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Motorcycle regulations for young bikers are to be tightened, under the new harmonized EU driving licence.

Under the new rules, due to come into effect in 2012, youngsters will have to wait until they are 19 to take a motorcycle test to use a 125cc bike, according to the Daily Telegraph. Current rules state that bikers aged 17 or 18 can take the test, provided they use a bike no more powerful than 33bhp.

Bikers will also be expected to gain two years experience on a low performance bike prior to being able to ride any bike they wish before they are 24 years old, and will need to take a new test at each stage.

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The new regulations have brought scorn from both the British government and the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF), the Times reported. Stephen Ladyman, transport minister, said the new rules were far too "rigid" and would bring no extra benefits.

"People will find their access to motorbikes will be much more restricted and the motorbike industry will suffer. It's negative, but we have no choice but to make the best of it," he said.

Travour Magner of the BMF said the effect would be "devastating… on the take-up of motorbiking. The more bureaucracy and restrictions there are, the fewer people will take it up".

These changes may, however lead to cheap motor bike insurance as younger riders tend to cost more to insure.

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