Total Cost for a 16-Year-Old to Ride a Moped in the UK (2024)

Getting a 16-year-old legally on a moped (AM category, 50cc, 28 mph/45 km/h) involves layered costs:

1. The Moped

• New: £1,500–£3,500 (Honda Vision, Piaggio Zip, Lexmoto)
• Used: £600–£1,500 (higher repair risk)
• Rental: £10/day, £50/week (short-term only)

2. Licensing & Training

• Provisional licence: £34 (online)
• CBT (Compulsory Basic Training): £130–£180 (1 day, valid 2 years)
• Theory test: £23
• Practical test (Module 1 + 2): ~£115 (if upgrading to A1 later; not required for AM if CBT-only)

Note: At 16, only AM licence via CBT. Full test (A1) at 17+.

3. Recurring Costs (Annual)

• Insurance: £300–£800+ (high for 16yo; black box helps)
• Road tax: £0 (electric) / £22 (petrol, after 1st year free)
• Fuel: ~£15–£25/month (50 miles/week)
• Maintenance/MOT (after 3 yrs): £100–£300/yr

Total First-Year Minimum

~£1,200–£1,800 (used moped, CBT, insurance, basics)

Realistic Budget

£2,000–£3,500 (new moped, decent gear, insurance, buffer)

Gear (essential): Helmet (£80+), jacket, gloves, boots, lock (£300+ total).