When budgeting for a vehicle, road tax is an ongoing cost worth considering. Motorcycles and cars have completely different VED structures — and motorcycles often come out significantly cheaper to tax. Here is how they compare.
Motorcycle VED Is Based on Engine Size
Unlike cars, which are taxed based on CO2 emissions, motorcycle VED is determined solely by engine power — specifically the rated engine capacity in cubic centimetres (cc). Motorcycles with engines up to 150cc pay just £22 per year. Those between 151 and 400cc pay £41 per year. Motorcycles over 400cc pay £61 per year. There is no first-year rate for motorcycles — the annual rate applies from the moment the bike is registered.
VED Rates: Motorcycles vs Cars
A large 1,000cc motorcycle pays £61 per year in road tax. A petrol car — even an economical family hatchback — pays £190 per year from year two. The most expensive motorcycles cost just £61 annually, while the cheapest cars start at £190. This means a motorcycle is always cheaper to tax than any car, purely on VED. For high-mileage riders, this is a meaningful annual saving.
Zero-Emission Motorcycles: No VED
Electric motorcycles and mopeds that produce zero CO2 emissions are exempt from road tax entirely. This includes electric scooters and motorbikes registered as zero-emission vehicles. As the electric motorcycle market grows, more riders can benefit from VED exemption. Check the specific model's classification with DVLA, as some electric two-wheelers fall into different tax categories.
Sidecars and Trailers
A motorcycle with a sidecar is taxed at the motorcycle rate based on engine size — not the car rate. Adding a trailer does not change the motorcycle's VED classification. However, trailers themselves require separate road tax if they exceed 750kg MAM (maximum authorised mass). Check DVLA's rate tables for trailer VED bands.
SORN for Motorcycles
Like cars, motorcycles can have a SORN declared if they are off the road. During winter months, many riders declare SORN to avoid paying VED while the bike is garaged. A SORN for a motorcycle costs nothing and can be declared online. The VED refund is proportional to unused months. This is a practical way to reduce costs if you only ride seasonally.
Insurance and Other Costs
While VED is cheaper for motorcycles, insurance costs are often higher for new riders due to accident statistics. Motorcycles also lack the safety features and weather protection of cars. When comparing total cost of ownership, factor in the full picture — VED savings on a motorcycle may be offset by higher insurance premiums or the cost of wet weather gear. Use the car tax calculator at Cartax.online to compare VED across different vehicle types.