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50cc Moped Insurance
for 16 Year Olds

Compare quotes from specialist UK moped insurers. See what you need to ride at 16 and how to keep costs down.

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Compare quotes from specialist moped insurers

Cover from age 16 with a valid CBT

Third party, fire & theft, and comprehensive options

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?We're partnered with Quotezone.co.uk. As an Introducer Appointed Representative of Seopa Ltd (FCA FRN: 313860), we receive a commission if you purchase a policy. We do not provide advice or make recommendations.

50cc moped insurance for 16 year olds, rider holding a helmet next to a moped

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How Much Does 50cc Moped Insurance Cost?

~£612

Average annual cost for a 16 year old on a 50cc moped

~£343

Average for riders over 16 on the same engine size

£26

Annual road tax for a 50cc moped

One of the most common questions for new riders is how much is insurance for a 50cc moped. The answer depends on your age, location, and the moped you choose.

Insurance for a 50cc moped typically costs more at 16 than at any other age. Insurers see new riders with no riding history as a higher risk, which is why the average premium for a 16 year old is roughly 78% higher than for older riders on the same bike. The exact amount you pay will depend on where you live, the moped you choose, how you store it, and whether you have completed any additional training beyond CBT. Comparing quotes is the most effective way to find a competitive price for your situation. That works out at roughly £51 per month, though paying monthly typically costs more overall due to interest charges on the credit agreement.

Your 50cc insurance cost will depend on several factors, including your postcode, the moped you choose, and where you keep it overnight.

Source: The Bike Insurer, average premiums paid January to August 2024. Your actual premium may differ based on your individual circumstances.

What Do You Need to Ride a Moped at 16?

At 16, you can legally ride a 50cc moped on UK roads. Here is what you need before you start.

A provisional driving licence, also called an AM licence (category AM). Apply online at GOV.UK.
A valid CBT certificate. Compulsory Basic Training is a one-day course costing around £100 to £150. It is not a test, so you cannot fail, but you must complete all five sections.
L-plates displayed on the front and rear of your moped.
Valid insurance. At least third party cover is required by law.

At 16, you are limited to mopeds with a maximum engine size of 50cc and a top speed of 28mph. You cannot carry passengers, ride on motorways, or ride without L-plates until you pass the full AM moped test. Your CBT certificate lasts two years. After that, you need to either retake CBT or pass the full test.

For a full guide to getting insured for the first time, see our first motorbike insurance guide.

What Does Moped Insurance Cover?

There are three levels of moped insurance in the UK. All three are available to 16 year old riders.

Third party only. The legal minimum. It covers damage or injury you cause to other people, their vehicles, or their property. It does not cover damage to your own moped, theft, or fire. If your moped is stolen or written off, you would need to replace it yourself.
Third party, fire and theft. Everything in third party, plus cover if your moped is stolen or damaged by fire. This is a popular mid-range option and is often only slightly more expensive than third party only.
Comprehensive. The highest level of cover. It includes everything above, plus accidental damage to your own moped. If you drop your moped, crash, or damage it in any way, comprehensive cover could help pay for repairs or a replacement. It is not always the most expensive option, so it is worth comparing all three levels.

When comparing quotes via Brumble, you can see prices for all three cover levels side by side.

Best 50cc Mopeds for 16 Year Olds

The moped you choose affects your insurance cost. Cheaper, lower-powered models with good security ratings typically attract lower premiums. Here are some popular choices for 16 year old riders.

Moped	New Price From	Notes
Lexmoto Echo 50	~£1,100	One of the cheapest new 50cc mopeds in the UK. Basic but reliable for commuting.
Honda Vision 50	~£2,500	Honda reliability and low running costs. Popular with commuters and new riders.
Yamaha Neos 50	~£2,700	Well built with good fuel economy. A solid choice for everyday riding.
Piaggio Liberty 50	~£2,800	Italian build quality with a comfortable riding position. Popular across Europe.
Vespa Primavera 50	~£4,000	The classic scooter. Higher purchase price typically means higher insurance.

Generally, cheaper mopeds tend to cost less to insure because the replacement cost is lower. A Lexmoto Echo at £1,100 is likely to attract a lower premium than a Vespa Primavera at £4,000, even though both are 50cc.

6 Ways to Get Cheaper 50cc Moped Insurance

Finding cheap 50cc insurance at 16 is possible if you know where to look. These six steps could help bring your premium down.

Compare quotes from multiple insurers. Prices vary significantly between providers for the same rider and moped. Comparing is the single most effective way to find a lower premium. Compare moped insurance quotes →
Store your moped securely. A moped kept in a locked garage or shed overnight is a lower theft risk than one left on the street. Make sure your quote reflects where you actually store it.
Add security devices. A disc lock, chain, or ground anchor could reduce your premium. Some insurers offer discounts for approved security devices.
Keep your mileage low. Fewer miles means lower risk in the eyes of insurers. If you only ride to school or work and back, make sure your estimated mileage reflects that.
Add a parent as a named rider. Adding an experienced rider (such as a parent with a clean licence) as a named rider could lower the premium. They must genuinely ride the moped occasionally.
Complete additional training. Some insurers may offer lower premiums to riders who have completed training beyond the basic CBT. Enhanced rider training courses are available through many CBT providers.

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Can You Insure a Moped Without a CBT?

No. To ride a moped on a public road in the UK, you must have a valid CBT certificate. Without one, you cannot legally ride and most insurers will not cover you. If your CBT expires after two years and you have not passed the full AM test, you will need to retake CBT before you can ride or insure your moped again.

There is one exception. If you passed your full car driving licence before 1 February 2001, you can ride a 50cc moped without CBT, subject to the same speed and engine restrictions. You would still need valid insurance.

What Happens When You Turn 17?

At 17, you can take a CBT on a 125cc motorcycle and ride bikes up to 125cc with L-plates. This opens up a wider range of bikes with more power and higher top speeds. Your insurance will typically change when you move to a bigger bike, so it is worth comparing quotes again at 17. See our scooter and moped insurance page for cover options across all engine sizes, or our first motorbike insurance guide for more detail on what to expect.

Turning 17 also means you can start learning to drive a car. If you are thinking ahead, see our car insurance for 17 year olds page for what to expect on costs and how to keep your premium down.

50cc Moped Insurance FAQs

Common questions about insuring a 50cc moped at 16.

Based on industry data, the average cost is around £612 per year for a 16 year old on a 50cc moped. Your actual premium could be higher or lower depending on your location, the moped you choose, how you store it, and your riding experience. Comparing quotes is the best way to find out what you would pay.

Yes. You can get moped insurance from age 16 as long as you hold a valid provisional licence and have completed your CBT. Most UK moped insurers cover 16 year old riders.

Yes. A valid CBT certificate is required to ride a moped on public roads in the UK, and most insurers will not provide cover without one. CBT is a one-day course costing around £100 to £150.

Yes. Riding any moped or motorcycle on a public road without a valid CBT certificate (or a full motorcycle licence) is illegal. If caught, you could face a fine, penalty points, and your moped could be seized.

Generally, cheaper mopeds with lower replacement costs attract lower insurance premiums. Models like the Lexmoto Echo 50 (from around £1,100 new) tend to be among the least expensive to insure. The exact cost depends on your personal circumstances.

Road tax for a 50cc moped is £26 per year (2026/27 rate). You can pay online at GOV.UK.

A parent can take out the policy as the main rider and add the 16 year old as a named rider, which is sometimes cheaper. However, the main rider must be the person who rides the moped most often. Listing a parent as the main rider when the 16 year old actually rides it most is called fronting and is insurance fraud.

Insurers typically ask for your CBT certificate number or completion date when you take out a policy. They may verify it against DVSA records. Riding without a valid CBT could invalidate your insurance.

Popular choices include the Lexmoto Echo 50, Honda Vision 50, Yamaha Neos 50, Piaggio Liberty 50, and Vespa Primavera 50. Look for a moped that is comfortable for your height, has a good security rating, and fits your budget. Cheaper mopeds generally cost less to insure.

It could. Adding an experienced rider with a clean licence as a named rider may lower the premium because insurers view the overall risk as lower. The parent must genuinely ride the moped occasionally for this to be legitimate.

50cc Moped Insurancefor 16 Year Olds