The Best 125cc and A1 Licence Scooters (2022)

If you want a learner friendly model with under 15 bhp / 11 kW power, twist and go ease of use, excellent storage and good wind protection then a scooter is for you. Whether it's for commuting, fun or deliveries we've picked ten of the best.

You might also like our top ten A1 Licence bikes and our guide to getting your licence.

What Is It?

Re-designed for 2018, the X-MAX 125 is arguably one of the best premium 125cc maxi scooters you can buy right now. For a 125 cc model it's rammed with modern tech such as keyless ignition, traction control and the highlight of the bunch is the LED headlight set up.

Both sides light up for low beam, avoiding that wonky look many bikes are rocking, with the high beam emanating from another LED light in the centre of the cluster.

To save fuel it also has an idling start / stop system and the large storage area under the seat will swallow two full face helmets.

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Key Specs

• RRP: £5,000
• Engine: Single Cylinder
• Capacity: 124 cc
• Power: 14 bhp / 10 kW
• Top Speed: 65 mph / 105 km/h
• Economy: 80 mpg / 3.5 L/100km
• Range: 230 miles / 370 km
• Seat Height: 795 mm / 31.3 inches
• Wet Weight: 175 kg / 386 pounds
• Power to Weight: 0.080 bhp/kg

What Is It?

Going head to head with the X-MAX is the 2018 Forza 125. It features Honda's idling stop / start system, which is also found on the PCX125, full LED lighting, keyless ignition and even an electrically adjustable screen.

For 2021 it gains traction control, 40 mm extra screen travel and a new USB socket in the glovebox.

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Key Specs

• RRP: £4,900
• Engine: Single Cylinder
• Capacity: 125 cc
• Power: 15 bhp / 11 kW
• Top Speed: 75 mph / 121 km/h
• Economy: 100 mpg / 2.8 L/100km
• Range: 250 miles / 402 km
• Seat Height: 780 mm / 30.7 inches
• Wet Weight: 161 kg / 355 pounds
• Power to Weight: 0.093 bhp/kg

What Is It?

If you like a more traditional style premium scooter then the Vespa GTS125 might be right up your street. Thanks to a 2017 update it has ABS, traction control, enough storage for two open face helmets and an interface to connect your mobile for use as a digital dash.

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Key Specs

• RRP: £5,350
• Engine: Single Cylinder
• Capacity: 124 cc
• Power: 15 bhp / 11 kW
• Top Speed: 65 mph / 105 km/h
• Economy: 75 mpg / 3.8 L/100km
• Range: 160 miles / 257 km
• Seat Height: 790 mm / 31.1 inches
• Wet Weight: 150 kg / 331 pounds
• Power to Weight: 0.100 bhp/kg

What Is It?

The Italjet Dragster is new for 2020 and should be on your shortlist if you fancy the X-MAX or Forza, but want more performance and don't mind the extra attention you'll get.

It not only looks sweet but is bristling with loads of tech like the independent front steering / suspension, adjustable piggy back front shock, super light exposed frame, sculpted seat and indicators integrated into the lever guards.

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Key Specs

• RRP: £4,800
• Engine: Single Cylinder
• Capacity: 125 cc
• Power: 15 bhp / 6 kW
• Top Speed: 75 mph / 121 km/h
• Economy: 80 mpg / 3.5 L/100km
• Range: 120 miles / 193 km
• Seat Height: 770 mm / 30.3 inches
• Dry Weight: 108 kg / 238 pounds

What Is It?

It doesn't need an introduction. The PCX125 has topped the monthly sales charts for what seems like forever and defines small budget maxi scooters much like the Yamaha TMAX defines large and expensive maxi scooters.

Honda have been continually refining the model since 2010 and there is a brand new version for 2021 with sharper bodywork, keyless ignition, traction control, more underseat storage and larger wheels.

The idling stop / start system is still there to boost fuel economy and it can be turned off from the handlebars to suit your situation.

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Key Specs

• RRP: £3,300
• Engine: Single Cylinder
• Capacity: 125 cc
• Power: 12 bhp / 9 kW
• Top Speed: 65 mph / 105 km/h
• Economy: 120 mpg / 2.4 L/100km
• Range: 210 miles / 338 km
• Seat Height: 764 mm / 30.1 inches
• Wet Weight: 130 kg / 287 pounds
• Power to Weight: 0.092 bhp/kg

GEAR & ACCESSORIES

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Jeans

What Is It?

Setting the standard for 125 cc scooters, the Honda SH125i comes with full LED lighting, keyless ignition and a clever idling start / stop system to save fuel.

It also boasts four generations of evolutionary improvements from Honda since 2001 and for 2020 there's a complete re-design with sharper looks, 50% more storage space from a new frame, a new zippier engine, new dash and a cool updated LED headlight design.

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Key Specs

• RRP: £3,500
• Engine: Single Cylinder
• Capacity: 125 cc
• Power: 13 bhp / 10 kW
• Top Speed: 70 mph / 113 km/h
• Economy: 130 mpg / 2.2 L/100km
• Range: 200 miles / 322 km
• Seat Height: 799 mm / 31.5 inches
• Wet Weight: 134 kg / 295 pounds
• Power to Weight: 0.097 bhp/kg

What Is It?

If you like the look of the Honda PCX125 then the Sym Jet X should definitely be on your test ride list. It's new for 2021 and while it doesn't quite match the PCX on tech it's arguably better looking.

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Key Specs

• RRP: £3,300
• Engine: Single Cylinder
• Capacity: 125 cc
• Power: 13 bhp / 10 kW
• Top Speed: 65 mph / 105 km/h
• Economy: 90 mpg / 3.1 L/100km
• Range: 150 miles / 241 km
• Seat Height: 770 mm / 30.3 inches
• Wet Weight: 140 kg / 309 pounds
• Power to Weight: 0.093 bhp/kg

What Is It?

An awful lot of scooter for the money. If you fancy a Honda PCX125 with sharp Yamaha X-MAX looks, but for a fraction of the price then it's worth a look.

The engine is a bit down on power but you get LED lighting, keyless start, a full dash and even a USB socket up front for charging.

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Key Specs

• RRP: £2,300
• Engine: Single Cylinder
• Capacity: 125 cc
• Power: 10 bhp / 7 kW
• Top Speed: 60 mph / 97 km/h
• Economy: 90 mpg / 3.1 L/100km
• Range: 190 miles / 306 km
• Seat Height: 810 mm / 31.9 inches
• Wet Weight: 134 kg / 295 pounds
• Power to Weight: 0.075 bhp/kg

What Is It?

No matter how you look at it the Diablo is a lot of scooter for the money. It may not be the most powerful or tech packed out there but it looks great, has LED lighting, decent brakes, good build quality and it's super cheap to buy.

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Key Specs

• RRP: £1,600
• Engine: Single Cylinder
• Capacity: 125 cc
• Power: 9 bhp / 7 kW
• Top Speed: 60 mph / 97 km/h
• Economy: 100 mpg / 2.8 L/100km
• Range: 130 miles / 209 km
• Seat Height: 810 mm / 31.9 inches
• Wet Weight: 110 kg / 243 pounds
• Power to Weight: 0.082 bhp/kg

What Is It?

If you want retro cool the Django is well worth a look. It's quite heavy and doesn't make the full 15 bhp allowed by the A1 licence but owners love the unique style and charm.

More info, pics, prices and videos →

Key Specs

• RRP: £3,350
• Engine: Single Cylinder
• Capacity: 125 cc
• Power: 10 bhp / 7 kW
• Top Speed: 65 mph / 105 km/h
• Economy: 90 mpg / 3.1 L/100km
• Range: 160 miles / 257 km
• Seat Height: 770 mm / 30.3 inches
• Dry Weight: 135 kg / 298 pounds

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How Did We Rank Our Top Ten?

We looked at all the A1 Licence scooters you can buy new and picked the top contenders for each type taking into account style, power, technology and value for money.