Deciding on the Perfect e-Scooter: 50cc vs. 125cc

EcoMove works alongside the base e-scooter suppliers in the UK so we’ll also showcase some of our options at the end of this article. Okay, sales plug over, let’s jump into the info.

Understanding Engine Size: 50cc and 125cc e-Scooters

So on a petrol scooter, the engine size of an e-scooter refers to the volume of the engine’s combustion chamber. A 50cc engine is smaller in size and has a lower engine capacity compared to a 125cc engine. This means that a 50cc e-scooter will typically have a lower top speed and less power compared to a 125cc e-scooter.

Electric scooters do not have combustion chambers, they’re electric, but we still use this engine classification to showcase the power of the e-scooter as it fits within the DVLA’s checkboxes. To keep things simply a 50cc equivalent e-scooter is limited to 28 miles per hours and a 125cc equivalent e-scooter is limited to an 11Kw motor.

Fun fact: even though we tend to use the terms scooter and moped interchangeably, only 50cc engine scooters or less are actually considered mopeds – the term doesn’t apply to scooters with a larger engine size. It is a marketing nightmare, trust me on this point.

Licence requirements, understanding the CBT

Both the 50cc and 125cc can be ridden with a CBT … there is a little more to that statement so we made a nifty video to help you:

Power and Performance of 50cc e-Scooters

50cc e-scooters are ideal for those who are just starting out, or for those who only need to travel short distances. These scooters are typically lightweight, easy to manoeuvre and have a top speed of 28 mph. They are also less expensive compared to 125cc e-scooters, making them a popular choice for those on a budget.

One of the main benefits of 50cc e-scooters is that they are more fuel-efficient, which means that you can save money on fuel costs. They are also easier to maintain, as they have fewer parts and less complicated engines.

Power and Performance of 125cc e-Scooters

125cc e-scooters, on the other hand, have a higher engine capacity and offer more power and speed compared to 50cc e-scooters. With a top speed of around 60 mph, 125cc e-scooters are ideal for those who need to travel longer distances or for those who want a more powerful riding experience.

While 125cc e-scooters may be more expensive compared to 50cc e-scooters, they offer a fair bit more for those using them for anything other than short commutes. A 125cc scooter typically offers a bit more space in terms of storage, as well as extra space for riding with a guest. If you expect to ride with a partner frequently, it’s worth it to invest in a slightly larger scooter.

Note: Regardless of which scooter you choose, there is always the option to accessorise with extra perks like warm gloves, a windshield, or other weather-resistant add-ons for all-season riding.

Cost Comparison: 50cc vs. 125cc e-Scooters

The cost of an e-scooter can vary greatly depending on the type of motor, brand, model and features the e-scooter offers. In general, 50cc e-scooters are less expensive compared to 125cc e-scooters. However, it’s important to keep in mind that while 50cc e-scooters may have a lower upfront cost, they may also not meet all of a rider’s future needs.

On the other hand, 125cc e-scooters have a higher upfront cost but are also more reliable and have a longer lifespan as they get used for more tasks than initially intended. They also offer more power and speed, which is perfect for those who need to travel longer distances.

I’ve had quite a few customers who initially chose a 50cc e-scooter because they were trying to be cost-conscious while transitioning to electric. However, once they experienced the smooth ride and versatility of the e-scooter, they realized they wanted to use it for their more demanding commutes. Unfortunately, the 50cc just wasn’t up to the task and they needed to upgrade within a year of riding.

What does your commute look like?

A 50cc equivalent electric scooter may be best for city surface streets or beachside roads, whereas a 125cc equivalent scooter is a good bet for longer distance trips, suburban rides, or those who need to ride all day in a variety of urban environments. Understanding what you need and what you may need is the most important factor when choosing your next e-scooter.

Legality in a nutshell

Think about who might be riding the scooter you buy. Is it for you, or perhaps for an adolescent or loved one? Depending on the age of the rider and their location, there are some limitations to the type of vehicle they’re legally allowed to ride. The earliest a rider can ride a 50cc on a CBT in the UK is 16 and for 125cc the age restriction is 17.

When riding on a CBT there are a few things to note, the 2 most important notes being: You need to ride with L plates and you cannot carry a passenger.

It goes without saying either can be ridden on a motorcycle licence, on a full motorbike licence you don’t need the L plates and are allowed to carry a passenger.

Security & Insurance

Okay, so this section can vary from rider to rider as insurers all use secret algorithms to determine insurance costs. But what I can say is that insuring an e-scooter is exactly the same as a petrol scooter, same process and roughly the same price. For a long while electric scooters were too new for insurers to offer similar or reasonable quotes, so pricing was all over the place, these days its business as usual and insuring your e-scooter is down to the usual factors.

Security is something that can affect insurance quotes. This is nothing unique to 50cc or 125cc e-scooters, for both, having built-in security like alarms, steering locks, GPS trackers and the like all affect your insurance quote positively.

Pro-tip: Chat to your dealer and they will advise you on this.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Perfect e-Scooter

When deciding on the perfect e-scooter, it’s important to consider your specific needs and budget. If you are just starting out or only need to travel short distances, a 50cc e-scooter may be the perfect choice for you. However, if you need to travel longer distances or want a more powerful riding experience, a 125cc e-scooter may be a better option.

Regardless of engine size, it’s crucial to select a top-quality e-scooter that is dependable, easy to maintain, and fits within your budget. With numerous options available in the market, it’s essential to do your research and choose an e-scooter that meets all your needs and requirements. Whether you opt for a 50cc or 125cc e-scooter, make sure you pick the one that aligns with your riding style, distance requirements, and budget.

Or even easier, just purchase an e-scooter from EcoMove, we’ve done all our homework and only sell the best-in-class e-scooters and our follow-on service is diamond tier.

Some of our Horwin e-scooters