One of the most popular bikes in the UK are 125cc scooters, with their sales figures easily outpacing every other type. If you’re looking for an affordable and fun method of transport then you really can’t go wrong with a 125.
Here we take a look at the best scooters vying for your attention in 2025.
Lexmoto Nexus 125
The undisputed titan of the affordable 125 market, Lexmoto’s range of scooters also includes some higher spec models at a higher yet still very competitive price. The Nexus is their flagship scooter, a learner-friendly model with a sleek maxi scooter look and a reported top speed of 69mph, making it a really practical urban mover that won’t drain your bank account.
For your money, you get a bunch of features including keyless ignition and a seven-inch colour display.
Honda PCX 125
Meanwhile, Honda’s flagship scooter has a five-inch colour display, but with a far higher overall set of features and build quality that has made it arguably the UK’s most popular 125.
Whereas cheaper 125s are often bought as stepping stones to something more powerful once you gain more experience, a premium scooter like the PCX is reliable and flexible enough to be your primary mode of transport for a longer time.
Lambretta V125
If modern scooter stylings aren’t your bag, there are plenty of options for that classic scooter look that made them key cultural icons in the 1950s and 60s. The Lambretta V125 is a finely judged update to its range. It’s very difficult not to fall back onto cliches about classic Italian design when talking about brands like Lambretta but just try not to imagine cutting about Rome on it when you look at it. I mean come on.
Kymco Agility City
While it’s probably not top of many people’s reasons for wanting a scooter, you can’t totally dismiss their green credentials.
While no petrol powered form of transport is too great in this area, modern scooter engines are more optimised and efficient, making them just about the least environmentally harmful method of ICE transport.
Kymco is particularly proud of itsAgility City’s chops in this regard, claiming its emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons are significantly below the limits required by Euro 5 standards without affecting performance, and for under £3,000.
Even if the green stuff doesn’t matter to you, this efficiency means it’ll be pretty cheap to run.
Vespa GTS 125
We would almost certainly risk angering people if we didn’t mention Vespa in an article like this, particularly as we’ve already mentioned Lambretta. It’s just as well that the other Italian company that helped define scooters is still putting out extremely stylish bikes.
The GTS positively radiates mod style, without – ironically – being too retro for its own good. Like the Lambretta, it’s designed to be perfectly at home on city streets.
Yamaha XMAX Tech Max
Yamaha’s Max 125cc scooters come in two models, the Nmax and the Xmax, each with two Tech Max versions which add in a load of fancy quality of life features to give you a much more luxurious riding experience.
The base model Nmax is the most affordable at £3,600, with the Xmax Tech Max version setting you back something north of £6,000. While you won’t be getting anything close to the sports experience offered by the full fat 560cc Tmax Tech Max, Yamaha’s all bells and whistles mega-scooter, its £14,000 price tag makes them seem like a bargain in comparison.
Kawasaki J125
If you’re looking for a reliable scooter that’s ideal for your daily commute, then the Kawasaki J125 is the perfect bike for you.
Physically it blends the look of the ZX-10R at the front, with sleek Ninja styling. The single-cylinder four-stroke engine is also more responsive than you’d expect, despite not being the fastest scooter in the world.
Italjet Dragster
Sure you’ve got your modern designs and your retro designs, but what if you’re a scooterist who wants something more… or less? Naked bikes are one of the most popular types of motorcycle, but it took Italjet to apply this look to scooters.
To be sure, the Dragster is a real standout, with its exposed frame stripping the scooter down to the bare essentials. Frankly, it looks amazing, and it’s also amazing that more manufacturers haven’t followed the dragster’s lead with its aggressively minimalist looks. If the Fast and Furious movies were a scooter, they’d be the Italjet Dragster.
Suzuki Burgman Street 125EX
Suzuki’s Burgman range has been a popular choice since it was launched. The latest 125cc version is another sturdy, comfortable and easy-to-ride city commuter, with 12-inch wheels that impart a more stable ride. It’s one of the more affordable major manufacturer maxi style scooters, and while there are scooters with more impressive stats, the refined nature of the ride you’re getting makes it worthy of consideration.
Motorcycle insurance you can trust
No matter which scooter you buy, you’ll want the right insurance for your bike.
Bikesure can help you find a policy that works for you and your bike without any of the fuss that usually comes with searching for scooter insurance.
Call us on 0800 369 8580 or book a callback for a quote.