Moped vs scooter: What’s the difference?

People new to biking often consider moped v scooter. They ask “what is a moped?”, “what’s the difference between a moped and a scooter?”, and “is a moped faster than a scooter?”

Here the experts at Bikesure, the specialist motorcycle insurance broker, answer all the questions being asked in the moped vs scooter debate. 

Bikesure will explain the difference between moped and scooter, and hopefully help you decide which you should learn to ride on, a moped or scooter. 

What is a moped?

Traditionally, mopeds had pedals and the name itself was a portmanteau of the words motor and pedal, though the term is more generic now.

Today, mopeds don’t come with pedals, though the name remains the same, and the bikes are categorised by their engine size (usually 50cc or less), output and speed (around 28mph). 

People often ask “are mopeds faster than motor scooters?” A moped’s initial acceleration is good, but they could only hope to match the entry-level scooter for speed. Certainly, the bigger-engined scooters would leave a moped in its wake. 

However, mopeds are a great bike on which to learn the rules of the road as they are so simple to ride and are smaller than scooters (but with bigger wheels), while being very manoeuvrable.

Another added bonus, you will usually find that mopeds are cheaper than scooters so if you’re looking for your first moped or scooter, that could definitely sway you.

Does a moped have gears?

Most mopeds actually have ‘twist and go’ transmissions, so the gears are automatic rather than manual. This is another reason that they’re so easy to ride and ideal for learners.

What is a scooter?

A scooter, like a moped, usually has a step-through frame – but scooters don’t have limitations on engine size. Scooters start at 50cc but they can go up to 750cc. 

Basically, if there’s a platform on which to rest your feet while on the move, what you are riding is a scooter. If it’s under 50cc then legally it’s classed as a moped.

Generally, scooters are more expensive than mopeds, because of the increased power, engine size, sophistication, acceleration and top speed. Scooters normally have smaller wheels than mopeds, which may affect how fast some scooters can go.

Does a scooter have gears?

Scooters can have automatic or manual transmissions, so not all will be as easy as a moped is to ride. If your scooter has manual gears, you will have to put in more effort to learn how to ride it smoothly but that can be part of the fun of learning how to ride. 

Is a Vespa a scooter or a moped?

A Vespa is an iconic Italian bike and many people have asked if it is a scooter or a moped. The truth is, it’s both.

Vespa is a popular bike brand manufactured by Piaggio, founded by Rinaldo Piaggio in 1884, and now headquartered in Pontedera, Italy. The company initially produced locomotives and railway carriages but began making bikes in the 1940s, quickly becoming a runaway success. 

Vespas can be a moped or a scooter because it produces machines as small as 49cc — a moped-sized engine —  right up to the GTS300 with a 278cc engine, qualifying it as a scooter.

What licences are needed to ride a moped or scooter?

As a learner, you might be excited to find out which bike you’ll be able to ride, but making sure you have the right documents first is important. 

You will need two documents to legally ride a moped or scooter on the open road as a learner. These are a UK provisional motorcycle licence and a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate. These will enable you to ride a motorcycle, moped or scooter of up to 125cc not exceeding 11kw. 

When it comes to your first moped or scooter, at 16 you can only ride a 50cc, at 17 you can then ride up to 125cc. You must display L-plates at all times and are prohibited from the motorway or from carrying passengers.

The CBT lasts for two years at which time it expires and you will need to make the decision whether to take it again or to get an AM moped licence or A1 motorcycle licence.

The AM moped licence

The AM allows you to ride a moped with a maximum engine capacity of 50cc and a top speed of 28mph without the need for L plates and you can take passengers.

The A1 motorcycle licence

With an A1 licence, you can ride motorcycles up to 125cc and not exceeding 11kw, including scooters without the need for L plates, plus you can take passengers.

You will also need valid insurance to cover you and your moped or scooter in the event of an accident.

What’s the difference between moped and scooter insurance?

Mopeds are generally less expensive to insure than scooters because, having smaller engines, less power and a more modest top speed, they are deemed to be a lower risk, even for new and inexperienced.

Either way, scooters and mopeds tend to be a more cost-effective option than a full-sized motorcycle when it comes to paying for insurance.

Can Bikesure help to insure your moped or scooter? 

To get the very best deal on your moped or scooter insurance it makes good sense to go to a specialist broker such as Bikesure who will assess your individual needs and find suitable cover from a wide panel of insurance providers. 

Call us on 0800 369 8580 or book a callback for a quote at a time that suits you.