50cc Mopeds and the Law

Before you start off on your first journey on any 50cc mopeds, you need to know the rules, so here they are:

Quick Facts

  • You need to be 16 or over to ride 50cc mopeds (17 for 125cc mopeds)
  • You need a provisional moped licence
  • You need to complete a CBT course
  • All motorcycles need road tax and insurance (and MOT if older than three years)

OK here’s a bit more detail if you need it:

To get your provisional licence, you need to apply to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You can get a form from the post office to apply by post, or you can apply online at the DVLA web site.

What’s a Moped?

  • A motorcycle with:
  • a maximum engine capacity of 50cc
  • a maximum speed of 31mph
  • a maximum weight of 250kg

Once you have received your provisional moped licence, you cannot just go out on the road on 50cc mopeds. There is an exception if you passed a car driving test before 1 Feb 2001 – these lucky folk can go straight out on the road – but it’s not recommended. They’re getting on a bit after all.. Seriously, if this exception does not apply to you then you need to pass your CBT training.

The CBT course involves five elements that have to be completed in order:

A. introduction
B. practical on-site training
C. practical on-site riding
D. practical on-road training
E. practical on-road riding

The last part includes at least two hours of road riding. You can only go onto a part if you have completed the previous part successfully. The CBT takes the best part of a day. Most people have no problem with it.

Once you have completed the CBT, you can ride 50cc mopeds on the road on your own, with L-plates, but you need to know and stick to the rules – for example, you can’t go on motorways or carry passengers.

You also need insurance and road tax. Road tax is £15 per year but insurance is going to cost a lot more than that! Insurance for 50cc mopeds for a 16 year old is likely to be over £200 per year.

That’s not the end of the story.

Your CBT certificate lasts for two years, to give you chance to pass the theory and practical motorcycle tests. Get these under your belt, and you will get a full motorcycle licence. Then you can ride 125cc motorbikes, scooters and more..

You can get more information on cheap mopeds and even buy online here: 50cc mopeds.