Thematic investigation of accidents involving youths on lightweight motorcycles

Light motorcycles from four fatal accidents in 2024. Photo: NSIA 

The thematic investigation is still ongoing. Work remains to analyze the factual information obtained and prepare conclusions and safety recommendations before the report can be sent for external review and published. 

The thematic investigation includes the four fatal accidents involving youths on light motorcycles that occurred in 2024. NSIA has mapped the sequence of events and circumstances of the accidents, as well as investigated technical conditions, road conditions, driving behavior and survival aspects related to each accident. 

NSIA has, with the assistance of motorcycle importers, conducted technical examinations of the motorcycles involved in the accidents. NSIA's preliminary analyses of the findings show that technical errors and deficiencies have contributed to several of the fatal accidents involving youthts on light motorcycles in 2024.  

The technical deficiencies include:  

• incorrect tire pressure  

• insufficient tread depth on the tires  

• slack, wear and lack of lubrication of the chain and sprocket 

• slack in the wheel bearings and steering bearings  

• incorrect installation of wheels  

• reduced damping function and leakage from the shock absorber 

NSIA has informed the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA), as the supervisory authority and professional body, about this. This allows the NPRA, before NSIA's thematic investigation is completed and at the start of a new motorcycle season, to pay attention to this and, if possible, implement the necessary measures while awaiting the final results of the investigation.