My AccountIf you ride a motorbike, you’ll have to pay road tax every year. The amount you pay will largely depend on your bike’s power and emissions. In this post we’ll discuss how much you might expect to pay if you ride a 125cc motorbike.
What is Road Tax?
When people talk about ‘road tax’, they’re usually referring to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). Despite the name, this tax doesn’t directly pay for road maintenance. In fact, roads in the UK are mostly funded through general taxation, which everyone contributes to, not just drivers. Think of VED as a running cost for your motorcycle, calculated by the government based on your bike’s engine size.
While ‘road tax’ isn’t technically accurate, we’ll use that term in this post because it’s the one most motorcyclists recognize and understand.
How Much is Road Tax for a 125cc Motorbike?
Please note that the UK government often changes road tax rates for all vehicles. All the figures we discuss below are correct at the time of writing. But for the most up-to-date idea of the current road tax rates, be sure to check the government’s website.
125cc motorbikes are in the lowest road tax band, which applies to all vehicles with a 150cc engine or less.
For a 125cc motorbike, road tax is £27.30 a year if you pay in 12 monthly instalments. But you can make a slight saving if you pay a single annual lump sum, in which case it will cost you £26.
How Much is Road Tax For Other Motorbikes?
The more powerful your motorbike, the more road tax you’ll pay each year. In all cases, you can make savings if you pay annually rather than monthly:
| Engine Size | Single 12 Month Payment | Total of 12 monthly instalments by Direct Debit | Single 6 month payment |
| 150cc or less | £26 | £27.30 | N/A |
| 151cc to 400cc | £57 | £59.85 | £31.35 |
| 401cc to 600cc | £87 | £91.35 | £47.85 |
| Over 600cc | £121 | £127.05 | £66.55 |
Note: details above are correct at the time of posting this blog.
How Do I Tax My Motorbike?
First, you’ll need your motorbike’s V5C logbook, or your green ‘new keeper’s details’ slip. You’ll also need proof of your motorcycle insurance, and if your motorbike was registered more than three years ago, you’ll need a valid MOT certificate.
Once you have these documents, the fastest and easiest way to tax your motorbike is on the DVLA’s website.
If this isn’t possible, you can apply over the phone through calling 0300 123 4321. Or you can go to any branch of the Post Office that can manage vehicle tax.
Do I Need To Pay Road Tax For an Electric Motorbike or Scooter?
Yes, from 1 April 2025, owners of electric motorbikes and scooters are no longer exempt from paying road tax.
Previously, fully electric vehicles – including motorcycles and scooters – were exempt from road tax, with only hybrids required to pay. However, under the government’s new rules, electric vehicles will now be taxed like petrol and diesel vehicles.
To find out exactly how much you’ll need to pay, check the official UK government website or contact the DVLA, as rates can vary by vehicle type and specifications.
Don’t Forget Insurance
While sorting out your road tax is essential, having the right motorbike insurance is just as important. Whether you ride a petrol-powered bike or an electric scooter, insurance protects you, your bike, and others on the road.
Get a quick quote and find the right insurance for your ride today – click here to compare motorbike insurance options.