If you’re itching for some freedom and ready for your first ride, a 50cc motorbike is a great option. In the UK, you can ride a 50cc motorbike when you’re 16 (applying for your provisional licence from 15 years and nine months). In some European countries, you can start riding 50cc bikes even younger.
Although some people may decide to wait until they’re 17 so they can ride a bigger 125cc motorbike, these smaller options are a great way to get some miles under your belt and grow your confidence on two – or three – wheels.
For 16-year-olds, a 50cc needs to be restricted to travel at speeds of no more than 28mph. Read our blog to find out about seven of the best 50cc bikes for 16-year-olds.
A 50cc motorcycle doesn’t mean a moped either; we’ve found some great options that many riders of bigger bikes love, and they look stylish too. Remember to check out how much your motorbike insurance will cost before you start planning your purchase.
And to whet your appetite read our blog to find out how small capacity 50cc machines can deliver big fun! Here are our overall favourite 50cc motorbikes.
1. Aprilia SX50
One of the most talked about 50cc bikes on the market, the Aprilia SX50 is a tasty little supermoto offering six gears with a two-stroke engine. The SX50 has been in production since 2006 – Aprilia have been doing something right by continuing to manufacture this bike. It corners well but is a touch pricey, coming in just shy of £3,450.
2. Rieju RS3-50
This Rieju RS3-50 is a beautiful machine in the 50cc market and boasts a ‘race-winning’ status. It’s not the cheapest, with a price tag of around £3,000, but it certainly hits the mark if a sports bike is your thing. It’s an electric start with two-stroke engine for additional fun and has 17-inch wheels and disc brakes, plus upside-down forks for great handling and performance. This bike also offers a six-speed manual gearbox. If you have cash to splash this is a great option.
3. Mash Fifty 50cc
If you’re leaning more towards a classic bike, the Mash Fifty 50 may suit your tastes. A stylish bike with the look of a scrambler, this geared machine offers four speeds, an electric ignition, and electric and kick start for around £1,900. If you like the Mash Fifty, it’s also worth checking out its slightly pricier sibling the Mash Dirt Track bike or the Mash X-Ride. bike.
4. Derbi Senda Racing 50 SM
The Senda Racing 50 is one of a handful of Senda 50cc bikes holding their own in this category, along with the Senda X-Treme 50. Many riders favour derestricting the Senda for optimum speeds of up to 60mph, but if you’re riding with a provisional licence you’ll need to stick to the 30mph option. This bike offers a lightweight frame with a two-stroke engine and alloy cylinder. It’s also one to try if you’re tall. The Senda Racing or X-Treme comes in at under £3,000.
5. Lexmoto Aspire 50 E4
With a digital display for the gears, luggage rack and a comfortable riding position, it appears everything has been considered for the Lexmoto Aspire 50 E4. This four-stroke motorbike looks anything but a scooter. Styled as a motorbike with a much healthier price tag, the Lexmoto is priced at £1,250 brand new, making this a much more affordable option for riders.
6. Sherco SM 50
The Sherco SM 50 is a nippy little number – and even faster if you derestrict further down the line. Sherco has poured in its knowledge from international competitions into all the bikes in their range, including those in the 50cc bracket. This supermoto offers adjustable suspension and dual piston brake calipers, but isn’t cheap at just under £3,000.
7. WK Colt
There’s something exciting about the WK Colt. Not only is it a reasonably priced 50cc motorbike for £1,500, but it’s also available as an electric road-legal motorbike – the WK E Colt costs £1,900 and requires no fuel, filter or fluid top-ups, making it a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly way to travel. The lithium battery takes 7.5 hours to charge and has a 60km range. With the four-stroke WK Colt, it prides itself on being easy to ride and designed with a digital gear display and comfortable riding position.
8. Beta RR 2T 50
This single-cylinder two-stroke motorbike claims top-of-the-range ‘assertive’ styling, a top-class finish with ‘a perfect mix of manoeuvrability and stability.’ As well as the standard model, the Beta RR 2T 50 comes in Sport and Enduro designs with fuel-oil mixer, single-key security system ignition, plus steering lock and fuel cap. The bike also has passenger grab rails, but they’re of no use with a provisional licence as you can’t carry a pillion. If you’re interested in the Beta, you’re looking at parting with around £2,895.
9. Honda Vision 50
10. Tianying TY50QT
The Tianying TY50QT is a Chinese newcomer to the market manufactured by the Zhejiang Tianben Vehicle Industry Company. Restricted to 30mph, this is another good bike for young novice riders, even if the name is a little unfamiliar. Light and manoeuvrable with good levels of comfort and safety features, the TY50 will set you back around £2,000, which represents pretty good value for money.
Things to consider before buying 50cc motorbike
The bikes on our list are available at very different price points, so knowing your budget and what you can afford is a good starting point.
So too is whether you’ll be sticking with a 50cc motorbike or moving on to something larger, like a 125cc bike, when you’re older or have more cash. If you’ll be doing the latter, you might want to invest more money into a bike that you can derestrict when you’re able to ride something more powerful.
How many tests you want to complete could also affect the choice of bike. If you’re 16 and take your compulsory basic training (CBT), you can ride a 50cc bike with L plates (L or D if you’re in Wales). However, there are still restrictions: you can’t ride on the motorway or carry a pillion passenger. If you complete a theory and practical test, you could ride a 50cc (below 4kW) bike, tricycle or light quad (weighing under 350kg). Find out more about what motorcycle licence you will need to ride your bike of choice in our blog.
You will also need to determine how much you will use the bike: will it be used only occasionally, or for your daily commute?
Checking out how much the insurance will cost is also a factor. Even if you can scrape together enough for the Aprilia, can you afford the insurance and excess if an accident occurs?
Trying out the different models is a great idea – even though you may be thinking you want a road-legal dirt bike, are you actually more comfortable on the sportier bike frames? Many offer different positions for riding and your own height may affect which feels the most comfortable when you’re sitting on it.
How fast is a 50cc bike?
The top speeds of a 50cc bike are up to 30mph which means you won’t be winning any speed races, but the benefit is the fuel consumption and confidence you’ll build. It’s certainly cheaper than any other form of transport with only a few pounds to fill most 50cc motorbikes. It is the perfect option for starting your biking adventures.
Get affordable 50cc motorbike insurance from Bikesure
If you’ve decided to buy a 50cc motorbike, call Bikesure on 0330 123 1028 or book a callback for an affordable 50cc motorbike insurance quote.
