CarCostCheck

Scooter and Moped Check: Check It Before You Buy

Free MOT history, mileage, tax and ULEZ for any registered scooter or moped, from 50cc to 125cc and electric. Full history check £4.99.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data

What the free check shows

Every MOT DVSA holds, with failures and advisories
Mileage at each MOT, with a check for readings that go backwards
Tax status and due date, and the £27 yearly rate up to 150cc
MOT status, MOT class 1 and the £29.65 maximum fee
London ULEZ verdict on TfL's Euro 3 rule
Safety recalls DVSA lists for the model

What the £4.99 history check adds

Outstanding finance, with the finance company and agreement dates
Stolen check against the Police National Computer
Insurance write-off check with the category (A, B, N or S)
Number of keepers and the date of each change
VIN (frame number) on record: last 4 characters shown, 2 for rare models
Engine number on record
Plate transfer history (private plates on and off)
Colour change history
Scrapped vehicle check
Import and export markers
DVLA identity checks, when recorded
Previous checks by insurers, lenders and the motor trade

Mopeds, 125s and electric scooters

Mopeds. On GOV.UK's licence categories a moped has a top speed between 25 km/h and 45 km/h (category AM). Our report shows the DVLA type approval under the bike's details: L1 on the newer mopeds we have checked, L3 on motorcycles and scooters.

125cc scooters and bikes. Light motorcycles up to 125cc and 11 kW are licence category A1. They are MOT class 1 and pay the lowest tax rate, £27 a year.

Electric scooters with a plate. Registered electric mopeds and scooters have paid vehicle tax since 1 April 2025, at £27 a year from April 2026, and need an MOT from 3 years old like any other.

Sources: GOV.UK licence categories, vehicle tax rates, tax for electric vehicles, MOT fees and TfL, checked 17 October 2026.

Buying a used scooter: the quick checklist

✓Run the free check: MOT history, mileage and tax
✓Match the frame number and engine number to the V5C
✓Check the seller's name and address are on the V5C
✓Ask about any gaps in the MOT history
✓Run the £4.99 history check for finance, stolen and write-off records
✓Test ride it and check the lights, brakes and tyres

Checking a bigger bike? The motorbike check works for every size.

Frequently asked questions

Can I check a moped or scooter by its registration?▼

Yes. Any UK-registered moped or scooter can be checked by its number plate, from 50cc mopeds to 125cc and larger scooters, and electric scooters that are registered and carry a plate. The free report shows its MOT history, mileage, tax and MOT status and a London ULEZ verdict.

How much is road tax on a 125cc scooter or a moped?▼

£27 for 12 months from 1 April 2026, the GOV.UK rate for motorcycles up to 150cc. Electric mopeds and scooters pay the same £27. A scooter over 150cc pays £59 up to 400cc.

Do mopeds and scooters need an MOT?▼

Yes, once they are 3 years old, every year after that. A moped or scooter up to 200cc is MOT class 1, and the most a test centre can charge is £29.65.

Is my scooter ULEZ compliant?▼

Mopeds and scooters need Euro 3 for London's ULEZ, otherwise the charge is £12.50 a day. TfL says Euro 3 engines are generally those registered after July 2007. Electric scooters have no exhaust emissions, so they meet it.

What licence do I need for a moped or a 125cc scooter?▼

On GOV.UK's licence categories, mopeds with a speed range of 25 km/h to 45 km/h are category AM (from 16), and light motorcycles up to 125cc and 11 kW are category A1 (from 17). Both need compulsory basic training (CBT), a theory test and a practical test for the full category.

Can I check a scooter for outstanding finance?▼

Yes. The £4.99 history check shows any finance agreement recorded against the scooter or moped, with the finance company and the agreement dates. If money is still owed, the lender may have a claim on it, so ask the seller to settle it before you pay.

Can I check an e-scooter without a number plate?▼

No. Without a registration there is no DVLA or DVSA record to look up, so only registered mopeds and scooters can be checked.

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Cat A, B, N and S explained

Check a scooter or moped by reg

Free MOT, mileage, tax and ULEZ. The full history check with finance, stolen and write-off records is £4.99.

GB

Free instant check using official DVSA and DVLA data