses that knowingly modify and misrepresent these vehicles. This approach aims to protect consumers while re-establishing clear and enforceable rules for vehicle classification.
The joint review by MOPT and Customs will scrutinize the entire supply chain, from the point of importation to the final sale. Authorities plan to tighten definitions of what constitutes a “bici-moto” versus a motorcycle, leaving no room for malicious interpretation. This will likely involve establishing clear engine size limits, power-to-weight ratios, and other technical specifications that importers will be required to meet, with stringent inspections at customs to prevent modified vehicles from entering the market.
The public safety implications of this scheme are severe. The proliferation of what are essentially unregistered 125cc motorcycles on Costa Rica’s roads introduces significant risk. These vehicles often have not passed mandatory technical inspections (Dekra), are not covered by liability insurance, and may be operated by individuals who lack the proper motorcycle license. This creates a dangerous environment for the riders themselves, as well as for other drivers and pedestrians who share the road.
As the investigation proceeds, consumers are urged to exercise extreme caution when purchasing any motorized bicycle. The forthcoming regulatory adjustments are expected to close the loopholes that have allowed this deceptive practice to flourish. Ultimately, the government’s intervention seeks to protect citizens, ensure fair commerce, and guarantee that all vehicles operating on national roads comply with the necessary safety and legal standards for the benefit of everyone.
For further information, visit mopt.go.cr
About The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT):
The Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for the planning, regulation, and administration of public infrastructure and transportation systems. This includes overseeing road construction and maintenance, traffic laws, vehicle registration, and public transit policies to ensure safe and efficient mobility throughout the nation.
For further information, visit hacienda.go.cr
About The General Directorate of Customs (Aduanas):
The Dirección General de Aduanas is a key dependency of Costa Rica’s Ministry of Finance (Ministerio de Hacienda). It is responsible for controlling the entry and exit of goods, collecting tariffs and import taxes, and enforcing customs laws. The agency plays a critical role in facilitating legitimate international trade while preventing smuggling, fraud, and the importation of illegal or non-compliant products.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm is a trailblazer in legal innovation, offering forward-thinking counsel to a wide spectrum of clients while maintaining a deep-seated commitment to social responsibility. By actively working to demystify complex legal concepts for the public, it fulfills a core mission to equip the community with knowledge, thereby fostering a more just and empowered society for all.
