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Speed Limiters for Optare Buses: Solo, Versa and MetroDecker

Optare is a UK bus manufacturer based in Sherburn-in-Elmet, Yorkshire, now part of the Ashok Leyland group. Optare has built a strong reputation for lightweight, fuel-efficient buses, and the company has been a pioneer in electric bus technology. The Solo, Versa, and MetroDecker cover the full range from compact single-decker to full-size double-decker, and they are found in service with operators across the UK.

AutoKontrol has over 41 years of speed limiter expertise and provides solutions for the complete Optare range. Whether your fleet includes compact Solos on rural routes or MetroDeckers on city services, we have the right product and installation capability.

Optare Model-by-Model Speed Limiter Guide

Optare Solo

The Solo is Optare’s compact single-decker bus, one of the best-known small buses in UK service. Available in standard and EV (electric) variants, the Solo ranges from 7.1 to 9.9 metres in length and is used for rural routes, town services, shuttle operations, and community transport. Diesel Solos typically use Cummins engines with electronic throttle control.

Recommended product:

  • Solo diesel (Euro V/VI): DBW Speed Limiter
  • Solo EV (fully electric): Contact AutoKontrol for a free compatibility check — our engineering team has developed speed limiter solutions for electric bus drivetrains
  • Older Solo with cable throttle: System 80 Speed Limiter

The Solo’s compact size means it often operates on routes with varied speed limits, from 20mph urban zones to 50mph rural roads — making accurate speed limiting particularly important.

Optare Versa

The Versa is Optare’s full-size single-decker bus, available at 10.4 and 11.5 metres. It is used for urban, suburban, and interurban routes. The Versa is available in diesel and EV (electric) variants, with diesel versions using electronic drive-by-wire throttle control.

Recommended product:

  • Versa diesel (Euro V/VI): DBW Speed Limiter
  • Versa EV (fully electric): Contact AutoKontrol for a free compatibility check

Optare MetroDecker

The MetroDecker is Optare’s double-decker bus, designed for high-capacity urban and suburban routes. It is available in diesel and EV variants. The MetroDecker was one of the first UK-built electric double-deckers, demonstrating Optare’s commitment to zero-emission transport.

Recommended product:

  • MetroDecker diesel: DBW Speed Limiter
  • MetroDecker EV (fully electric): Contact AutoKontrol for a free compatibility check

For any Optare model, contact AutoKontrol for a free compatibility check. We can confirm the correct speed limiter product based on your specific vehicle configuration and engine type.

Additional Solutions for Bus Operators

TrackSpeed: Speed Limiting with GPS Tracking

TrackSpeed combines an AutoKontrol speed limiter with ScorpionTrack Fleet GPS tracking in one installation. For Optare bus operators, this delivers verified speed compliance alongside real-time vehicle tracking, route adherence data, and schedule monitoring.

TrackSpeed is valuable for operators who need to provide speed compliance evidence to local transport authorities, tender evaluation bodies, or traffic commissioners.

GeoKontrol 2: GPS-Based Speed Control

GeoKontrol 2 is highly relevant to bus operations, particularly for Optare Solos that operate on routes passing through multiple speed zones. GeoKontrol 2 automatically adjusts the bus’s maximum speed based on GPS location — reducing speed in 20mph zones, near schools, through town centres, and at depots, all without driver input.

For community transport operators using Optare Solos, where drivers may be less experienced with commercial vehicles, GeoKontrol 2 provides an additional layer of speed safety. It is a standalone IoT device with no telematics subscription required.

Speed Limiter Regulations for Buses

Passenger vehicles with more than 8 seats and a GVW over 3.5 tonnes must have a speed limiter fitted:

  • PSVs over 3.5 tonnes: Limited to 62 mph (100 km/h)

This is governed by ECE Regulation 89 (R89) and enforced by the DVSA and Traffic Commissioners. Speed limiter compliance is a condition of your PSV operator licence.

Smaller Optare Solo variants under 3.5 tonnes used for community transport or private hire may not fall within the mandatory requirement, but many operators fit speed limiters as standard good practice. The benefits of speed management apply regardless of legal obligation.

Bus operators frequently set speed limiters below the legal maximum — 50 mph for interurban work, 30-40 mph for urban routes — as operational policy.

Professional Fitting by SGH Connect

All AutoKontrol speed limiter installations on Optare buses are carried out by SGH Connect, our UK-wide team of qualified mobile technicians. SGH Connect is part of Scorpion Group Holdings alongside AutoKontrol, providing manufacturer-backed installation quality.

The fitting process:

  1. Consultation — we discuss your routes, speed requirements, and fleet composition
  2. Product confirmation — we identify the correct product for your Optare model and engine
  3. Scheduling — installation is arranged at your depot, fitting into your vehicle availability
  4. Installation and calibration — an SGH Connect technician fits and calibrates the system
  5. Certification — full compliance documentation is provided

We offer professional fitting anywhere in the UK within 5 working days. For fleet rollouts and new vehicle commissioning, phased installation programmes are available.

Why Choose AutoKontrol for Your Optare Fleet

AutoKontrol products are 100% designed and manufactured in the UK, ISO certified, and sold in over 50 countries. With 41 years of speed limiter expertise, we bring specialist PSV knowledge to every installation.

For Optare operators:

  • Full model coverage — Solo, Versa, and MetroDecker in diesel and electric variants
  • Electric bus capability — solutions for Optare’s EV platforms
  • Flexible speed settings — any maximum speed to match your route and operational needs
  • GeoKontrol 2 for route compliance — automatic, GPS-based speed adjustment across zones
  • Direct manufacturer support — our engineering team provides expert technical assistance
  • UK-wide fitting — SGH Connect covers the entire UK within 5 working days

Get a Quote for Your Optare Fleet

Whether you operate Solos on community routes or MetroDeckers on high-frequency city services, AutoKontrol has the speed limiter solution for your Optare fleet.

Contact AutoKontrol for a free, no-obligation quote — share your Optare models, fleet size, and operational requirements, and we will provide a product recommendation with fixed-price installation.