Buying a moped for London commute! Electric or Petrol?

Question

Hi! I am thinking about getting a moped for communiting in London, and i'm stuck between getting an electric or petrol. Also I have a full manual car licence - can I drive a moped on this? Also any suggestions on one up to £1,000?

Thanks!

Answer 1

How far is your commute?

The big limit on electric mopeds is how far they can go on a single charge. The manufacturer's quoted range is probably the absolute best you can expect in ideal conditions, so I would take off one third to give you a more realistic range. If you're unable to recharge it when you get to work then you will have to halve the range again to allow for your return trip. If things are looking marginal on range, get a petrol one.

I don't see there's anything wrong with electric mopeds and scooters, but I'm not convinced that any moped, whether it be petrol or electric, is safe when riding through London. For my money they just aren't quick enough to allow you to dominate your road position and not be a hindrance to the flow of traffic. My recommendation would be to take the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and get yourself a 125cc bike or scooter which will be fast enough to keep you out of trouble.

You may need to take the CBT anyway just to ride the moped. It isn't required provided you passed your car test before 1 February 2001.

Answer 2

Petrol is the sensible option: It depends how long you've held your full license, check the entitlements on it - you'll probably have to take CBT (compulsory basic training)

Answer 3

Electric moped? No, just don't go there. Junk.

However, some of the electrically assisted bicycles are rather neat and the better ones are good for 20 miles+ on a charge. Something worth consideration if you don't have to go far.

If you've had your full car license since before 2001, you don't need a CBT or L-plates for a moped.

Answer 4

Petrol.  Take a look at Kymco scooters.  They are highly reliable and are at a decent price.  You didnt really say if you want 50cc, 150cc, etc so i dont really know what models to lead you to, but they have a large variety.  You will have to check with the motor vehicle department in london to know certain if you have to get a motorcycle license or not.... it may well depend upon what size scooter you choose.  The only electric scooter I would consider is the Vectrix but it is much more than what you want to spend.