For decades, owning a scooter is a milestone in any young person’s life.
Being able to get from A to B without taking public transport or Mum or Dad’s taxi service adds an extraordinary level of independence.
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How old do you have to be to ride a scooter?
The good news is, from the age of 16 you can ride a scooter with L-plates up to 50cc on a provisional driving license with a completed Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate. This won’t allow you to ride with pillion passengers, on motorways or without L-plates (D-plates in Wales). If you want to do all these, you must take a full UK bike test after passing your CBT.
Why should you think about buying a scooter?
Road tax, fuel and vehicle costs are cheaper for a start and thanks to new European emissions laws, scooters must follow Euro 4 which aims to reduce carbon emissions, and you know you’re doing your bit for the planet.
Living in London? Scooters are exempt from the congestion charge and you can always find a small gap to park without wasting time looking for a full parking space. More practical than a motorcycle for your commute, with their flat foot plates, handy storage hooks and slower pace, you can get to that meeting without creasing your clothing and bringing your laptop bag without any issues.
Whether a first time or veteran rider, scooters have loads of benefits for riders and our environment, so we’ve created a list of 5 of the best 50cc scooters based on design, practicality and price to give you a glimpse at what’s out there.
BikerRated’s best 50cc mopeds
- Yamaha Xerox 4
- Vespoa Primavera 50 4T3V
- Peugeot Kisbee 50
- Kymco Agility 50
- Lexmoto Echo 50 E4
Here’s a full run-down of each of these great mopeds:
Yamaha Aerox 4
Yamaha Aerox 50 Key Specs
- Engine: Single cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC
- Max power output: 2.9BHP / 2.2kW
- Displacement: 49.45cc
- Seat Height: 817mm
- Weight: 97kg
- Price: £2699.00
The offspring of Yamaha’s AeroX R, the Aerox 4 was introduced in 2018 to update the design and bring it in line with European emissions laws. The updated design is based on Yamaha’s YZF-R1 high-performance motorcycle; they’ve even added an R1-style tail light, aerodynamic front fairing and upswept tail for a super dynamic look.
With a new liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine, acceleration is fast and smooth but still maintains an outstanding fuel economy. The chassis on this scooter is compact and lightweight to give you sporty handling while the 13-inch, 5 spoke alloy wheels and hydraulic-telescopic front forks give you precise cornering. Wide tyres and 190mm front and rear discs, give outstanding braking performance when you need it most.
Sporty models can sometimes lack storage space but this nippy scooter has an under-seat storage compartment for a full-face helmet and a whopping 6-litre fuel tank. Available in a striking electric blue or stylish matt grey, the R-series derived supersport-style bodywork adds a sense of class to your commute.
Vespa Primavera 50 4T3V
Vespa Primavera 50 4T3V Key Specs
- Engine: 3-valve, 4-stroke single cylinder i-get catalysed
- Max power output: 3.2BHP / 2.4kW
- Displacement: 49.9cc
- Seat Height: 790mm
- Weight: 96kg
- Price: £3,399
Regardless if you remember mods and rockers firsthand or you’ve watched Quadrophenia, the Vespa is instantly recognised. The Vespa Primavera was first manufactured in 1968 and the model has hardly changed on the outside; the inside is a different story. Vespa never stopped the revolution; by creating the exclusive i-get catylised, 3-valve, 4-stroke single cylinder engine, the Primavera 50 provides top-class fuel economy while remaining clean for the environment. It has an incredible 8-litre engine so you can enjoy touring around all day without worrying about filling up too soon. Vespa has always valued safety for their riders and the 4T3V is no different; with large 12″ alloys and new 5-spoke design, you get extra stability and expert handling for those tight city manoeuvres.
True to the laid back, classic Italian design, this scooter is lower than sporty models with a seat height of 790mm so for younger riders (with expensive taste!) it’s easy to mount. The ultra-cool retro dash makes it appealing to look at but the added modern backlighting makes this beauty shine. The outer body has had a slight upgrade from earlier models; the front leg shield has a pulled-in look which adds aerodynamics and the thinner stature makes it simpler to navigate busy traffic should you need to.
Peugeot Kisbee 50
Peugeot Kisbee 50 Key Specs
- Engine: 4-stroke air-cooled
- Max power output: 4BHP / 3kW
- Displacement: 50cc
- Seat Height: 780mm
- Weight: 95kg
- Price: £1,649
If you thought Vespa was the oldest manufacturer of scooters in the world, surprisingly, you’d be wrong. Peugeot holds that title with an impressive 110 years! It’s safe to say that they know what they’re doing when it comes to creating a great scooter.
The new Kisbee is light, spacious and nippy; exactly what you need to get you from A to B. The petrol tank is slightly smaller than most with a capacity of 6.8 litres but you’ll still be able to travel far and wide with its economical fuel consumption. The automatic transmission is powerful and the acceleration is smooth and consistent. 12″ alloys make cornering a breeze while the spacious under-seat storage lets you store a full-face helmet. Peugeot has gone the extra mile for its riders by creating a level floor pan and bag hook – gone are the days of carrying a heavy bag on your bag which can throw your balance. They’ve even catered for taller riders and passengers with extra leg room for the rider and retractable footrests for pillion passengers.
For a low price, you can still turn heads with a range of 4 colours; the headlights along with a sport-style wind deflector, and audible indicators complete the sophisticated look.
Kymco Agility 50
Lexmoto Echo 50 E4 Key Specs
- Engine: Single cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled
- Max power output: 2.4BHP / 1.8kW
- Displacement: 50cc
- Seat Height: 830mm
- Weight: 78kg
- Price: £1,099.99
One of the lightest scooters on the market, the Kymco Agility 50 is a cheap alternative to some more well-established brands. Due to its reduced weight, young riders won’t struggle to manoeuvre the scooter to park.
Don’t let the low cost fool you, Kymco have thought of the rider and their demands in mind. The Agility 50 has a massive 120 miles per gallon as well as emitting low carbon emissions. If you’re carrying pillions, there’s a handy footrest and grab rail so you can share your journey with a friend or if not, the pillion seat turns into a supporting backrest for that all-important comfort.
With a large headlight, 12″ alloy wheels, drum brakes and fuel gauge on the dash; you know you’re safe riding at any time of day. The basic design may not be for everyone’s taste but you won’t notice it’s a cheap scooter when you’re enjoying the ride.
Lexmoto Echo
Lexmoto Echo Key Specs
- Engine: Single cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled
- Max power output: 2.4BHP / 1.8kW
- Displacement: 50cc
- Seat Height: 830mm
- Weight: 78kg
- Price: £1,099.99
The Echo by Lexmoto is an ideal first scooter thanks to its ultra-lightweight and twist and go automatic gears. The sporty style of the bike has a superbike feel due to the angled headlights and aerodynamic front leg shield which any young rider will appreciate. Lexmoto has considered commuters in their design with the inclusion of a luggage rack as standard with the choice to add luggage boxes should you need them. Traditional under-seat storage is present, with room for a full face helmet.
Unlike other brands, Lexmoto has chosen to keep a small, compact design like original scooters and opted for 10″ wheels; making it less complicated to do those tight turns in an urban setting. The fuel tank is on the smaller side at 5.8 litres but it shouldn’t stop you going on long journeys thanks to an added fuel gauge on its clean and simplistic dash. Available is a choice of 3 dual-colours, white/blue, red/black and, white/grey, and a range of official Lexmoto scooter accessories, you can be sure to find something that suits your style.
Questions or Comments?
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We love reading your comments and helping our readers.
The Best 50cc Moped for You
With so many 50cc moped on the market, you don’t need to buy a brand new one. However, if it’s your first two-wheeler, you might want to splash out. If you do, good for you.
While the Vespa makes the other mopeds look expensive, it is a classy bit of kit. However, think about how you’d feel if you accidentally dropped it and needed to pay for repairs. The chances are it won’t be cheap.
At the other end of the scale, the Lexmoto and Kymco moped are both very cheap but that’s because they’re likely made with lower-quality components, which might not stand up to the UK’s weather as well as the mid-priced options.
Every moped will look great when it’s sat in the dealer’s showroom. However, do your research and look at some second-hand models to see what condition they’re in after a few years.
The 1-minute insurance estimate
Do you know roughly what it’ll cost to insure your 50cc moped?
We’ve created a motorcycle insurance estimator that asks no personal questions and takes just 1 minute to fill out. It’ll give you an accurate idea of what it’ll cost to insure your first motorbike.
50cc moped FAQs
How fast does a 50cc moped go?
A 50cc moped will have a restricted top speed of 30mph.
How do you make a 50cc moped faster?
Depending on the moped you have, you can either fit a sports exhaust, remove the physical limiter (sometimes the throttle cable is restricted) or you can get the ECU flashed to remove the speed limiter.
Can 50cc mopeds go on dual carriageways?
Yes, you can ride a moped on a dual carriageway, however it is a scary experience. They have a maximum top speed of 30mph and other road users won’t be expecting you to be going so slowly, so keep a close eye on your wing mirrors at all times.
What oil does a 50cc moped take?
Read your owner’s manual. However, if your moped has a 4-stroke engine, you just need regular mineral oil. If it is a 2-stroke engine you need special oil. Don’t use car engine oil. Read our motorcycle engine oil guide.
Do 50cc mopeds need insurance?
Yes, if you are going to ride in on UK roads, it needs to be insured.
Are 50cc mopeds road legal?
Absolutely. You can ride them from 16 years old.
Are 50cc mopeds allowed on A roads?
Yes, all roads expect motorways.
Can 50cc mopeds go on motorways?
No but they can go on dual carriageways.
Do 50cc mopeds have gears?
No, all 50cc scooters are automatic but some 50cc motorcycles will have gears.
How many miles can a 50cc moped do?
A typical moped fuel tank is 5 litres (which equates to 1.2 gallons). Most 50cc mopeds will return 70mpg, meaning you can get around 100 to 120 miles to a tank.
Can 50cc mopeds go up hills?
Yes and most of them won’t lose much top speed either, so they should be able to maintain 30mph even on a steep hill.
What is a 50cc moped top speed?
Roughly 30mph although some de-restricted 2-stroke mopeds will do 50mph
FAQs
How long does a 50cc moped engine last? ›
3. The engines don't last as long. The general rule of thumb is that a 2-stroke scooter engine will last beyond 30,000km assuming a normal servicing schedule is being kept up. Having said that we have customers with over 50,000km on their little 50cc scooter and they still run fine!
What is the most powerful 50cc? ›- Peugeot Speedfight.
- Yamaha Zuma 50.
- Piaggio Zip 4T.
- Gilera Runner 50.
- Aprilia SR50.
- Yamaha NMAX 125.
- Honda PCX 125.
- Kawasaki J125.
Rank | Scooter | 330 ft Time |
---|---|---|
1 | NAMI Burn-E | 7.9 s |
2 | Kaabo Wolf King GT | 8.0 s |
3 | Dualtron Thunder II | 8.5 s |
4 | Kaabo Wolf King | 8.8 s |
The top speed of a 50cc is 30mph, which doesn't seem much but is fine for small trips and just getting around town.
What to look for when buying a 50cc moped? ›- Does it have a clean and clear title? If the answer is no, you should brace yourself for some headaches. ...
- Does it run? ...
- How long has it been sitting? ...
- Are parts still available for it? ...
- Are there keys for it? ...
- Does it actually run? ...
- How do the tires look? ...
- How are the brakes?
Different models of scooter will have different petrol tank sizes, but typically a 50cc moped will hold around 5 litres of fuel.
Is 50cc worth buying? ›A 50cc scooter is ideal if you are looking for something to just ride around town. Since it is a small engine, these scooters also get the best mileage. However, an ideal scooter should be between 125cc to 150cc for most scooter riders. This engine size is perfect if you want to ride beyond city limits.
How do I choose a good moped? ›Before buying a new or used moped or scooter, there are several factors to consider. Among these are your transportation needs, the cost of the vehicle, and gas mileage. Additional considerations might include battery range, storage, size, and features. Make sure you feel comfortable riding a moped or scooter.
Does Harley-Davidson make a 50cc scooter? ›1965 M-50. A Harley-Davidson moped? This 50cc bike is the smallest displacement engine that H-D has ever built. The two-stroke single produces 2.5 horsepower and features front and rear hydraulic suspension, and front and rear drum brakes.
Is there a difference between 49cc and 50cc? ›What's the difference between a 49cc and a 50cc scooter? The answer: NOTHING! All 50cc scooters are "49. something cc", so they fall within their own category for the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Are there any American made mopeds? ›
Wolf is an American-owned and operated scooter company that imports a wide variety of both 50cc and 150cc scooters. Our Wolf Brand Scooters have Awesome Prices with zero fees!
How much is a good moped worth? ›How Much Is A Moped? Manufacturers price mopeds in the $700 – $3000 range.
Which is better a scooter or moped? ›Mopeds typically have engines that are 50cc (cubic centimeters) or smaller, while scooters are equipped with more powerful engines that range between 50cc to 250cc. This difference in engine size corresponds to a sizable difference in the vehicles' top speeds.
Which scooter is best value for money? ›- Honda Activa 6G. Price. Rs. 74,536 - 80,537* Offers. ...
- Price. Rs. 69,990 - 85,673* Offers. ...
- Honda Dio. Price. Rs. 68,625 - 74,626* ...
- Ola S1. Price. Rs. 1.33 Lakh* ...
- Price. Rs. 79,400 - 89,500* Offers. ...
- TVS NTORQ 125. Price. Rs. 80,986 - 1 Lakh* ...
- TVS iQube Electric. Price. Rs. 1.61 - 1.61 Lakh* ...
- Ather 450X. Price. Rs. 1.37 - 1.60 Lakh*
Few of the most maintenance-friendly scooters in the Indian market include the TVS Jupiter, Suzuki Access, Honda Activa 5G, etc. Few of the most maintenance-friendly scooters in the Indian market include the TVS Jupiter, Suzuki Access, Honda Activa 5G, etc.
Which scooter is best for rough use? ›Brand | Model | Average Mileage |
---|---|---|
Yamaha | Ray ZR 125 | 50 km/liter |
TVS | Ntorq 125 | 42 km/liter |
Hero | Destiny 125 | 44 km/liter |
On average, the top speed of a 50cc moped is between 25-30mph.
What is the fastest stock moped? ›The TVS comes with a solid 3 valve engine, coming in at 124.79cc. This moped is able to maintain top speeds and outpace other top contenders with ease. Another one of the fastest mopeds in the world, the Honda Grazia can hit speeds of over 100 mph, putting it just below the TVS Ntorq in terms of maximum speed.
Whats faster 50cc or 125cc? ›125cc e-scooters, on the other hand, have a higher engine capacity and offer more power and speed compared to 50cc e-scooters. With a top speed of around 60 mph, 125cc e-scooters are ideal for those who need to travel longer distances or for those who want a more powerful riding experience.
What is the fastest 50cc motor? ›The fastest 50cc
The current 50cc land speed record belongs to a metal fabricator who hit just over 233 kmph (about 145 mph) on the Bonneville Salt Flats. However, this speed was achieved with a turbo-charged streamliner. These are nothing like production 50cc bikes.
How many cc is good for a moped? ›
A moped engine may not exceed 50 cubic centimeters (CCs) in size with an automatic transmission, or 130 CCs in size if it is a bicycle type vehicle with fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power.
What is faster than a moped? ›A scooter is essentially a stripped-down small-displacement motorcycle with a step-through chassis. Most scooters have engine power in the range of 50cc to 250cc, which means they can be substantially more powerful than mopeds and can reach higher top speeds.
Why are 50cc scooters restricted? ›50cc engines (and their electric motor equivalents) have a standard limit on their speed – the 50cc moped is essentially the slowest vehicle allowed on public roads. The restriction on their engines means they have a slower top speed than what they're actually capable of, as per legal requirements.
What is the gas mileage of a moped? ›Thus, there is no need of paying interest or installment plans. When it comes to fuel, the mopeds are taking the game away from cars. Even the best cars run around 25-30 mpg. On the other hand, mopeds will run around 130 miles on a single gallon fill.
Do you have to pay insurance on a 50cc moped? ›Do I need 50cc bike insurance? The attractions of a 50cc bike are obvious: you can ride one from 16 years old, you don't need to take a riding test and they're cheap to tax and fuel. However, you do need motorbike insurance, but this is often fairly inexpensive for these small, cheap bikes too.
Can I ride a 50cc moped without a test? ›You can ride a moped (up to 50cc) without L plates. You do not need to take a CBT course or take the full moped test. You must take CBT if you want to ride anything larger than a 50cc moped.
What is the average speed of a 50cc moped? ›In terms of speed, a 50cc moped typically reaches 30 mph, which is about 50 km/h. The majority of local trips can be completed at a rate of 30 mph or faster.
What mileage does a 50cc get? ›For any Direct Bikes 50cc moped, you can get a minimum of 100mpg. This is great value for money and will ensure that you can pick up the pace and cover large distances economically.
How many horsepower is a 50cc moped? ›50cc Motorcycles:
Lightweight motorcycles with 50cc usually have 2-stroke engines that produce anywhere from 3 to 9 HP. However, some racing 50cc motorcycles can pack a punch, getting up to 15,000 rpm, with anywhere from 10 to 20 HP.
50cc Moped Limitations
To elaborate, motor scooters, such as 49cc mopeds, are often unable to go faster than 35 mph, thus making them unsafe to use on the highway. That said, the above assessment somewhat implies that mopeds capable of going faster than 35 mph are safe to drive on the highway.
Why buy a scooter instead of a motorcycle? ›
When it comes to scooters vs motorcycles, motorcycles are usually harder to learn to ride but have larger engines and top speeds, while scooters are more fuel efficient, cheaper and have better maneuverability. This makes scooters a good choice for urban commuters.
What size moped should I get? ›Consider getting a scooter with a 125 cc or 150 cc engine if you want to ride beyond city limits. A 125 cc engine has plenty of power for climbing hills and riding against the wind, Yake said. At 90 to 100 mpg, it's the most popular size at Yellowstone Scooters. The 150 cc engine has a bit more power.
What is the most dependable scooter? ›Scooter | Best For |
---|---|
Segway Ninebot Max | Long distance riding |
Xioami M365 Pro | Proven reliability |
EMove Cruiser | Waterproof Features |
Glion Dolly | Convenience |
It's a Honda
Few brands are as trusted as Honda. Honda proves time and time again that their scooters are trustworthy and built to last. Some Ruckus owners have as many as 5,000 to 20,000 on their scooters with no mechanical issues other than routine maintenance.
- The Best Mobility Scooters of 2023.
- Pride Mobility Revo 2.0 3-Wheel Scooter.
- Pride Mobility Revo 2.0 4-Wheel Scooter.
- Pride Mobility Victory 10.2 3-Wheel Scooter.
- Ewheels DL-SR Scooter.
- Ewheels EW-24 Scooter.
- Drive Medical Phoenix HD 4 Scooter.
- Golden Technologies Buzzaround LX 3-Wheel Scooter.
an engine size up to 50 cc (cylinder capacity) a maximum speed up to 50 kilometres per hour (km/h)
How much should I pay for a Honda Ruckus? ›$2,799. MSRP or Price does not include $200 in destination charges. Call Now!
What is the mpg on a 2023 Honda Ruckus? ›Miles Per Gallon
114 MPG - Honda's fuel economy estimates are based on EPA exhaust emission measurement test procedures and are intended for comparison purposes only.
2023 Honda Ruckus Top Speed: 35-41 MPH. 2023 Honda Ruckus MPG: 114 Miles Per Gallon.