When Buying a Scooter you want to make the right choice and we want to make the buying process as painless as possible so we have put together a list of the Frequently Answered Questions to help you find what you are looking for. If there is anything you feel we have missed then please drop us a line and we’ll get it added.
What is a scooter?
Well by now you probably already know if you have found our site looking for a Scooter, but here is a little bit more information for you. A Scooter is a motorcycle like a moped, but tends to have a larger engine capacity, but also ranges from 50cc upwards. A scooter in the UK tends to have the following features:
- maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kilometres per hour (km/h) (about 31 miles per hour (mph)
- an engine capacity starting from 50 cc
- usually consists of a 4 stroke petrol engine to meet environmental laws
Who can ride a scooter?
50cc scooters
In the UK 50cc scooters can be rode from the age of 16 so long as you have a provisional moped license and have passed the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). Once you have completed the training you will be issued with a DL 196 certificate and from this point you will be entitled to ride your moped as a learner with L-Plates, you will not be allowed to carry a pillion passenger or ride on motorways however.
If you have a car licence…
If you obtained your full car licence before 1 February 2001 you are automatically entitled to ride a moped without L-plates (D-plates in Wales).
If you obtained a full car licence after 1 February 2001 you must first complete a CBT course and obtain a DL 196 certificate to validate your entitlement.
125cc Scooters
you need to be at least 17. You need a full UK driving licence and a CBT. You can then ride with ‘L’ plates until you obtain your full UK motorcycle licence. You can’t take passengers or drive on motorways until you have your full UK motorcycle licence
What exactly does a CBT involve?
As a new rider, you are required by law to complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) before you can ride on L-plates. The CBT will introduce you to safety equipment and riding gear, basic machine control, and the concepts behind road safety. A qualified instructor will accompany you on a minimum of a two-hour road ride. Having reached a safe and proficient level of riding, you will receive a CBT certificate (DL196). This certificate is valid for two years, and allows you to ride displaying L-plates unaccompanied on the road.
You do have to pay for the course, and the cost can vary depending on a number of factors, eg. if you provide your own bike and helmet and which part of the country you are in.
Do i need insurance?
Yes. In order to ride on Britains roads you will need at least third party insurance cover
Do congestion charges apply to scooter?
No. This is one of the great benefits of driving a scooter
Do i have to pay road tax?
Yes all scooters must be taxed to ride on Britains roads, This will cost you only £15 a year so another great benefit of owning a scooter.
Does a scooter need a MOT?
Scooters over 3 years old have to obtain an MOT test certificate to continue riding on the road. This is for the safety of the vehicle and the driver.
