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If you’re tired of spending hours stuck in traffic or squeezing yourself into a stinky train carriage, you’re in the right place!
A 125cc scooter will revitalise your commute, save your time and mean you’re never held to ransom by tube strikes again!
There is an abundant choice on the market; whether it’s the style you’re going for or simply the ease of navigating through traffic, spending your pennies on a two-wheeler could be the best investment you make this year.
All you need to ride a 125cc scooter is a CBT, which costs around £120 and takes half a day to complete. It’s that easy. Read our simple CBT licence guide here for the low down.
If you’re totally new to the world of two wheels and don’t know which to scooter pick, don’t worry – you’re in safe hands.
We’ve put together this list showcasing the best 125cc scooters. There are options for those on a budget, scooters for those who value style and great options for riders who want a no-nonsense, no hassle way to kiss goodbye to public transport!
BikerRated’s best 125cc scooters
- Honda SH125
- Vespa GTS125
- Yamaha NMAX 125
- Lexmoto Enigma 125
- Honda PCX125
Here’s a full run-down of each of these great bikes:
Honda SH125
SH125 Key Specs
- Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC single
- Max power output: 13bhp (8.98kW)
- Displacement: 124.9cc
- Seat height: 799mm
- Weight: 136.9kg
- Price: £3359
Compact enough to navigate busy roads with ease, Honda SH125 is one of the most popular scooters in the UK. It features large 16″ wheels, which gives it a seamless ride and table handling.
The newest model impresses with a refined restyling that stays faithful to the original lines, yet give it a sinuous, modern shape that will make you feel like the king of the road.
This big wheel scooter is very comfortable and roomy and feels like a ‘bigger’ scooter. Ideal for all but well suited to taller riders. Its staple is everyday commuting and the supplied topbox makes it a great option for carrying pillions too.
Vespa GTS125
GTS125 Key Specs
- Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-valve 4-stroke single cylinder
- Max power output: 13bhp (9kW)
- Displacement: 124.7cc
- Seat height: 790mm
- Weight: 158kg
- £4499
Vespa GTS125 brings tribute to the first globally popular scooter launched by the company back in 1946. While most scooter brands are known for their continuously evolving lines and styles, Vespa is known for the opposite.
The GTS125 was first released in 2007, yet it stays true to the retro lines, pressed steel unibody, and impeccable paintwork. The newest version comes with an i-jet electronic injection engine, liquid cooling, and four valve distribution.
Responsive acceleration and agility make it easy to manoeuver around the city. Like all classics, it doesn’t come cheap, but with plenty of used examples on the market, it’s the go-to choice for style-conscious riders – the GTS has looks that will never go out of fashion.
Yamaha NMAX125
Key Specs
- Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC single
- Max power output: 13bhp (9kW)
- Displacement: 125cc
- Seat height: 765mm
- Weight: 127kg
- £2970
Sportive allure and mid-range price point make this urban commuter a great alternative to the Hondas.
Yamaha’s NMAX 125 impresses its riders with a compact structure, ultra-low fuel consumption, and the agility to glide smoothly through traffic. Top-end specifications include ABS, fuel efficiency, and EURO4-approved engine.
Born for the city, NMAX 125 features a low seat height, making it ideal for female riders. It stands out thanks to the edgy, modern look but it conceals a super-smooth and user-friendly scooter.
Lexmoto Enigma 125
Enigma 125 Key Specs
- Engine: Air-cooled 4-stroke single cylinder
- Max power output: 10bhp (7kW)
- Displacement: 125cc
- Seat height: 780mm
- Weight: 121kg
- Price: £1499
Lexmoto Enigma 125 may not have the best looks, but it has a competitive price. It’s great for anyone on a budget and those who don’t mind its slightly unpolished aesthetics.
Big wheels and combined braking enhance agility and manoeuvring. Functional features include an oversized speedometer read, dropdown mudguard, and USB connectivity. A great choice for those who want a new scooter but don’t want to spend a fortune, the Enigma 125 is a good first step into the world of two wheels.
Honda PCX125
PCX125 Key Specs
- Engine: Liquid-cooled 2-valve, 4-stroke single cylinder
- Max power output: 13bhp (9kW)
- Displacement: 125cc
- Seat height: 764mm
- Weight: 130kg
- £2929 new (From £1200 second hand)
The last entry on our list is a true giant in a tiny package. The most popular-selling scooter in the UK, it’s also the go-to choice of delivery riders – the PCX is a reliable workhorse.
It’s slightly cheaper than other mid-level scooters but it still promises Honda’s reliability and build quality.
Sleek lines, a brand new LCD dash and powerful LED lights are just a few of the highlights. A low seat height and smaller wheels than the SH125 but the PCX also features ABS for a fuss-free and safe ride.
The Best 125 scooter for you
From sporty designs to classic lines, picking the best 125cc scooters comes down to preference. With a bountiful range of new and second-hand choices, all you have to do is visit your local dealer, try out a few models, and see which is the right one for you.
Have you considered a 125cc motorcycle?
You can ride a 125cc scooter or motorcycle if you have taken a CBT. If you have a full car licence, you will also need a CBT. Check out our list of the best 125cc motorbikes or see our list of every 125cc motorbike you can buy
Insurance on a scooter
125cc scooters are among the cheapest category of two-wheelers you can insure. Major cities like London have had something of a theft epidemic over the past few years, so premiums have risen.
It’s worth bearing in mind that if you park your scooter on the street, you’ll need a couple of layers of security to reduce the chance of it being stolen. Stolen motorcycle database BikersUnited has put together this great guide on the best scooter security measures.
A typical insurance premium for a 19-year old on a 125cc scooter is around £600 per year. For a 30-year old, new to riding, it’ll be around £300. Once you get a couple of years of experience, you’ll be getting quotes over under £200 to insure a scooter for a year. Cheap insurance, over 70mpg and almost no road tax makes a scooter an attractive option, especially when compared to a season ticket.
Your premium will depend on many factors like your age, location and whether or not the scooter is garaged overnight.
The 1-minute insurance estimate
Do you know roughly what you’ll need to budget to insure your 125cc scooter?
We’ve created a scooter 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 scooter.
125cc Scooter FAQs
How fast is a 125cc scooter?
A modern 125cc scooter should easily be capable of 65mph. They are great for riding around town as they are quick off the line and agile but if you want to commute on the motorway, you’re probably better off getting a bike with a larger engine.
Can a 125cc scooter go on the motorway?
Yes it can but it, whether you can ride it on a motorway, depends on your licence. If you have a CBT, this is not a motorcycle licence and so you’re not allowed on the motorway. However if you have a full motorbike licence, you can ride a 125cc scooter or motorbike on the motorway.
Do I need a CBT for a 125cc scooter?
Yes you do. In order to ride any 125cc motorcycle or scooter you’ll need a valid CBT, whether you’ve got a full car licence or not. When you have a CBT you can ride any motorcycle or scooter with an engine capacity up to 125cc and you must ride it with L-plates.
Can I carry a pillion on my 125cc scooter?
If you have a CBT then no you can’t. However, if you have a full licence then you can carry a pillion.
Get advice from real bikers
If you’re thinking of getting on two wheels, whether that be a scooter or motorcycle, with a CBT or a full licence, you’ll probably have a lot of questions you want answers to.
Why not check out www.ridersite.com where there’s a specific beginner motorcycling forum where you can ask any question you like.
