One of the first types of vehicles you're legally able to ride as a teenager in the UK is a moped. Unlike cars, which you must be at 17 years old to drive, you can legally ride a moped at 16, provided you have the right training and licence. You must also have moped insurance in place to make your moped road legal. Below we'll be looking at the main requirements for riding a moped at 16 in the UK.
Only if the scooter’s engine size does not exceed 50cc, in which case it’s categorized as a moped. For any scooters that exceed 50cc, you won’t be able to ride them at 16.
Even though mopeds are not particularly powerful compared to cars and motorbikes, they’re still considered a vehicle and therefore subject to the same laws as other vehicles on the road, which means insurance is a requirement.
Don’t have your registration number? No problem, click here
© cleangreencars.co.uk 2026
We don't recommend or provide advice on which insurance is the most appropriate for you. Upon form submission your details will be passed to a panel of FCA regulated insurance providers for the purpose of providing you with insurance quotations.
The information contained on this page is for editorial purposes only and is not intended as legal or financial advice. Penalty details, sentencing guidelines, and driving laws can change - always check GOV.UK for the most up-to-date official information on driving offences and endorsement codes. Figures cited are based on publicly available sources including the Department for Transport and may change over time. The insurance systems do not specifically cater to these risks but may cover circumstances such as these.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of cookies. To find out more, read our Cookie Policy.
