​Best Motorcycles and Scooters for Commuting

Once you’ve completed your CBT Training, then comes the fun part: finding the ideal two-wheeler to tackle your daily commute. Whether you're after a budget-friendly scooter, an eco-conscious electric motorbike, or a stylish motorcycle that makes a statement, we've got you covered. Here's our pick of six of the best motorcycles and scooters for commuting, designed to make your journey to work smoother, quicker, and a lot more enjoyable.

Honda PCX125

Kicking off our list is a perennial favourite, the Honda PCX125, the UK’s best-selling scooter for good reason. The 2025 version has been refreshed once again, making an already excellent commuter even better. Sleek new bodywork, LED lighting and refined styling give it a more premium look, while the latest Euro 5+ liquid-cooled 125cc engine remains impressively frugal, returning up to 134 mpg in real-world riding.

Honda has added thoughtful upgrades this year, including a rear disc brake, a USB-C charging port, and in higher-spec DX trims, a 5-inch full-colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity and a Smart Key system. Combined with its spacious under-seat storage, generous weather protection and typical Honda reliability, the PCX125 continues to set the benchmark for stress-free urban commuting.

At around £3,499, it’s still one of the most affordable ways to get on two wheels without compromising on quality or comfort. Just remember, its popularity also makes it a magnet for thieves, so investing in a solid scooter lock or security device is a must.

Lexmoto LXR 125

The Lexmoto LXR 125 is a fantastic option for riders looking for a sporty, full-sized commuter bike that doesn’t break the bank. The 2025 version has been upgraded to meet Euro 5.5 standards and now features a newly designed liquid-cooled 125cc engine with a 6-speed gearbox, giving it smoother power delivery and improved efficiency over previous models.

Its bold, full-fairing design gives it the appearance of a much larger motorcycle, while dual front disc brakes, LED lighting and well-balanced handling inspire confidence on the road. Ideal for riders on a CBT, the LXR offers approachable performance and comfort without sacrificing looks or practicality.

Priced at around £2,800, it remains one of the best-value ways to get a proper “big bike” feel on a learner licence. Just keep in mind that, as with many budget brands, it’s worth checking service intervals and local dealer support before you buy — do that, and you’ll have a stylish, fun and affordable commuter that punches well above its price.

Niu NGT

If your commute takes you through busy city streets, especially in places like London, an electric scooter is hard to beat. The Niu NGT (now sold as the Niu NQi GT) remains one of the smartest urban commuters around. With its sleek, modern design and quiet 3000 W Bosch motor, it delivers instant torque and a top speed of around 45 mph, easily keeping pace with petrol-powered 125 cc machines.

The 2025 version continues to offer a dual lithium-ion battery setup, providing up to 60 miles of real-world range and recharging in about 3.5 hours from a standard plug. Running costs are incredibly low (a full charge costs under 20p) and it qualifies for the lowest vehicle-tax band for electric motorcycles (though the tax is no longer absolutely zero). You’ll also avoid the ULEZ daily charge in London thanks to its zero tailpipe-emissions status, and benefit from minimal servicing costs compared with petrol alternatives.

At around £3,200 (after the government’s Plug-in Motorcycle Grant), it costs more up front than a basic petrol scooter but quickly pays for itself through savings on fuel, maintenance and city charges. Stylish, silent and effortlessly efficient, the Niu NGT is the perfect example of how practical electric commuting can be — and you’ll be doing your bit for the planet while you ride. What's not to like?

Vespa GTS Super 125

If you’re after a commuter scooter that blends everyday practicality with unmistakable Italian flair, the Vespa GTS Super 125 remains a top choice. Its timeless steel bodywork and elegant curves channel the romance of Roman Holiday—though we can assure you your motorcycle trainer will have you riding far better than Audrey Hepburn did!

Don’t be fooled by its classic looks: the 2025 model is packed with modern technology. The latest Euro 5+ i-get engine delivers excellent fuel efficiency, aided by start-stop functionality for cleaner, quieter city riding. Riders opting for the SuperTech variant also enjoy a 5-inch full-colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity, bringing a touch of the digital age to Vespa’s retro charm.

Practicality hasn’t been forgotten either. There’s generous under-seat storage, great weather protection, and the reassuring build quality that has made Vespa a commuter icon for decades. At around £4,999, it commands a premium over more utilitarian scooters, but the GTS repays you with superb ride quality, enduring style, and strong resale value.

Using this scooter for commuting will definitely bring a smile to your face, but make sure to lock it, as it's a very popular bike for thefts.

Yamaha MT-125

For riders who prefer the feel of a manual motorcycle after completing their CBT, the Yamaha MT-125 is one of the best options on the market. It carries the same aggressive “Hyper Naked” styling as its bigger MT siblings, resembling a leaner, lighter version of the MT-10.

The latest model features LED lighting, a 5-inch full-colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity, and a slipper-assist clutch for smoother, easier gear changes. Its 125 cc single-cylinder engine produces the legal limit of 15 hp, offering brisk acceleration and a top speed close to 80 mph. Wide tyres and well-sorted suspension give it stability in corners and confidence in traffic, making it as enjoyable on weekend rides as it is practical for daily commuting.

At around £4,950, it’s more expensive than basic commuter scooters, but you’re getting a premium learner-legal motorcycle with the build quality and technology Yamaha is known for. For riders who want something sporty, stylish and capable enough for all-day use, the MT-125 remains a top-tier 125cc choice.

Zero S

It seemed only fair to include an electric motorcycle in the list as well and the Zero S is a good, yet expensive option. The 2025 model features a brand-new Z-Force 75-7 motor and updated battery architecture, making it more capable than ever.

Powered by an 11 kW electric motor, the Zero S is classed in the same category as a 125 cc petrol bike, meaning it can be ridden after completing a CBT course. That modest-sounding power rating doesn’t tell the full story: electric torque means the Zero S outperforms most combustion-engined 125s across nearly every measure. It produces a staggering 78 ft-lb of torque—more than a Ducati 959 Panigale—and will reach around 90 mph, giving you full-sized motorcycle performance with instant throttle response.

Running costs are equally impressive. The Zero S qualifies for the lowest vehicle-tax band for electric motorcycles (though the tax is no longer absolutely zero) and remains ULEZ-compliant thanks to its zero tailpipe emissions. Maintenance is minimal, and charging is simple, making it a perfect choice for daily commuting, especially in cities. Yet it’s just as capable for weekend rides, provided you don’t stray too far from a plug.

The only real drawback is price. At around £11,490, it’s the most expensive option on our list, but you’re paying for near-silent, high-performance electric riding that combines practicality with serious fun.

Honda NC750X DCT

Rounding out our list is a commuter favourite designed for riders with a full or A2 licence. The Honda NC750X DCT has long been a top choice for riders covering longer distances thanks to its blend of reliability, efficiency and comfort.

The 2025 model builds on that solid reputation with subtle updates, including a 5-inch full-colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity, improved dual front disc brakes, and revised styling. The DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) version replaces the clutch lever and gear shifter with smooth, automatic shifting, turning the NC750X into what feels like a large, twist-and-go scooter—ideal for stress-free commuting and stop-start traffic.

Power comes from Honda’s proven 745 cc parallel-twin engine, known for its low-end torque and impressive fuel economy, often exceeding 70 mpg. Comfort is excellent, and build quality is as bulletproof as you’d expect from Honda. One of its standout features remains the clever storage compartment where the fuel tank would normally sit, (large enough to hold a full-face helmet!) making it incredibly practical day to day.

At around £7,999, the NC750X DCT offers serious value for a machine that feels just as at home on the motorway as it does filtering through city traffic. Reliable, versatile and effortlessly easy to live with, it’s no wonder this model continues to be one of the most popular commuter motorcycles year after year.