Will you choose a moped or the scooter?

At first glance, a scooter seems like the cheapest and easiest way to get around. You buy one, fill up the tank or charge the battery, and you're ready to go. Yet in practice, the costs - and hassles - often turn out to be higher than you think. A moped may seem more expensive, but when you add it all up, the difference is often not so great. Time to compare the two honestly.

Purchase, licence and insurance

You can buy a scooter for as little as a few thousand euros, while a moped usually costs between 10,000 and 15,000 euros. That's a hefty step, but then again, a moped is more than a scooter: it's actually a mini car. Moreover, you can use it for years longer without it wearing out or depreciating quickly.

For both vehicles, you have a AM driving licence necessary, but there is a difference. With a AM2 driving licence you are allowed to ride both a scooter and a moped. If you only have a moped driving licence (or the AM4 driving licence), then you are only allowed to drive a moped. This makes it attractive for some young people to opt for the moped right away - especially if they still prefer comfortable and dry driving. Want to know more about which driving licence you need? You can read more at this page from the central government. 

Insurance also varies. For scooters, you often pay a lower premium, but the risk of damage is also much higher. With a moped, the risk is lower, which makes insurance surprisingly affordable. Moreover, with some insurers, you can get a discount if you drive electric - something more and more mopeds are standard.

Maintenance and comfort

Anyone who has ever been on a scooter or on the back of a motor has ridden will know how unpleasant cold, rain and wind can be. A thick coat, gloves and waterproof clothing are not a luxury, but a necessity. Add in the wear and tear on tyres, brakes and batteries, and maintenance quickly adds up.

A moped requires less maintenance. Four wheels wear more evenly than two, and the engine - especially in electric models - has few moving parts. No chain to snap, no helmet to forget, and no wet clothes when you arrive. You just get in, turn on the heating or air conditioning and ride comfortably to school or work.

Practical, safe and increasingly popular

A moped simply offers more security. You sit dry, wear a seatbelt, and have bodywork around you. Little mistakes on the road do not immediately lead to damage or falls. That makes it a fine choice for those who don't always feel confident on two wheels, are on medication, or just prefer some extra protection.

And remarkably, the moped is no longer something for the elderly. In regions like Het Gooi, it is now becoming a status symbol. Young people there massively drive the electric Birò - a compact, quiet moped with a sleek design and detachable battery. You see them parked next to a Vespa as often as a Tesla. So it's safe and stylish.

Choosing smarter

Whether a moped is cheaper for you depends on how you use it. Do you drive daily, including in winter? Then you win with comfort, safety and lower maintenance costs. Do you use it mainly in summer for short trips? Then the scooter remains practical.

Still, for more and more young people, the following applies: rather an investment that lasts, than new repairs and wet socks every year. The moped may not be the cheapest at purchase, but it is the smartest choice in the long run. And besides, it makes a difference that you already have more experience with four wheels as soon as you want to start your car licence!