How Much Can You Save With an Electric Moped?

In fact, electric mopeds compare very favourably when you compare them to petrol-run alternatives.

What’s more, there is no road tax to pay and charging up at the office would mean reducing your running costs even further!

Just put your predicted mileage into our handy Fuel Calculator below to give you an idea of how much you could save.

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Why Ride an Electric Moped?

Electrically powered vehicles are the future of road transportation in the UK and are able to run very efficiently without the need for harmful fossil fuels.

This has an obvious environmental benefit on the global scale but it also means reducing emissions at the local level.

Electric Moped Emissions?

Simply put, electric mopeds are emission-free when you ride them. As increasing numbers of city centres tighten up on their air quality requirements such as ULEZ, so more and more electrically powered mopeds will become the norm.

The Pros and Cons of Electric Mopeds

As mentioned, the running costs of electric mopeds are very low. What are the other advantages of owning one? Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons.

Pros Cons
Fossil-fuel free Although increasing, their range is not as great as petrol-powered scooters
No emissions Greater initial outlay unless purchased with a finance package
No noise pollution
Low maintenance costs
No road tax
No messy engine
Cheap to run
Ideal for commuting

What Is the Legal Situation With Electric Mopeds?

Firstly, there is a legal distinction between an electric moped and an assisted pedal bike which means the rules are different. An electric moped is legally differentiated from a power-assisted bicycle because it has has a higher top speed and no pedals. Indeed, since electric mopeds look just like petrol powered scooters, it is fairly easy for law enforcement officials to tell powered bikes and electric mopeds apart.

In fact, if you are riding an electric moped, then you are under just the same legal requirements as you would be riding a conventional one. This means to be legal on the road, you must:

  • Be able to ride a scooter under the L1e license category which means the speed is restricted to 30-mph, if you are 16.
  • If you are over 16 years of age, then you must have a full driving licence issued before 2001 or a standard provisional driving license along with a CBT.
  • L-plates must be displayed on your electric moped if you are riding on a provisional driving license with a CBT. Once again, this is not required if you obtained your license before 1st February 2001.
  • You must apply for road tax so your electric moped is registered even though you won’t have to pay a fee.
  • All electric moped models must be approved and registered with the DVLA and have the correct license plate formats.
  • Once an electric moped is three years old, an MOT certificate is required by law, the same as any other vehicle.
  • Valid third partyinsurance is required.
  • A safety helmet must be worn when riding.

A Few Things To Remember

Without complying to the regulations fully, you are breaking the law and your could find yourself facing a fine or even prosecution. Remember that these laws are there to protect riders just as much as other road users.

While electric mopeds are eco-friendly and convenient vehicles to ride on and maintain, they are a genuine road-going form of transport and, therefore, rightly subject to many of the same rules that other road users face.

Do You Need A License For an Electric Moped?

Most people who use a two-wheeled form of powered road transport will require a CBT and moped training. It stands for compulsory basic training and is not a test of your riding ability. Rather, it is a training programme that only takes a few hours that is designed to make it safer for all learner riders by pointing out many of the additional hazards that two-wheeled road users face.

Why Do You Need A CBT?

Without CBTs, many more accidents would inevitably occur on the road. They only cost around £100 depending where you live and you cannot fail since there is no test at the end of the course.

You can check your licence to see the type vehicles you can drive, more details on moped licensing from the UK government.

How Do You Charge An Electric Moped?

Bear in mind that our electric mopeds can be charged from conventional UK power sockets so you have a great deal of flexibility in when and how you recharge. Simply remove the battery from the vehicle and plug it in.

Not only does this make recharging convenient, but it renders the moped useless for anyone tempted to steal it.

Battery removal is easy, requiring no special tools and it is something that takes seconds. A full recharge will take around six hours. If you recharge at night, when the energy costs are low, you can make considerable savings.

Of course, charging up at the office during the working day would mean reducing your running costs even further!

How Much is Electric Moped Insurance?

Insurance costs for electric mopeds are very affordable, certainly when compared to car insurance premiums, for example. Of course, it depends on the underlying market conditions and where you live.

A brand new electric moped could easily be insured for as little as £240 per annum, especially if you can park it off-street at night. Bear in mind that third-party insurance policies are cheaper than fully comprehensive ones and that setting your excess higher will also bring the cost down.