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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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
