You might associate 50cc scooters with 16-year-olds tearing around in hoodies, but it seems that there has been a major shift in the market with many older commuters investing in bikes like the best-selling Peugeot V-Clic. It’s prompted by the rising price of fuel, increases to the cost of car insurance and higher road tax making two wheels more practical for short distances.
Sales of new scooters in the UK was up by 11.7% in 2011, and rose another 6.9% in the first four months of 2012. Brands such as Peugeot saw a 46% rise last year, with a scooter like the V-Clic on offer at £929 at the moment, and road tax at just £16 per year. Meanwhile teens are struggling with rising youth unemployment and cheap credit is harder to find. Plus if you got your full UK car licence before February 1st, 2001, you’re able to ride a 50cc scooter without L-plates or a test, so you can jump straight on.
And before you look down on people with only a 50cc motor, it means fewer cars to contend with, and more people with an awareness of what it’s like to be riding on two wheels. Let’s hope some of them stick with it and maybe move onto bigger bikes in the future.
Leave a Reply