Moped and Scooter Insurance Guide

Like any other motorised vehicle running on public roads, mopeds and scooters also need insurance. That’s why you should learn all there is to know about it before hopping on the saddle.

What is a Moped?

A moped is a low powered motorcycle with an engine capacity lower than 50cc, and that can reach a maximum speed of 31mph. Due to their low power, mopeds are usually cheap to buy and also cheap to insure.

With so many models out there, it’s also easy to find a replica of your favourite motorcycle to enjoy until you’ll have the age or licence to ride a full-size one.

When Can You Legally Ride a Moped?

You can legally ride a moped if you’re 16 or over and have completed a motorcycle theory tests, obtained a provisional licence, and have an additional CBT certificate. With these documents, you can ride the moped legally for two years, then you can extend the provisional licence for two more years by retaking the CBT.

Mopeds are subject to all vehicle and traffic regulations, and like all motorised bikes and motorcycles under 50cc, they are prohibited from using the motorways.

What Is a CBT?

CBT stands for Compulsory Basic Training and is a preliminary vehicular training course that must be completed by anyone wishing to ride a moped or motorcycle unaccompanied on the road. It has a validity of 2 years.

This training has five stages, including:

• CBT introduction and eyesight test
• Learning the controls of a motorcycle
• Off-road riding
• Road briefing
• Practical on-road riding

The CBT allows riders with a provisional licence of full car licence obtained after 1 February 2001 to ride a moped from 16 years of age and a scooter or motorcycle with a power up to 125cc from 17 years of age.

You are not required to complete a CBT course to ride a moped if you have a full car licence obtained before 1 February 2001.

One thing to remember is that a CBT is not a pass or fail test, and you’ll obtain the certificate when your trainer is satisfied with your level of preparation.

Generally, the CBT course is completed in up to 8 hours. However, it may take longer if you can’t demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Highway Code or if your trainer feels you’re not yet ready to drive a motorised vehicle unaccompanied.

A CBT course can cost up to £120, but the actual cost depends on the training school and your level of preparation.

Average 50cc Moped Insurance Cost

The average moped insurance cost is around £280 per year; however, the actual cost will vary based on your age, riding record, and type of insurance.

If you’re 16-years old, it’s likely that you’ll be looking at a higher premium as this will be your first foray into the world of two wheels.

There are three types of moped insurances:

• Third-party: The cheapest, it only covers damages or injuries to other persons or their property in case of an accident, but it doesn’t cover you, the moped, or your belongings. Prices can go as low as £67 per year, with an average of around £250 per year.
• Third-party, fire, and theft: Similar to the insurance above, it also covers the moped in case it catches fire or if it is stolen. With a minimal premium difference compared to the simple third-party insurance, this could be a more convenient option. You can expect to pay £260 per year on average.
• Comprehensive: Covers a wide range of situations, including you and the moped, but it’s the most expensive. It costs £310 per year on average, but premiums can be higher if you’re a young or inexperienced rider. Indeed, premiums may vary widely from around £400 to over £1,500 for 16-year old riders.

Cheap Moped Insurance

If you are 16-years old and looking to get a moped or whether you’re older and just want a 50cc moped to get around on, there are good ways to ensure you get the cheapest moped insurance.

1. Buy a cheaper second-hand moped. The lower the bike’s value, the lower the premium will be.
2. Keep it in a locked garage. Unfortunately, a lot of moped riders are teenagers and teenagers don’t tend to look after their stuff. Mopeds are frequently stolen as the owners often have no additional security, like a disc lock. Keep yours garaged and it won’t be a target.
3. Go for a higher excess. If you increase your excess, you won’t get paid out as much if you need to make a claim but if you’re confident you won’t have an accident or you keep the bike stored in a safe place, a higher exces will reduce your premiums.

How to Get Cheaper Scooter Insurance?

Moped and 125cc scooter insurances are generally inexpensive, but you can make them even cheaper if you follow the tips below:

• Increase the security of your bike if you want a third-party, fire, and theft or a comprehensive policy. The harder your bike is to steal, the less you’ll have to pay for the policy. Keeping the vehicle locked in a garage at night and securing it with bike locks, ground anchors, and immobilisers when not in use will reduce the premium.
• Increase your excess. A higher voluntary excess means a lower premium. The downside is that you’ll have to pay more in case of accidents or theft.
• Pay your insurance annually. Most companies will give you the possibility to pay in monthly instalments or a lump yearly sum. Opt for the latter if you want to benefit from a lower price.

Which insurance Group Is Cheapest?

Motorbikes and scooters that are in a lower insurance group are cheaper to insure than those in a higher insurance group. Group 1 is the cheapest, but the number of insurance groups varies depending on the provider. Some use 1 to 17 while others use 1 to 43. However, as a customer, you’ll never truly know which group your bike is in. Generally speaking the lower the engine size, the less power a bike makes and the cheaper it will be to insure.

125cc Scooter Insurance Cost

125cc scooters are covered by the same type of insurances as mopeds. Due to the higher power, though, you’re looking at a higher premium.

Like any other vehicle insurance, how much it will cost depends on your level of expertise, age, and whether the company sees you as an at-risk subject or not. For instance, a 19-year-olds can expect to pay £600 per year on average for a comprehensive policy, whereas a 30-year-olds will only pay £400 on average.

Obviously, your riding record will also influence the final cost of the insurance.

Moped & Scooter Security Tips

Mopeds and scooters are highly desired by thieves. These vehicles are easy to steal and even easier to sell for a profit. Increasing the security level will not only prevent your bike from being stolen; it will also reduce the cost of the insurance.

Here are a few things you can do to make your bike less appealing for the thieves:

• Cover it. Moped and scooter covers are cheap and keep the bike away from the curious eyes. If thieves can’t see what’s under the cover, they are less likely to steal it.
• Use a disc lock to prevent the wheels from spinning. While this device isn’t unbreakable, thieves will have to make quite a noise to take it off. Some locks even have alarms, warding off anyone who gets near the bike.
• Lock your scooter to a ground anchor whenever possible. Use a heavy-duty chain that is hard to break or cut.
• Fit your bike with a tracker that alerts you of movement and signals the bike’s position. Insurance companies often offer better deals if you can keep track of your bike in case it is stolen.
• Security mark your bike with products such as Datatag, which marks your bike’s components with easily traceable details. Once you register the code online, it is very easy to identify the parts of your stolen bike if it has been dismantled.

Benefits of Riding a Scooter

Many of those who love the two wheels dream of riding a motorcycle. Nevertheless, a scooter could be a better option in many circumstances. Here are a few benefits.

• Urban mobility: Scooters are agile vehicles designed for urban mobility. A small scooter or moped is perfect for getting around quickly in congested cities, and it is easy to park anywhere, often free of charge.
• Low maintenance: A scooter is a simple machine that can be easily fixed with basic tools. Although some of the newer models may be a tad more complex to maintain, their maintenance is still easier to perform and cheaper than the one of a motorcycle.
• Fuel efficiency: Due to the automatic drive and simple motor, scooters and mopeds have low consumptions. Whether you’re using such a vehicle for commuting or recreational rides, you’ll surely be able to save on petrol.

Typical Scooter Running Costs

Deciding what is the best ride for you also comes down to running costs. On average, scooters and mopeds can save you up to £2,000 a year when compared to a car. The typical scooter running costs include:

• Road tax: £17 for scooters and mopeds with engine size up to 150cc
• MOT: not required for scooters and mopeds that are less than three years old; £29.65 for vehicles older than three years
• Insurance: £400 on average for a comprehensive policy
• Petrol: A scooter can cover up to 110mpg
• Service if necessary

Summary

Cheap to buy, run, and insure, mopeds and small scooters are a great choice for teens who want to become more independent and commuters of all ages.

While the insurance for such vehicles is generally inexpensive, you can use an insurance comparator site to find the best deals and use the tips in this guide to further reduce the premium.