Scooters are essentially automatic motorcycles with step through frames and footboards instead of footpegs. They’re popular in cities due to their cheap price, practicality (most of them have underseat storage) and ease of use thanks to them having no gears.
However, in the UK, a moped is any low-powered motorcycle with an engine capacity under 50cc and a maximum design speed of 31mph.
Moped insurance is generally quite cheap as they’re low-powered, slow machines so you’re less likely to high-side out of the first roundabout.
They’re also cheap to buy, which again brings the insurance cost down – particularly beneficial for new riders. Read more about the differences in our guide.
How much is scooter and moped insurance?
Scooter and moped insurance premiums tend to be lower than for motorcycles as they generally have smaller capacity engines and they’re cheaper to repair in the event of a crash. If you’re 16 years old and thinking about getting a scooter as your first form of transport, premiums will still be pretty high, though.
What are the legal requirements to ride a moped?
A moped can be used by a rider that is 16 years or older and can be ridden with a provisional license, a CBT and a completed motorcycle theory test.
Popular moped models
There are plenty of moped manufacturers out there and there has been a growing presence of Chinese manufacturers, who often offer more affordable models – a big selling point in an extremely price-sensitive market.
Lexmoto are one such Chinese manufacturer and offer a number of moped models that can be picked up for less than £1000, including the Echo 50 and Nano 50 scooters, or the Hunter50 and Aspire 50 motorcycles.
Sinnis are another popular Chinese outfit and currently have the Street 50 and Jet II, both available for under £1500.
Mopeds from European manufacturer Aprilia are also a popular option with the SR 50R proving to be a sporty looking machine. Another notable moped manufacturer is Peugeot, who offer the popular Speedfight 4, Django, Tweet and Kisbee ranges of machines.
Popular scooter manufacturers
Vespa are a popular and well known scooter brand, and they’re still producing their iconic scooters today. They’re popular with stylish urban commuters but they’re not always the most practical choice.
Piaggio are another Italian brand who actually own Vespa, although Piaggio scooters tend to be slightly more modern and practical. They even have a range of three wheel scooters if that’s your thing.
But scooters definitely aren’t just an Italian thing. Most of the big manufacturers have a scooter or two in their range and Yamaha’s T-Max is one of the most popular in Europe.
Do you need insurance for a moped or scooter?
All motorised vehicles used on public roads will require valid insurance to be legally used. Insurance remains one of those aspects you purchase in the hope you will never need it. Yet, that doesn’t mean you should take the subject lightly. You still need to think carefully about what you are doing, because should the time come that you do need it, the right policy makes all the difference. Read our full article on motorcycle insurance cover types explained if you’re unsure on which cover is best for you.
How can I get cheaper moped or scooter insurance?
Many riders of small machines are new to the road or new to two wheels and both these factors will increase the cost of their scooter insurance or moped insurance. The only things that can help here to save you cash are to pass the test to get a full licence for your moped or scooter, and get some advanced riding instruction from an approved training body.
Scooters and mopeds are popular targets for thieves or joyriders, so make sure you buy a decent chain and lock (find them in the MCN Shop). Most scooters have space under the seat to carry a heavy duty lock, so there’s no excuses. If you buy an approved security device insurers could reduce the level of premium charged.
Shop around. You can compare and save on comprehensive moped insurance cover with MCN Compare. We compare against all the top insurers in one place to ensure you get the cheapest cover possible. See for yourself, get an online quote with MCN Compare (online and over the phone).
