50cc moped

faithcecilia

I live in an area where public transport is obscenely expensive, but I don't do enough travelling to justify buying a car, so I am looking at getting a little moped. I was wondering if anyone could advise me of what I need in terms of training etc - I have a full, clean driving license. Many thanks.

whatmichaelsays

I'm mentioned this before but I'm a big advocate of the Get On scheme. This is a scheme run by the Motorcycle Industry Association (with the backing of big names in the industry) and allows new riders to get a free "taster" session on a motorcycle or moped with a trained examiner. The idea is to let you sample motorcycle riding before you commit to the expense of training, equipment, insurance etc. They'll be able to advise you on bikes, equipment, training etc.

With your current licence, you will be able to ride a 50cc scooter or moped with L plates (no motorways though).

Billy-no-Money

That's a really good link - and as a motorcyclist myself I think it's a great initiative.

I'll repeat what I've said in numerous threads though - unless you have a compelling reason to ride a 50cc (i.e. you're 16, or you passed a car test years ago and can ride without L-plates) go for a 125cc to get started - much safer, more pleasant to ride etc and no more expensive.

As an aside - what sort of distances are you likely to be covering and on what sort of roads? Is cycling an option?

Finally - don't buy Chinese brands of scooter / bike!

faithcecilia

Thanks for the replies, I will look at a trial session, great idea.

How long ago would I have had to pass my test to not need L plates on a 50cc please? I actually hadn't thought of anything more powerful - there ae no motorways or even big roads here, and I want to keep running costs low, but in all honesty I'm at the very early stages of looking into it.

I have considered a bike but its not really practical for what I need just now. The main journeys would be too and from my training sessons, at the moment I am walking about half an hour each way, up to 3 times a day. The walk home is straight uphill, and after a hard training session I find the walk hard enough!

iolanthe07

How about an electrically power assisted bike? They cost peanuts to buy and run, you don't need a licence or insurance (though it would be sensible to have insurance), and the power assistance would help you pedal up those hills.

Littlemadam83

I upgraded from a 50cc to a 125cc and my new bike is just perfect! If you need to go fast you can!

If you get a 50cc I dont think you have to do a CBT test with a full driving licence, or if you do, you just have to do it the once. Without a full bike licence on a 125 you have to take a CBT every two years it takes a day, and is about £60 if I remember correctly.

I love my Vespa so am sure you will too! They are great for avoiding traffic jams xxx

triticale

You need to complete a CBT (training, not a test as such) before riding either 50cc or 125cc, UNLESS you passed your car test before 1st Feb 2001, in which case you can just hop on a 50cc moped.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/RidingMotorcyclesAndMopeds/DG_4022430

If you are going to be riding solely in a city/town where its a 30mph limit, a 50cc will be fine. Any other roads (even 40mph ones) , go for a basic 125 or you will have traffic whizzing past trying to shove you into the gutter.

patman99

If you passed your test, and want something a bit more powerful, you can ride a Piaggio MP3-400 on a car license as it has 2 front wheels and is therefore is classed as a 'trike' due to the spacing between the front wheels (the 125cc version however, has the wheels too close, so is classed as a motorbike).

From what others have said on other MSE threads, these are very stable bikes.

faithcecilia

OOoh more to think about! I passed my test in 1999 so depending on how the trial session goes that might make me want to stick with a 50cc. I live on IOW so virtually all the riding would be at 30mph. But won't be doing it for a few weeks at least yet so plenty of time to research. Once again, thanks for the suggestions.

Bob_the_Saver

You can ride an older 49cc moped with no L plates, no MOT, no number plates, no training & no tax disc, just helmet and insurance, if you're in France:j

faithcecilia

Bob_the_Saver wrote: »

You can ride an older 49cc moped with no L plates, no MOT, no number plates, no training & no tax disc, just helmet and insurance, if you're in France:j

I'll bear that in mind;):D