A CRACKDOWN on Unsafe Christmas toys has begun in Tasmania with the State Government banning the sale of minibikes that fail minimum Safety Standards.

Labor MHA Graeme Sturges said the ban would apply to mini motorcycles known as monkey bikes, capable of speeds of 70km/h, that did not meet basic safety standards.

Also known as pocket bikes, the machines are scaled-down replicas of standard road-going motorbikes. They are made in China and are usually powered by 50cc petrol engines.

They do not meet Australian Design Rules for motorcycles and are not able to be registered for road use.

The bikes should not be confused with legitimate off-road minibikes.

A handful of Tasmanian retailers were found to be stocking sub-standard monkey bikes during recent visits from the Office of Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading.

All agreed to remove the bikes from sale.

People found purposely breaching the safety standards can be fined up to $5000.

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