Hi, I'm a student looking at getting either a moped or a scooter. Can someone tell me the differences? and how fast a 50CC one goes compared to a 125CC one. Also any other advice on anything to do with them. What training / licesnses do you have to have? any what ages do you have to be? thanks a lot, Emma

Don't quote me on it but I THINK you have to be either over 18 or at least 17 to legally ride either.

And I also THINK you need a Motorbike license.

hi ya,
moped 50cc - 16yrs onward*
motorbike/scooter 125cc - 17yrs onward*
before you can ride any moped scooter moterbike on the road you have to take a 'CBT' test - this is a little like going to a 'BSM' car driveing school - where they make sure you know the front from the back, can start and stop and can weeve between cones safely (dont know if they still do the ride at walking pace) which is a good idea anyway. This is done 'off road' at a centre on a special 'car park' area for want of better description.
When you 'pass' you get certificate so that you can ride or road (with 'L' plates) for limited time (think 1/2 years) whilst you (theoretically) put in and take your test. (in two parts 1st theory test 2nd practical test).
cbt centres in phone book.
if you are buying new from dealer then they should have cbt centre info etc ( make them work for that sale!! :) )
Also you used to be able to ride a moped (with L plates) on your (full) car licence - but they were on about changing this and am not sure how it stands to date.
hope this helps
enjoy your riding and your freedom - smile as you slip past the queing car traffic - and dont forget to nod at your fellow riders - there is an unmatched comeradery between bike riders!
ride free

hi ya again emma,,
Have a 'project' learner legal (17yrs+) 125cc motorbike to donate to good cause. As I saw your thread first you can have first refusal. It is a Honda cm125 - needs a bit of work on it (frontfork seels need changing [minor work really] , a new battery and prettying up. Carburetter could do with a quick tweek, but it DOES run (jump started it about 2 months ago).looks little 'chopper' like.
It has been in shed for a while. If youre after a cheap ride rather than modern looks and have boyfriend/other friend who can help you to do it up (or forgive me, if you are able yoursef), then you are welcome to it.
Bought it for my ex who's moved away.
would rather it be put to good use than to sit there till I retire.
no pressure, genuine offer
If you decide to go for a new machine (tend to need less maintenance, though the honda engines were brill reliable) then will offer to other good home.
ride free
Frankieboy

I used to have a Scooter and it always used to be the case that you paid more on the insurance for a scooter than for an equivalently powered bike. Not sure why - I guess the insurance co figured there was a higher risk with scooters.

a 50cc scooter is limited to 35mph, and generally have no gears, hence "rev and go". i used to ride a 125cc yamaha rg125, which went like stink, mainly because it was near-race tuned, could hit 100mph. in theory they should be limited to... i think it's 12.5bhp, but mine was more like 25-28. it's never checked, anyway.