Legal Requirements for Riding a 50cc Moped

Susan Difford - Clean Green Compare Personal Lines Insurance Expert
Written by  Susan DiffordUpdated  25 April 20252 min read

Table of Contents

50cc mopeds are a great choice of motorcycle when you’re young and/or new to riding. They’re lightweight, easy to ride and affordable. However before you take the plunge and buy a moped, it’s important to know what the legal requirements are riding on in the UK. We’ll be covering this in depth below but one of the most important requirements is to have 50cc moped insurance.

Key points

What Are The Legal Requirements For Riding A 50cc Moped?

  • Age: You must be at least 16 years old to ride a 50cc moped.
  • Licence: You must also have a provisional driving licence.
  • Training: You must compete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and receive a DL196 certificate.
  • Restrictions: You must display L plates on your bike, you cannot have passengers and cannot ride on motorways.
  • Tax and insurance: Lastly you must have the correct tax and insurance for your moped before it’s legal to take on public roads. You can tax your moped through the DVLA here.

Scrabble tiles spelling 'Law'

What if I want to ride a more powerful motorbike?

If you’re over the age of 17, then you can opt to get a more powerful scooter or motorbike but these come with different requirements. For example you might need to hold a full motorbike licence and pay a higher amount of vehicle tax.

When do I need to get insurance for a 50cc moped?

You will need to get insurance for a moped as soon as you want to ride it for the first time on public roads. Luckily it’s quite affordable to get 50cc moped insurance and quotes are very easy to obtain.

In Summary

  • You’ll need to be at least 16, have a provisional driving licence and have completed CBT in order to ride a 50cc moped.
  • You’ll also need to ensure it’s taxed and insured.
  • For motorcycles more powerful than 50cc, different rules apply.

Compare 50cc Moped Insurance Quotes!

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