Scooter and moped insurance

Moped vs scooter: what's the difference?

The main difference is the engine size. 50cc or less is normally classed as a moped, while scooters tend to be between 50cc and 150cc.

This difference will affect your maximum speed. Mopeds have a maximum speed of 28 mph, so insurers might consider them to be a lower risk than scooters. You can’t ride a moped on the motorway either, due to their lower speed. So they tend to be cheaper to buy and insure than scooters.

Scooters and mopeds also have a step-through frame with a platform to put your feet on, which makes them different to motorbikes. They also tend to have smaller wheels than motorbikes.

Mopeds and scooters usually have low insurance costs and high fuel efficiency.

Although there are slight differences between mopeds and scooters, we’ll be using the terms interchangeably. For more information, check out our guides on 50cc motorbike insurance and 125cc motorbike insurance to see which is best for you.

How do I register my scooter or moped?

You should get your moped’s registration details when you buy it. If not, contact the DVLA to make sure the moped is registered in your name. They’ll let you know what to do.

For more information, go to vehicle registration at GOV.UK.

What do I need to compare moped insurance quotes?

When you’re getting a scooter insurance quote, it helps to have these things to hand:

Moped or scooter details

• The registration, make and model of the moped
• The year it was manufactured
• Any modifications that you’ve made
• The approximate value of the bike
• Any motorbike security measures you’ve taken

Personal details:

• The type of licence you have and how long you’ve held it
• How many miles you think you’ll ride in a year
• Any claims or convictions from the past five years
• How you plan on using your scooter e.g. social use only, commuting, business

At what age can I ride a moped?

You can ride a moped in the UK from the age of 16, as long as you pass the relevant tests. You can start riding a scooter from the age of 17.

To get started, you’ll need to:

• Apply for a provisional motorbike licence. They cost £34.
• Complete a one-day CBT course, which gives you a rundown of basic riding skills. This costs around £150.
• There’s no pass or fail with the CBT. Once you’ve finished the course, you can ride your moped or scooter with L-plates, or D-plates if you’re in Wales.

Once you’ve got your CBT, you have 2 years to progress to a full licence. To do that you need to:

• Pass the motorcycle theory test, which costs £23.
• Pass the motorbike practical test. This has two parts, on- and off-road, and costs around £90.