Frequently asked questions

This page will be updated as and when with anything we feel you may need to know that’s either not on the other pages like the rules page or membership and events entry. Please feel free to ask any not covered and we will directly reply. We may then add your question to the list.

Who is E-Trials Sussex?
E-Trials Sussex is a members club created to give an organised riding opportunity to a wider group of people than was previously available with petrol motorcycles. We are motorcycle enthusiasts who volunteer unpaid and give our time as and when we can.

Where do you ride?
We rent private land across the south of the UK. Details of where is in each advertised event.

Can  I come and watch and chat to find out more information?
You are welcome to come to any event but are responsible for your own safety and children if they are with you. You are not allowed to walk into the marked competition area and must watch from a safe distance.

Can I bring my dog?
Some venues do not allow dogs due to livestock, please check first.

Who can be a member?
Anyone, you do not need a motorcycle licence to ride on private land.

Can my mate ride my bike at any event?
Only if they are signed on and have paid to ride.

How old can you start riding?
4 years old on an E-motorcycle.

What’s my responsibility as a parent or guardian?
You are responsible for your child if you take them to experience motorcycle trials, and need to be aware of their movements and remind them of the rules as and when.

How do I enter for my child to ride an event?
If you want your child to be riding you will need to be either a riding or non riding member jointly enter the event and sign for the child and for yourself.

I can’t work out the options online.
You can message us and we will help or you can message to say you will turn up on the day we will reserve an entry in your name/s and you can pay then, cash or electronically if there is an internet connection in the woods.

Do you provide insurance?
No.

Do you provide helmets?
Only for demo riders if they do not have a suitable one of their own.

Do you provide boots and clothing?
No.

What do riders wear?
Dress for the weather or conditions in light clothing you can move in with no hanging buckles etc. avoid jewellery etc! Boots not trainers. Open face motorcycle helmet.

Can you get seriously hurt during riding trials?
Yes but it’s probably one of if not the safest two wheel sports due to a trial being very slow speed, usually walking pace and a solo ride on each scored section not a race track. Injuries are usually minor falls. It’s far safer than riding any type of bike on the road.

Do you hire E motorcycles to the public or members?
No, we are not set-up for hire. Our demo bike offers are for people to experience riding if you have no access to one through friends etc. A small charge made to cover land and legal fees.

Do you have all sizes and ages of demo E Motorcycles?
We only have full size bikes available.

Can I ride my old petrol trials bike?
Yes on mixed practice days but not on our dedicated E-trials.

What’s the difference between an open practice day and an E-Trial?
The open practice is as it says, you have the same safety rules as a trial but no scoring pressure, just practice and have fun on E-trials bikes or petrol. An E-Trial is just for E-Trials bikes and no practice is the rules, You can however not score and ride round doing the sections in order as if you were scoring but you must give priority to scoring riders. You are not permitted to just go and freestyle. This is why we have the open practice days.

What does the various fees cover?
We have outgoings that include, setup costs, land hire and legal requirements.

Are smaller E motorcycles available locally?
Various sizes of childrens bikes are available new or second hand, look for Ossett as a brand they come up often on Ebay etc as children grow out of them.

How much does it all cost as a rider or parent/guardian?
How long is a piece of string, motorsport isn’t a cheap hobby but can be done on a budget. We have a cost page that covers the basics.

Do I need insurance?
It’s your choice to do so if you wish but not a stipulation.

How often can we ride?
As a club we plan to run two events a month. One practice and one scoring trial. Other local clubs also run trials you can ride if you also join their club but few run practice days.

Do I have to be a member?
If you are planning to ride often it’s the cheapest option and has other benefits. But you can pay a day membership if there is no limit to riders on the day. Members get entry priority.

How long does a trial last?
Allow 5 hours plus travel. This includes unloading and packing up at the end.

As a member or day member what is expected of me?
Read the riding rules and research as much as possible. Follow the rules for everyone’s safety and benefit. Beyond this you can help out as much as you wish or just turn up for a ride and leave hopefully smiling. We apparently do it for fun so here’s wishing you have fun.