It’s not just motorcycles that need insurance, you’ll also need scooter or moped insurance if you own either of these.
That’s why Bennetts don’t just provide motorcycle insurance – we also provide specialist moped and scooter insurance. We ensure that you have the best cover for your requirements and that you are fully protected by an established and Defaqto 5-star insurer.
Whether you have a scooter or moped - instead of or as well as a motorbike - you can insure it with us either on an individual policy or alongside your other bikes.
Riding Mopeds
Whether you are considering buying your first moped or have just bought it, here’s what you need to know when you are starting out - including the requirements for moped insurance in the UK.
The benefits of riding a moped
As a young rider, the biggest benefit of a moped is the freedom it offers you. They may be limited to 28mph, but even at this pace you can get to places without relying on lifts from your parents. Also, mopeds are remarkably frugal, easily doing 80mpg while remaining incredibly reliable – and you can even get race bike replicas.
To more experienced riders, a moped is a cheap, economical means of zipping through traffic on short journeys, as well as being cheap to run - they cost just £20 a year in motorbike tax. Environmentally speaking, a lot of the new electric vehicles are classed as mopeds due to their small motor size and even the petrol versions are good news for Mother Nature as they generally have lower emissions than cars.
Who can ride a moped?
All that's required to get on a moped up to 50cc is a provisional licence and successful completion of a one-day training course called CBT - Compulsory Basic Training. Car licence holders are also entitled to ride a moped if their full licence was issued before 1 February 2001.
Ensure your moped is insured
It is now a legal requirement for registered moped keepers to insure their vehicles at all times. The government has tightened up the rules by introducing a new set of regulations known as Continuous Insurance Enforcement Scheme. This makes it an offence to keep your vehicle in a garage without insurance unless it has been declared off the road to the DVLA. Hence it is crucial to get your moped insured before you hit the road. Whether you ride Peugeot or Piaggio, make sure you are fully covered all year round.
Riding Scooters
Perhaps you have, or are about to buy, a scooter, rather than a moped. If so, here’s everything you need to know about the joys of scooters - including the requirements for scooter insurance in the UK.
The benefits of riding a scooter
As the majority of scooters are ‘twist and go’ they don’t have a clutch, making them easier to ride through congested cities. Commuters love the fact that most scooters have large under seat storage compartments, meaning that you don’t have to lug a helmet around the shops.
With congestion charges, the cost of train tickets, limited parking and high petrol prices, scooters are becoming increasingly popular for inner-city commuters. The environmental benefits include a generally excellent fuel economy and that they reduce congestion.
What defines a scooter?
According to UK registration criteria, a scooter is a style of motorcycle in much the same way as a sports bike or a naked bike, for example. As long as it is above 49cc and is a motorcycle with a step through frame (allows you to sit with your feet together on a footboard as the frame runs along the floor) then it is classed as a scooter.
The mounting of the engine, which is usually combined with the rear swingarm or located below the rider’s seat, allows this unique kind of frame design.
50cc and 125cc insurance
A 50cc scooter or 125cc scooter is the perfect commuter vehicle, with plenty of nippy power for crossing town in the traffic, and a lightweight manoeuvrability that will leave most other vehicles jealously watching you as you weave out of sight. What's more, while motorbikes are all too often about performance first, with practicality coming as an afterthought, scooters are one of the most practical ways to get around.
Cheap moped insurance
Scooters and mopeds tend to have a smaller engine than the average motorcycle and therefore are the cheapest to insure out of all bike types. In addition, there are few things you can do to cut the cost of your insurance premium even further.
Several ways you might be able to get cheap moped or scooter insurance, include:
- Completing an advanced training course such as those offered by the Institute of Advanced Motorists
- Keeping your scooter or moped in a garage overnight
- Fitting approved security systems and locks
- Owning and riding your moped or scooter for over a year to show consistent riding experience on the same vehicle
Fore more tips, read out guide on how to get
cheaper bike insurance.
Why choose Bennetts?
So, why choose Bennetts for your insurance policy? Firstly, we work closely with our trusted panel of insurers to compare moped insurance policies and obtain the best quotes possible at the most competitive prices. We can offer comprehensive, third party fire and theft or third party only moped insurance cover as well as a number of additional benefits.
Our specialist insurance cover is tailored to your exact needs and requirements and 17 of the most common modifications are covered as standard.
There’s someone at our UK-based call centre every day of the week to answer any questions you may have and you can get a quote or buy online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
But, that’s not all. Here are some other reasons you should choose Bennetts for your moped or scooter insurance:
- Enjoy a range of essential savings with BikeSocial Membership when you buy your motorbike insurance policy direct
- 70% off ultimate cover – includes Legal Expenses, RAC Breakdown EU, Helmet & Leathers and Personal Accident
- Five-star product (as rated by Defaqto)
- Specialist claims team available all day, every day
- Monthly payment plans to make your life easier (subject to status)
- 90-day EU cover is included as standard
- Three levels of RAC breakdown cover
Moped and scooter insurance quote
Getting a moped insurance quote is easy with Bennetts – we’ll do the legwork to find you the best premium for your requirements from our panel.
Simply complete our online form for an instant scooter insurance quote, or call our dedicated UK-based call centre on 0344 412 2171, who are on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week to find our best deal for you.
You’ll also be able to find out more about the perks that come from being a Bennetts customer including our membership scheme for direct customers.
Moped and Scooter FAQs
Can I carry passengers with scooter insurance?
Yes. Depending on the type of licence you have, moped and scooter insurance would cover passengers while riding on or getting onto or off of your scooter. It would also cover any riders in your sidecar.
Do I need insurance for a 49cc scooter?
Yes. Although you may not need a full motorcycle licence to ride a 49cc moped, you will still need to have insurance to ride it on UK roads.
Do I need insurance for my moped or scooter?
Yes. As with motorcycles, your moped or scooter must be insured for you to ride it on UK roads. Having insurance protects you from liability if you're involved in an accident, damage property or vehicles or injure someone. It can also provide compensation if your scooter or moped is lost, stolen or vandalised. Additionally, if you're caught riding without insurance, you risk a range of penalties such as a £300 fine, six penalty points, or being disqualified from riding your bike altogether.
What is the CBT?
CBT means Compulsory basic training. CBT must be completed before a learner moped or motorcycle rider is allowed to ride on the road with L-plates or D-plates in Wales.
You will need to complete CBT if:
• you want to ride a moped (a moped has an engine not over 50 cc with maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kilometres per hour (km/h) which is approximately 31 miles per hour)
• you want to ride a scooter or motorcycle up to 125cc
If you obtained your car licence before 1 February 2001 you do not need to complete CBT to ride a moped.
What is the difference between a moped and a scooter?
Traditionally, mopeds were based on the design of a motorcycle but had the addition of pedals, the name being a portmanteau of 'mo'torcycle and 'ped'al. While the design feature fell out of favour, the name stuck and is now used legally to refer to any low-powered motorcycle with a capacity of less than 50cc. Mopeds tend to resemble the bikes they were based on, while scooters feature a step-through frame. Some scooters have capacities of less than 50cc, meaning they're legally mopeds, but they are also available in more powerful capacities.
What kind of licence do I need to ride a scooter?
This depends on the capacity of the scooter you choose. For either mopeds or scooters with capacities from 49 - 125cc, you can ride with L-plates if you've completed your CBT. The CBT is Compulsory Basic Training for riding your scooter or moped and must be retaken every two years. If you want to go for a full licence, an AM licence will allow you to ride mopeds with a capacity of up to 50cc, and an A1 licence will allow you to ride mopeds or scooters up to 125cc. You can complete/pass the CBT and AM at 16, and the A1 at 17.
