Electric mopeds for new riders: your first moped and CBT in London
Never ridden before? Here’s how to get from total beginner to confident London commuter.
Can a complete beginner start riding an electric moped in London?
Yes. Most new riders go from never having ridden to commuting confidently within a week or two. The one requirement for an electric moped is a CBT — a one-day training course (around £130, valid two years) that’s designed to teach beginners, not to catch you out. If you’d rather not take a CBT at all, a no-licence electric cargo bike lets you start immediately.
A light, easy first moped like the Askoll eS3 is forgiving and simple to handle in traffic. On a Moon Fleets subscription you also get insurance, servicing, GPS and a lock included, and a walkthrough of the bike and batteries when you collect — so a beginner isn’t left to figure it out alone.
Do you start with the CBT?
The CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) is a one-day course at a DVSA-approved school, built specifically for new riders. You can’t fail it — it’s training, not a test — and at the end you can ride a moped on L-plates. It costs around £130 and is valid for two years.
If you’re not ready for that, a cargo e-bike needs no CBT and rides like a bicycle, so you can start commuting the same week.
How do you choose an easy first moped?
For a first moped, lighter and simpler is better. The Askoll eS3 is light, Italian-made and easy to handle — ideal for building confidence in city traffic — and the Askoll eS-Pro 70 is similarly forgiving.
Because Moon Fleets is month-to-month, you can start on an easy moped and switch to a faster one later as your confidence grows.