Motorcycle Repair and Service Manuals
Lead law throttles youth powersports
February 18, 2009 by Hersey · 3 Comments
IRVINE, Calif. — A new federal law aimed at protecting children from lead in toys has also forced a nationwide halt in sales of off-road motorcycles and recreational vehicles built for young riders, killing off a multimillion-dollar industry that was thriving despite the recession.
Thousands of powersports dealers were told to halt sales of vehicles designed for children 12 and younger because of new lead restrictions in an act of Congress that took effect Feb. 10.
Even used vehicle sales are banned by law passed in response to lead found in toys imported from China.
“We’re out of business as far as the youth market goes,” says Rick Rizzon, owner of Rizzon Cycle in Middlesex, N.J. “It’s crazy.”
With the motor vehicle industry already hurting from recession, he said the ban means a 20% drop in sales of youth off-road motorcycles and the parts business for bikes already sold.
