Moped vs Scooter: Key Differences
A lot of people mistakenly believe that mopeds and scooters are essential the same type of vehicle but this is often not the case. Although a 50cc scooter is legally considered a moped, in many cases there are some key differences that separate the two and we’ll be looking at them in more detail in this guide. Whether you own a scooter or a moped, you’ll need to ensure it’s road legal by getting moped insurance or scooter insurance.
Key points
What Are The Key Differences Between Mopeds And Scooters?
- Engine size: To be legally classified as a moped in the UK, the engine size should not exceed 50cc whereas as a scooter engine size can be anywhere from 50cc up to 750cc+.
- Speed: Speed is another key difference with mopeds designed not to go above approximately 28mph while scooters can reach much higher speeds.
- Tyres: The wheels of a moped are more akin to those of a bicycle and tend to be quite thin when compared to scooters, which tend to have smaller and thicker wheels.
- Transmission: The majority of modern moped and scooter models are automatics, meaning you simply twist the handle and go. However there are models of scooters that have manual gears for greater control.
- Appearance: Scooters often have a more sporty look compared to mopeds, making them more like a traditional motorbike in appearance. They usually have more of the bodywork covering the mechanical parts of the bike too.
Which is better - a scooter or a moped?
This will depend on how you intend to use it. Mopeds are less powerful bikes that are great for things like short journeys and city riding. Scooters can be much more powerful and therefore more suited to longer journeys.
Do scooters and mopeds need to be insured?
Yes, they’re both considered motorbikes, which means they’re subject to the same laws as other vehicles on UK roads, so you’ll need to have insurance in place whichever you have.
In Summary
- Mopeds are less powerful bikes with 50cc engines or less whereas scooters are often more powerful and have an engine size up to 750cc+.
- A lot of scooters can reach much higher speeds than mopeds, making them more versatile and sometimes more suitable as an every day vehicle.
- Whether you have a scooter or a moped, you’ll need to get motorbike insurance to make them road legal.
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