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22 Jan 2009
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London
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50cc Scooter from London to the South of France?
Hey up,
I was wondering whether anyone out there might be able to give me some advice as to whether or not it would be legally and practically viable to drive a 50cc Vespa from London to the South of France.
I realise they are not built for these kinds of journeys but do you think it would be possible?
Would there be enough places in France to get it fixed and get parts, if necessary? Am I allowed to drive it there on a provisional license? Do you have any routes to suggest that don't take in motorways?
Anything you could advise would be much appreciated.
Thanks all
Adam
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22 Jan 2009
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,120
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I don't think you'd have any problems doing it and the idea of drifting slowly through a tree lined French back road in warm summer sunshine with a few baguettes strapped on the back does have the kind of "la dolce vita" appeal that got me into bike travel in the first place.
At a guess it would take you about 3 - 4 days each way if you didn't get distracted. Similarly I don't think bits will be a problem - the further south you go the closer you'll be to Italy where it was made.
The big problem is going to be your provisional licence. AFAIK you need a full licence to drive / ride outside the UK. That said no one is going to check your licence at the ports but if you do get stopped by the French police the charges are going to start with no licence, no insurance etc. I don't know your circumstances but it's probably worth slogging round a few car parks in the rain here to get through the test before heading south.
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22 Jan 2009
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You may be in luck. I'm sure a local will advise the french law but I'm pretty sure you can ride a 50cc at 14, without a licence or insurance in France, they don't even have number plates and use the cycle paths. When in Rome... or should that be when in Rhone!
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22 Jan 2009
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When you say provisional licence? do you mean provisional bike licence but you have a full car licence, or is it just provisional all round?
If you've got a category B UK car licence and are riding your bike with L-plates on, then yes you can ride in France, I know plenty of Brits who are doing just that.
If it's a provisional bike licence and you have no car licence, then no you can't. Whilst in France you see 14 year olds on 50's with no licence, they do have to have a BVT, which is like a CBT.
__________________
Happiness has 125 cc
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23 Jan 2009
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License
Thanks everyone for the info. I guess I am still a little undecided and needing a bit of encouragement!
My license status is that I only have a provisional license but I have taken my CBT. Will this be the stumbling block or will this be sufficient if I get stopped? I do have insurance and all the other legal documents and I have European Breakdown cover with my insurance policy.
Should I just contact my insurance company? Would they have the definitive answer?
Adam
Last edited by thejewboy; 23 Jan 2009 at 13:08.
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