Scooter zone - FAQ about Motor Scooters

Got a question? - then drop us a line fax, telephone or e-mail faq@scooterzone.co.uk

A scooter can be a moped or a motorcycle

According to the government, a moped is a motorcycle that has the following features:-

Maximum Design speed not exceeding approximately 30 mph or 50 km/h.
Does not have an engine over 50cc.
Can be moved by pedals, if the moped was first used before 1 August 1997.

A motorcycle can have the following features:-

An engine up to 125cc.
Power output not exceeding 11kw.

Because the government accurately define all shapes and sizes of scooter the best way to see a full range of scooter is to come down to Scooterzone and look round!

C.B.T. (Compulsory Basic Training)
From the 1st August 1997 all learner riders must complete the C.B.T. (Compulsory Basic Training Course) which covers the following:
The basics	Legal requirements
	Safety
	Clothing
	Highway Code
	Motorcycling riding theory
Introduction to machine controls	Safety checks
	Motor cycle controls
	Basic maintenance
On site training	Practising maneouvres
	Building skills and confidence
Roadcraft	Road conditions
	Road hazards
	Awareness of other road users
On-road training	Out on the road with the instructor closely advising and controlling via radio link
	Experience of varying traffic conditions
Certification	Provided you reach a satisfactory level of competence a Certificate of Completion of Approved Training.
	You can then ride on the road with L-plates
	If you did not reach the approved standard extra tuition will be arranged (at no extra cost).

You can ride a scooter up to 50cc on a car licence.

If it's a provisional car licence you need to take a CBT but you can't carry a passenger.
If it's a full car licence you can ride the scooter without L-plates and carry a passenger.
Up to 125cc you need a CBT and can ride with L-plates but without a passenger.

If you are unclear whether you can ride a scooter then you can always give us a call.

If you have a full car licence, you are automatically entitled to ride a scooter less than 50cc without L-plates and without taking a C.B.T.

Your full car license also gives you provisional motorcycle entitlement for scooters (up to 125cc) i.e. you may ride a scooter as a learner with L-plates and NO pillion passengers or motorway use after completing the C.B.T.

Fuel Economy: 80 - 100 mpg.

Insurance: There are numerous variables that can affect your insurance (location, garage, insurance history). Scooterzone are a one stop shop and as there are many special insurance offers (free insurance -subject to status may be available), always phone us for the best insurance deals.

Maintenance: Many maintenance items are related to mileage and the way you use your bike (for example do you use your scooter for short journeys round town, commute longer distances, or use your scooter off road). For further information on servicing and maintenance visit our Servicing web page.

It is vital for your safety and the safety of other road users to ensure that you scooter is correctly maintained. A regular service history is also important when trading your scooter for a newer model. Servicing is carried out at regular intervals but many of the items are related to mileage and the way you use your bike (for example do you use your scooter for short journey round town, commute longer distances, or use your scooter off road).

For further information on servicing and maintenance visit our Servicing web page.