Scooters & Mopeds

Mopeds and Scooters are popular means of transport in Essex. They are often used as a first means of independent transport for young 16 to 25 year olds and as an economical means of travelling to work, college or university.

A scooter up to 50cc can be ridden on L-plates by a person of 16 years and older, who holds a UK driving licence and who has passed CBT (Compulsory Basic Training). A bike of up to 125cc can be ridden by anyone of 17 years of age, again after successfully completing CBT.

Passing CBT test and getting onto the road is however only the first stage of becoming a safe and competent rider - this only comes with time and experience.

Moped and scooter riders are extremely vulnerable on the roads, and unfortunately they feature all too frequently in killed or seriously injured casualties on our roads.

Around 40% of motorcycle related collisions in Essex involve riders between the ages of 16 and 28, riding low powered machines of 125cc and below.

Riders need to be extra cautious and learn to share the road.

Safety is the single most important thing to consider when riding a moped or scooter. Set out below is a series of key pointers to help keep you safe whilst out and about on your scooter or moped.

Safety is paramount – always be responsible for your own safety and that of others
Ride safely and responsibly – ALWAYS be alert and observant
Remember that mopeds and scooters are vulnerable – they don’t have the protection offered by a car
You are vulnerable to car drivers’ blind spots – position yourself to be seen; avoid riding close to the kerb
NEVER be complacent on the road - anticipate what other road users are about to do and know what to do when they do something unexpected. Take particular care in bad weather and at junctions and roundabouts
Check over your shoulder before making a manoeuvre – this is often called a ‘life saver’
Ride at a speed appropriate for the conditions and which allows you to slow down before trouble
Watch for hazards and changing road conditions
Be especially careful in bad weather conditions e.g. when it is raining, foggy or icy and reduce your speed accordingly. Bad weather often means reduced visibility
Do not tailgate other road users – you will be difficult to see and you will be in danger in the event of a sudden stop
Take extra care when riding in a group – crashes often occur when riding in a group, taking extra risks in trying to ‘keep up’ and pressure to race or show off.
ALWAYS wear a helmet and have it securely fastened; take care when choosing a helmet – make sure it fits securely. NEVER use a second hand helmet
ALWAYS wear suitable protective clothing, no matter how short the trip. What you wear when riding is the ONLY thing protecting you from impacts and the surface of the road
Riding without protective gear is a risk NEVER worth taking. Many riders resist wearing motorcycle clothing because of cost, inconvenience, comfort and lack of knowledge
There is no difference in coming off a scooter at 25mph or a motorcycle at the same speed. Scooter riders have exactly the same chances of suffering serious injuries such as broken limbs and extensive skin abrasions requiring skin grafts – or worse. It is easy to find good protective clothing suited to personal style and tastes.
Always wear a motorcycle specific leather or textile jacket, preferably with built-in body armour, to protect against impact and abrasion injuries in the unfortunate event of an accident.
Never ride without specialist motorcycling gloves. The first thing you do in a crash is to instinctively put out your hands for protection. Skin can be removed from the hands in less than a second, so protection is essential.
Motorcycle boots protect feet, toes and ankles without affecting the rider’s manoeuvring ability. ‘Trainers’ may be quick and easy but even a minor fall has the potential for serious injury.
Protective clothing suited for each individual riding style is essential, it should:
- Offer a degree of protection in the event of an accident
- Keep you comfortable in hot or cold or wet weather
- Help make you visible to other road users
Maintain your machine to ensure it is safe, legal and roadworthy; regularly inspect your tyres for wear and damage. Make sure they are inflated to the correct pressure.
Riding on estate pathways or playgrounds, riding bikes late in the evening and racing bikes is antisocial behaviour. If you are caught riding in an antisocial way there are a number of actions the Police and Councils can take, including prosecution, vehicle confiscation and a criminal record.