Best Beginner Motorcycles - A2 Legal (EU/UK) (2023)
380 motorcycles in 2023
Scooters
Underbones
Naked Motorcycles
Sportbikes
Sport Tourers
Touring Motorcycles
Cruisers
Adventure Motorcycles
Dual-Sport Motorcycles
Enduro Bikes
Motocross Bikes
Supermotos
Trials Bikes
Minibikes
Electric Motorcycles
Beginner Friendly
How this is worked out: eligibility below is calculated from each motorcycle's published power and weight specs, not an official legal determination. EU/UK A2 uses the real formula (≤35kW, power-to-weight ≤0.2kW/kg) but can't account for factory-restricted variants of a more powerful base model. Australia's LAMS scheme is officially an approved list, not a pure formula - the power-to-weight ratio shown (≤150kW/tonne) is a strong indicator but always check the current state LAMS list before buying. The US has no federal beginner power cap, so those picks reflect commonly-recommended low-power specs, not a legal requirement. Always confirm current rules with your local licensing authority.
How this list is ranked - 2023 models, scored out of 100
- 35 points - fit for purpose: a low seat, light weight and the most usable power within the licence limit, compared with every other bike in this list.
- 25 points - rider interest: how often riders look the bike up on MotorcycleDB.
- 20 points - owner ratings: the average MotorcycleDB rating, weighted by how many people rated it (unrated bikes get a neutral score).
- 10 points - complete data: power, torque, weight, seat height, tank, top speed and ABS on record.
- 10 points - verified specs: figures checked against published manufacturer sources.
No manufacturer pays to appear or to rank higher. A high score means a strong, well-documented bike for its class - always check the full specs and the size comparison for your own fit.
#289
2023 KTM 150 XC-W
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 44/100 · 11.5 hp · 97 kg · 950 mm seat
The 2023 KTM 150 XC-W is a lightweight two-stroke enduro bike designed for intermediate riders seeking a nimbl…
#290
2023 Niu Mqi
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 44/100 · 1.1 hp · 58 kg · 816 mm seat
The 2023 Niu MQi is a compact electric scooter designed for urban commuters seeking eco-friendly, low-speed mo…
#291
2023 Johammer J1.200
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 44/100 · 14.8 hp · 178 kg · 650 mm seat
The 2023 Johammer J1.200 is an electric allround motorcycle designed for eco-conscious commuters and urban rid…
#292
2023 Macbor Eight Mile 500 Street
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 44/100 · 46.9 hp · 195 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Macbor Eight Mile 500 is an all-around street bike suited for everyday riders seeking reliable perfor…
#293
2023 Macbor Lord Martin
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 44/100 · 9.5 hp · 112 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2023 Macbor Lord Martin is a practical 124cc all-rounder designed for novice and budget-conscious riders s…
#294
2023 Keeway V302 C
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 44/100 · 29.5 hp · 167 kg · 690 mm seat
The 2023 Keeway V302 C is a modern cruiser designed for riders seeking affordable, accessible motorcycle owner…
#295
2023 Mitt 125 Legend
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 44/100 · 10.2 hp · 136 kg · 775 mm seat
The 2023 Mitt 125 Legend is a retro-styled 125cc naked bike for learner riders who want classic looks. Its air…
#296
2023 Mash Six Hundred 650
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 44/100 · 38.9 hp · 181 kg · 830 mm seat
The 2023 Mash Six Hundred 650 is a retro roadster for riders who want classic British-style looks with a big s…
#297
2023 Mash X-Ride 650
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 44/100 · 38.9 hp · 177 kg · 850 mm seat
The 2023 Mash X-Ride 650 is a dual-sport for riders who want one bike for roads and dirt tracks. Its 644cc air…
#298
2023 Silence S01 Plus
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 43/100 · 10.1 hp · 152 kg · 805 mm seat
The 2023 Silence S01 Plus is an electric scooter designed for urban commuters seeking eco-friendly transportat…
#299
2023 UM DSR 125 SM
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 43/100 · 14.8 hp · 124 kg · 865 mm seat
The 2023 UM DSR 125 SM is a lightweight super motard powered by an Aprilia-sourced 124.6cc single-cylinder fou…
#300
2023 Italjet Dragster E01 Electric
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 43/100 · 16.1 hp · 150 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2023 Italjet Dragster e01 Electric is a lightweight electric scooter designed for urban commuters seeking …
#301
2023 MH Tray 125
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 43/100 · 14.5 hp · 130 kg · 775 mm seat
The 2023 MH Tray 125 is an all-around commuter bike designed for novice and budget-conscious riders seeking re…
#302
2023 Jawa 300 CL
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 43/100 · 22.8 hp · 182 kg · 765 mm seat
The 2023 Jawa 300 CL is a modern cruiser that appeals to entry-level and middleweight riders seeking retro sty…
#303
2023 Macbor Johnny Be Good
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 43/100 · 9.5 hp · 112 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2023 Macbor Johnny Be Good is a lightweight 124cc custom cruiser ideal for beginner and casual riders seek…
#304
2023 Mitt 125 RT Super
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 43/100 · 8.7 hp · 102 kg · 760 mm seat
The 2023 Mitt 125 RT Super is an entry-level automatic scooter designed for urban commuters and novice riders …
#305
2023 Italmoto Tiquattro 125 Scrambler
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 42/100 · 9.7 hp · 126 kg · 1060 mm seat
#306
2023 Sherco 250 SEF Factory
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 42/100 · 102 kg · 950 mm seat
The 2023 Sherco 250 SEF Factory is a lightweight enduro machine built for competitive off-road riders seeking …
#307
2023 GAS GAS EX 250F
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 42/100 · 100 kg · 950 mm seat
The 2023 GAS GAS EX 250F is a lightweight enduro machine built for trail-focused riders seeking agility and ma…
#308
2023 Mikilon Defender 250
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 42/100 · 12 hp · 110 kg · 870 mm seat · 1 rating
The 2023 Mikilon Defender 250 is a lightweight enduro bike designed for beginner to intermediate off-road ride…
#309
2023 Vespa GTS SuperTech 125
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 42/100 · 14 hp · 160 kg · 790 mm seat
The 2023 Vespa GTS SuperTech 125 is a stylish automatic scooter designed for urban commuters and casual riders…
#310
2023 Jawa 350 2T
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 42/100 · 23 hp · 154 kg · 820 mm seat
The 2023 Jawa 350 2T is a classic-styled allrounder powered by a 343.5cc two-stroke twin engine producing 23 h…
#311
2023 Keeway Vieste 300
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 42/100 · 18.8 hp · 147 kg · 770 mm seat
The 2023 Keeway Vieste 300 is a practical maxi-scooter powered by a 278cc Piaggio single-cylinder engine deliv…
#312
2023 Hanway B40
A2 legal (EU/UK)
Score 42/100 · 37.6 hp · 185 kg · 640 mm seat
The 2023 Hanway B40 is a lightweight custom cruiser powered by a 389cc liquid-cooled twin engine producing 37.…