Motorcycle taxation is based on engine size rather than emissions because motorcycles predate modern vehicle emissions testing standards. The cubic centimetre rating of the engine determines which VED band applies, with smaller bikes attracting lower rates that make them among the cheapest vehicles to tax on UK roads. ## Motorbike Road Tax Rates and Regulations VED rates for motorcycles range from £21 per year for machines under 150cc to £59 per year for bikes over 600cc. Pure electric motorcycles enjoy the same five-year £0 VED exemption as electric cars, reflecting their zero-emission status. ### MOT Requirements for Motorcycles All motorcycles over three years old require an annual MOT test, just like cars. The MOT inspection for motorcycles covers lights, brakes, steering and suspension, tyres and wheels, frame and swingarm, exhaust system, and chain or belt drive. The maximum MOT test fee for motorcycles is £29.65, substantially lower than car MOT costs. The MOT history of a used motorcycle is an important indicator of its condition and accumulated mileage. Prospective buyers should always check the MOT history online before purchase and look for patterns of advisory items, failures, and mileages that are consistent with the seller's description. ### Electric Motorcycles: The VED-Free Option Electric motorcycles and scooters are subject to the same five-year VED exemption as electric cars, making them particularly economical to operate. Brands including Zero Motorcycles, Energica, and Super Soco offer electric options across a range of styles from urban commuters to highway-capable sports bikes. Beyond VED savings, electric motorcycles eliminate fuel duty costs entirely. Charging costs for an electric motorcycle are typically 2 to 4 pence per mile compared to 8 to 12 pence per mile for equivalent petrol motorcycles, representing substantial long-term savings for high-mileage riders. ### Learner Legal Motorcycles The learner category covers motorcycles up to 125cc with a maximum power output of 11kW. These machines typically attract the £21 minimum annual VED rate. Completing a CBT course and riding on a provisional licence represents the most affordable entry point to motorcycling in the United Kingdom, with combined training, licensing, and equipment costs that can be significantly lower than car ownership. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Do I need road tax for a moped?** Yes. Mopeds capable of exceeding 30mph are treated as motorcycles for VED purposes and are subject to the same engine-size-based taxation as larger motorcycles. Some low-powered mobility scooters are exempt. **Can I claim VED as a business expense for a motorcycle?** Self-employed individuals can claim VED as a deductible business expense for motorcycles used for business purposes. The restriction on mixed-use vehicles applies to motorcycles in the same way as cars, requiring a 50 percent input VAT restriction. **Are tricycles taxed as motorcycles or cars?** Tricycles are generally taxed as motorcycles if they have two wheels at the front or back and a single wheel at the opposite end. Symmetrical tricycles with two wheels at both front and back may be treated differently depending on their design and DVLA classification. **Do electric motorcycles qualify for the five-year VED exemption?** Yes. Pure electric motorcycles registered from April 2018 onwards qualify for the five-year zero-rate VED exemption in the same way as electric cars and electric vans.

Disclaimer: CarTax.online provides general information for guidance purposes only. Tax rules and rates are subject to change. Always verify current rates with gov.uk or HMRC before making financial decisions. This guide was last reviewed in 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much is car tax (VED) in the UK 2026?
Car tax rates in the UK depend on your vehicle's CO2 emissions and list price. Standard rates start from £190 per year for petrol and diesel cars, with zero-rated VED for EVs. First-year rates vary from £0 to £2,605 depending on emissions. Additional premiums apply for vehicles over £40,000.

Q: How do I check if my car is taxed online?
You can check your vehicle's tax status for free on the Gov.uk website at gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax. You'll need your vehicle's registration number (number plate). You can also check via the Motor Insurance Database to verify road tax and insurance status simultaneously.

Q: Can I get a refund on car tax if I sell my vehicle?
Yes — if you sell or scrap your vehicle, you can claim a refund on any full months of remaining road tax. Contact DVLA with the V11 reminder letter or apply online at gov.uk. Refunds are usually processed within 4-6 weeks. Related: UK Road Tax Bands 2026 | UK Motorbike Tax 2026 | UK Road Fund Licence | UK Road Tax.

Q: Is road tax refund available when transferring ownership?
No — road tax does not transfer with the vehicle. When you sell your car, the tax is automatically cancelled and any remaining months are refunded to you by DVLA. The new owner must tax the vehicle immediately. As a buyer, always verify the vehicle's tax status before purchasing.

Q: What is the luxury car tax threshold in the UK 2026?
The additional rate for vehicles over £40,000 (list price) adds £410 per year to standard VED rates for years 2-6 of registration. This surcharge brings the annual cost for high-emission vehicles over £40,000 to around £600-690 per year. Pure EVs under £40,000 pay zero VED.