Find the best 50cc scooters and mopeds available for 2024, as chosen by the experts at MCN

Though not in the spotlight as much as their bigger alternatives, there is a thriving 50cc scooter market that will get you on two wheels and honing your road craft so that, come the right age, you have a wealth of experience under your belt and are ready for a bigger machine. And the best bit is, it doesn’t even have to cost the earth.

This article covers our favourite 50cc bikes, who can ride them, help with learning to ride, and the next steps to riding.

Jump to each section below:

• Best 50cc scooters and mopeds of 2024
• Who can ride a 50cc in the UK?
• Top Tips when buying a used 50cc
• Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

The 50cc represents the very first step on the ladder for a lot of bikers. They’re one of the only methods of powered transport available to 16-year-olds, and they can be ridden on a CBT without committing to doing a huge amount of additional learning.

However, you don’t have to stop there, and we would say you’re missing out if you do! Start by familiarising yourself with everything you need to know about learning to ride a motorbike, and ensure you ace the motorcycle theory test and hazard perception exam. Once you’ve mastered these, you’ll be ready to pass the module 1 riding test, followed by the module 2 riding test. Finally, enjoy the incredible freedom of your full motorcycle licence and look forward to moving on to your first big bikes.

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Best 50cc scooters and mopeds in 2024

Jump to these picks for the retro and classically styled:

• Lambretta V50 Special
• Vespa Primavera 50
• Sinnis Encanto

In need of something more modern and sporty?

• Peugeot Speedfight 50 4
• Aprilia SRX 50
• Piaggio NRG 50
• Yamaha Aerox R 50

Green mean electric machines:

• Super Soco CUx Electric Scooter

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Retro and classically styled:

2005-2019 Vespa Primavera 50

Engine size: 49cc Power: 3.3bhp Weight: 96kg Seat height: 775mm Price: £750 (used) – £3399 (new)

Vespa remains the classic, retro scooter and its re-imagined ‘Primavera’ family is the latest interpretation of the theme. Available in both 50cc and 125cc forms, it’s the easiest entry into Vespa ownership and as a round-town scoot they don’t get much more classically cool. Now four-stroke powered, they’ve never been cheap but they are stylish, well-built and equipped. Small wheels make them a bit nervous over bumps, though.

Buying advice:

The painted enclosed body is nicely finished and the chrome looks OK, but underneath the metal parts suffer at the hands of the road, water, and salt. The iconic body shape is vulnerable in a crash though. 
2017-on Lambretta V50 Special

Engine size: 49.5cc Power: 3.5bhp Weight: 118kg (kerb) Seat height: 770mm Price: £1900 (used) –  £3099 (new)

A fantastic addition to the daily commute. Its vintage-inspired design instantly catches people’s eye, blending classic looks with modern touches. Riding it is a breeze, thanks to the 50cc engine that offers just the right amount of power for city streets. The automatic CVT transmission makes it easy to handle, even in heavy traffic. Abundance of under-seat storage and a comfortable seat to boot. Its manoeuvrability and lightweight frame make navigating tight spaces effortless, great for a beginner rider and person returning to the scootering world. Overall, the Lambretta V50 Special will make rides enjoyable and stylish. Just don’t ask to much from it in terms of outright performance.

Buying advice:

When considering buying a Lambretta V50 Special, make sure to check its maintenance history, as regular upkeep is crucial for its longevity. Test ride the scooter to ensure the engine runs smoothly and the automatic CVT transmission operates without issues. Inspect the body for any signs of rust or damage, especially in older models. Be aware that while it’s great for city commuting, the 50cc engine may struggle on steep inclines or longer journeys.

2021-on Sinnis Encanto

Engine size: 49cc Power: 3.3bhp Weight: 96kg Seat height: 775mm Price: £750 (used) – £1699 + OTR (new)

The Sinnis Encanto 50cc scooter is a stylish and compact scooter designed for urban commuting. With its retro-inspired design, it combines classic aesthetics with modern functionality. The scooter is powered by a 50cc air-cooled, four-stroke engine, offering reliable performance and excellent fuel efficiency. Its lightweight frame and low seat height make it easy to handle, especially for new riders. An automatic gearbox and smooth engine ensures and easy ride, additionally coming with 10-inch wheels and front and rear drum brakes, providing adequate stopping power as well. It comes with tuck in pillion foot rests, although with that small an engine and power, carrying a pillion, should only be considered a last resort.  Like the other bikes, it also has practical elements such as under-seat storage and a luggage rack. An affordable option into the scooter market with equally low running costs, creating a great package with its stylish aesthetics.  

Buying advice:

Relatively new to the market with few used examples now appearing, bikes change hands quickly as usually they are entry bikes on a rider’s journey to taking their test. Be sure to check for corrosion and the bike having been well maintained for. Some owners have reported issues with their CDI units, be that miss firing, or not starting. Being such a small capacity bike, parts are cheap coming in under £30 to replace the unit. Worth bearing in mind when viewing a second-hand bike.

Modern and sporty… ish:

2009-on Peugeot Speedfight 50 4

• Related: Check out MCN’s list of best motorbike clothing for beginners.

Engine size: 49cc Power: 3.8bhp Weight: 97kg Seat height: 800mm Price: £850 (used) – £1900 (new)

When it comes to scooters, there’s none more iconic and successful than the Peugeot Speedfight, which set the template for the sports scooter back in 1997. The venerable French runabout has been around for an impressive 22 years, selling a staggering half a million units around the world during that time. It became the 3 in 2009 when Peugeot redesigned it from the ground up, bringing it firmly into the 21st century, and then became the 4 in 2017, though received mostly cosmetic changes at this point.

Buying advice:

Peugeot quality and reliability has always been among the best in the scooter class and the new Speedfight maintains that tradition. They’re generally robust, refined, and well built. Just look out for the obvious signs of abuse or previous accidents.

Read our Peugeot Speedfight 50 review

2020-on Aprilia SXR 50

Engine size: 50cc Power: 3.3bhp Weight: 108kg Seat height: 775mm Price: £1250 (used) – £2450 (new)

If you want to get on two wheels, but don’t fancy the hassle of shifting gears, then a scooter is the way to go and Aprilia’s SXR 50 is among the sportiest of them all. Taking over from its predecessor the SR 50 which has been around for a while. The SXR 50 received upgraded ergonomics and comfort, a new engine with reduced emissions and increased fuel efficiency

Buying advice:

Just like Aprilia motorcycles, this scooter is very nicely put together. It’s built to be abused by 16 year olds, so rest assured it has Tonka Toy durability.

Read our Aprilia SR 50 review, the predecessor to the SXR 50 if you are looking for that used bargain.  

If you fancy something a little sportier, there’s always the Aprilia RS 50, which is based on the same platform. 

1999-2019 Piaggio NRG 50

Engine size: 49cc Power: 4bhp Weight: 95kg Seat height: 795mm Price: £850 (used) – £2700 (new)

Let’s be honest: image is everything when you’re 16 – and the Piaggio NRG 50 has plenty, with race bike styling and graphics. Small wheels mean it’s very nimble through traffic and easy to manoeuvre at low speed – which is also ideal for CBT – but allied with cheap suspension also makes it a little nervous. Overall, however, it’s stylish, easy and affordable – everything a 16-year-old wants.

Buying advice:

Piaggio build quality is fairly basic: finish is cheap, the paint rubs through, alloy parts corrode and steel parts rust, so you’ll need to find one that’s been looked after.

Read our Piaggio NRG 50 review

1998-2019 Yamaha Aerox R 50

• Related: Keep your new wheels clean with MCN’s round of best cleaning products.

Engine size: 49cc Power: 2.6bhp Weight: 97kg Seat height: 828mm Price: £600 (used) – £2199 (new)

Yamaha’s funky race replica two-stroke scooter is nippy, agile and lots of fun, although the single seat limits pillion options. It’s one of the best looking scooters around and can be seen tearing up city streets as well as being paddock transport for Yamaha-sponsored MotoGP,/WSB and BSB stars. With its upside-down forks, fat tyres and disc brakes, the Yamaha handles far better than the average shopping scooter. Dare we say it, but the Aerox can be knee-scrapingly good.

Buying advice:

Sports scooters like these are going to be used and abused by their 16-year-old owners, or wheelied around paddocks by racers, so they need to be durable. The Aerox R ticks that box and is well finished.

Read our Yamaha Aerox R 50 review here

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Green, mean electric machines:

They’re starting to emerge as a force to be reckoned with, particularly for inner-city riding. In fact, there’s considerable growth in the electric motorbike market as a whole. With new models emerging in the 125cc power range as electric alternatives being most common, the Maeving RM1 is worthwhile example and future bike to consider. Another niche electric equivalent we recently reviewed the retro Čezeta 506/02 with an interesting background and looks to match it.

With more electric bikes entering the 125cc power category than the 50cc bracket, there are fewer models emerging however, the Super Soco CUx is gaining in popularity in the Asian markets for its easy inner city riding credentials.

2024-on Super Soco CUx Electric Scooter

Engine size: 1300W Power: 2.7 kW (3.6 hP) Weight: 81kg Price: £2580 (new) Range: 46.6 miles

Super Soco also have moped power electric equivalents in their line up, the Super Soco CUx electric scooter, the little sibling to their 125cc power equivalent Super Soco CPX with electric bikes sales jumping by 50% in 2020, reports of decent reliability and quality filtering through on the internet. We have seen a rise in manufactures entering the market, it proves more electric inter city riding options are coming on the horizon. A worthwhile option, albeit a slightly higher investment upfront to acquire the latest electric vehicle tech.

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What do I need to ride a 50cc scooter on the road in the UK?

The first thing you’ll need to do is get your provisional licence, which you can apply for through the DVLA website. Once obtained, you’ll then need to complete your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). It’s simple to do, takes half a day, and doesn’t cost too much money. From there, you’ll be free to ride around for two years with L-plates. But which 50cc should you go for, new or used?

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Top tips: What to look for when buying a 50cc motorbike

There’s nothing you should do differently when buying a 50cc moped or scooter: all the same advice still stands. Look for obvious signs of rust, wear and tear or crash damage, make sure all the relevant paperwork is present and correct and ask to see evidence of service history if the seller claims to have it.

It’s pretty much impossible to thrash a 50cc machine as the engines are designed to be redlined most of the time so as long as the servicing has been completed then reliability should be ok for recognised manufacturers.

Be weary of anyone who claims to have modified or derestricted an engine to unlock more performance, chances are they’ve either damaged or added extra stress to the engine and the performance won’t have improved. Worst case scenario – their ‘upgrades’ have rendered the bike illegal or dangerous. Just don’t go there.

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FAQ

How fast does a 50cc bike go?

We won’t sugarcoat it: not very. Most come limited to 28mph and while that’s not going to break any land-speed records, it’s plenty for nipping across town to work or college.

Do you need a licence for a 50cc bike?

Anyone aged 16 and over in the UK can ride a 50cc moped or scooter on L-plates by applying for a provisional driving licence and then completing a CBT. Some older riders with a full car licence will also be able to ride a 50cc scooter, if in doubt, check the back of your photocard licence for your entitlements.