Even though getting Moped insurance is a very good idea, it can be quite expensive. Nevertheless, there are ways to save money on the insurance by minimizing the amount of cover needed. The cheapest policies will cover a moped owner’s damage to third parties. This type of policy will not pay for damage on the owner’s moped itself, which is why it’s much cheaper than other insurance policies. It’s possible to add fire and theft cover as well. Finally, many moped owners choose comprehensive coverage so that the insurance pays off even in an accident where no other parties were involved.

The amenities on this retro scooter are quite good. For example, there is lockable storage space underneath the seat. The styling is quite sporting. The scooter is fully automatic, so all that’s needed is twist and go. And there are many different colors to choose from. Those who want the feminine look and are quite individual can buy the scooter in the color of pink. More traditional colors like black, white, and silver are also available as well. The poor drivers in the cars will be smiling at the 1970s scooter in awe that is getting through the same traffic jam that cars can’t get through.

The advantages of riding a petrol scooter are not simply financial. Despite having a 50cc four-stroke engine that is limited to 30 mph, the scooter will often beat cars whenever there is a traffic jam in the city. The reason is that scooters can weave around traffic jams while even the smallest cars are stuck in traffic. Many scooter owners enjoy or even relish passing cars and arriving at their destination much sooner.  Another great reason is that scooters can use bus lanes at certain posted hours. These are the reasons why a slow scooter will often win the race to the destination in a city with lots of traffic.

When buying this retro scooter, there are a lot of things included. The moped is automatic. All that’s needed is to twist and go. There is under the seat storage which is lockable. There are many color choices possible. There are seven colours to choose from including red, black, silver, light blue, pink and cream. A person who is going to get a bike like this won’t be afraid to pick pink. There is a push button start as well as the kick start. Overall, it’s a moped with the looks that definitely comes from the 1970s with modern engineering that comes in all of the ordinary mopeds produced today.

There are other advantages of an economic petrol scooter as well. Remember those congestion charges? They don’t apply to scooters. In addition, it’s possible to park in a bike park for free. Other places may offer free parking such as residents’ bays. Another advantage is that the scooter can be ridden in bus lanes during designated times of the day which will speed up the trip even more. Overall, there are alot of great reasons to choose a scooter over a car.

Most of all, we’ll direct you to places you can buy your moped and where you can find the best deals.

If you are looking for a 50cc Moped here are some of the features to look out for and think about:

Look for an unlimited mileage warranty for at least a year.

Consider a fully automatic model. A manual can be harder to drive.

Will your moped have a push-button start or a kick start? Or Both?

Is there lockable storage?

Will your moped be delivered to your doorstep ready to go?

How quickly can they be delivered?

Check the fuel economy.

Look for a four stroke engine for a quieter ride.

Check it’s suitable to be ridden by a 16 year old if you are a young driver.

Look for free extras like a top box or screen.

Can you just buy it online and get it delivered the next day?

Mopeds have a specific definition in UK which makes them different from larger motorcycle:

To be a moped, the following must be true:

• The moped must go no faster than 30 mph.
• The engine capacity but be no greater than 50cc.

A moped doesn’t have pedals although technically, if it can be driven with pedals, it is a ‘moped’ if it was first used before 1 September 1977. Frankly, unless you are a classic moped enthusiast, you would be better off going for a new 50cc moped for sale. If you want pedals, buy a bicycle!

It’s normal now to have a “four-stroke” engine, rather than a “two-stroke” engine. This means that the engine is raher quieter and sounds less like a lawn-mower. They go rather faster too which is a good thing, as although they are not excatly likely to break the sound barrier (being limited to 30 mph), it is nice to have a bit of acceleration at the lights.

There are five parts to the CBT:

• The Introduction
• Practical training on-site
• Practical riding on-site
• Practical training on the road
• Practical riding on the road

These five parts of the training have to be taken in this order. Your driving instructor has to be satisfied with the completion of each element. You will need to learn and understand the theory of riding and then be able to demonstrate you have all the practical skills to be safe for yourself and other road users at a basic level. The fifth element (known as Element E) will include at least two hours riding on roads.

A Certificate of Completion is then issued. Like all government documents, this has a number as well as name – a DL196. The DL196 last for two years to allow you to take you full theory and practical motorcycle driving tests, otherwise the CBT has to be taken again.

If you pass you car driving test within two years of getting a DL196, it does not expire for riding a moped, but is still an important document to keep safe. Do remeber that if you want to drive a morotcycle (ie anything with more than a 50cc Moped capacity) the DL196 is only valid for two years.

The best plan is to pass your theory and practical driving tests as quickly as possible. You are more likely to be safer. You can tear up those L plates. You can take pssengers and you can get on with life.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) certifies instructors for taking the CBT. They are assessed over a two day period. These have to be taught at an Approved Training Body (ATB).

Costs will vary according to where the ATB is located and whether you are borrowing a bike or bringing your own. Remember you cannot legally ride your bike to the ATB until you have passed the CBT! Generally it costs from about £100.

There are three basic types of insurance:

Third Party Only Cover (TPO)

You are legally required to have this cover in place. It will cover any claims made against you for injury, damage to property or even death. Bear in mind that if you have an accident which is partly your fault or entirely your fault, this sort of insurance policy will not pay for the damage to your moped. If your moped is stolen or damaged in a fire, this type of policy will not pay.

Third Party Fire and Theft (TPFT)

This sort of policy will cover you for all of the above, but will also cover you if your moped is stolen or damaged in a fire. Check the details to see if the insurance company insists on certain types of lock, especially if you live in an area more prone to crime.

Comprehensive Cover (COMP)

This is the most comprehensive cover and covers everything in third party fire and theft cover and additionally covers damage to your own moped, even if the accident is your fault. Insurers might chose to pay to replace your moped if it is too badly damaged. Some comprehensive policies may also cover certain types of legal fees, contain personal accident insurance and have breakdown recovery. It is comprehensive, but it is also more expensive.

For the moment I’m going to stick with a petrol scooter, but things could change in the future. If you’ve got deep pockets and are greener than green, I’ve found out about a few manufacturers who do make electric scooters:

Zero

Zero scooters are designed and built in California, but beware, they are not actually mopeds, as they are too high powered. They cost more than £7,000 and need to be driven with an A1 licence – the same as a 125cc motorbike. They do have a groovy design though.

Quantya

These are made in Switzerland and legally not a moped either – so no good for you 16 year olds out there. Given that this costs over £9,000, you would really be expecting to buy some sort of superbike, not a machine with a top speed of 45 mph, but hey it’s a green machine. You might have to plug it in again in as little as 25 miles and wait for two hours to recharge it. That’s a lot of capuccino time when you run out of juice.

Xero

Xero is a British part of a US company and this firm does actually sell a moped with a restricted top speed of 30 mph – and a range of about 30-40 miles before eight hours of recharging is needed. Thankfully this has a more realistic price – from £1,500 – but that is still more than twice the price of a new retro scooter running on petrol.

I’m sticking to petrol at the moment, but I’ll keep open minded about this and look out for changes in the future.