According to UK registration criteria, a scooter is a style of motorcycle in much the same way as a sports bike or a naked bike is a style.
As long as it is above 49cc and is a motorcycle with a step through frame (allows you to sit with your feet together on a footboard as the frame runs along the floor) then it is classed as a scooter.
The mounting of the engine, which is usually combined with the rear swingarm or located below the rider’s seat, allows this unique kind of frame design.
Despite scooters being recorded as existing before 1914, most generally regard the Vespa as the first ‘scooter for the masses’. Launched in 1946, the Piaggio Vespa (which means wasp in Italian, a reference to the noise the two-stroke motor made) brought scootering to Europe and with the Innocenti Lambretta following a year later, a whole craze was started – one that continues to this day.
In the 1960s ‘Mods’ chose the scooter as their mode of transport as it was far cooler than a British bike that leaked oil on your sharp suit. The scooter scene hit a worldwide audience when the film Quadrophenia, which depicted Mod life, was released in 1979.
Nowadays a scooter isn’t limited to a small engine, maxi-scooters are generally over 500cc and Aprilia have just unveiled an 850cc scooter!
The benefits of riding a scooter
As the majority of scooters are ‘twist and go’ they don’t have a clutch, making them easier to ride through congested cities. Commuters love the fact that most scooters have large under seat storage compartments, meaning that you don’t have to lug a helmet around the shops, and also the weather protection offered by the riding position. Scooter ‘aprons’, which are waterproof covers that stretch from the headstock and rest over the rider’s knees, increase the usability in poor weather and keep your legs toasty too.
With congestion charges, the cost of train tickets, limited parking and high petrol prices, scooters are becoming increasingly popular for inner-city commuters. The environmental benefits don’t only include the generally excellent fuel economy of scooters, but also the fact that they reduce congestion. What’s not to like?
The need for specialist scooter insurance
Young riders can often find it difficult to obtain comprehensive motorcycle insurance at a competitive premium – particularly if they are new to motorcycling. This coupled with rising fuel and maintenance costs as well as the poor economic climate has resulted in an increase in the number of lower capacity scooters on the road. In fact, recent research shows that scooter riders now make up 32% of the UK’s bike riding population. [Bennetts Customer Base sample: August 2011]
As well as being an inexpensive, reliable and fun mode of transport, scooters can also be relatively cheap to insure as insurance premiums are linked to the cost of settling a claim. Generally speaking, scooters don’t have complex swingarms, multi valve/multi cylinder engines or other high specification components, meaning that they are incredibly simple to maintain, easy to repair and parts are cheap to replace. The overall value of a scooter is also much lower than a larger capacity motorcycle, so the cost of replacing one if it is lost or stolen is significantly less too.
The benefits of insuring your scooter with Bennetts
We don’t just insure motorcycles – we also provide insurance that is specially tailored to the needs of scooter riders. Whatever make and model you have, you’ll want to know that your pride and joy is fully protected by an insurer you can trust.
We work closely with our panel of insurers to compare scooter insurance policies and obtain the best quote possible to suit your requirements. Whether you’re looking for comprehensive, third party fire and theft or third party-only scooter insurance cover, we can offer you a competitive rate on your premium as well as a number of additional benefits:
- we compare several insurers to find you the best available scooter insurance quote
- monthly payment plans to make your life easier (subject to status)
- 90 days European Union cover included as standard
- 24-hour accident and claims team
- UK-based call centre, open seven days a week
You can also make sure that you keep your scooter insurance premium low by taking additional measures to keep your bike safe and secure.
Check out our additional extras and added value cover options such as RAC breakdown and Personal Accident Cover.
How to get a quote
Getting a quote is easy. Whether you're a hardened Lambretta lover, Vespa aficionado or simply enjoying your first taste of two wheels on one on the new breed of 50cc and 125cc scooters, we’ll do our best to save you money on your scooter insurance policy.
Simply complete our online form or call our dedicated customer service team on 0800 107 7990, who are on hand 24/7 to find the best deal for you.
Other bike insurance types
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