50cc: what the law says (AM licence, insurance, restriction)

Just picked up your first 50cc, or about to take the plunge? Before thinking grip, look and custom style, there's one mandatory stop: the law. And let's be upfront, riding a 50cc isn't just "hop on and go". Licence, insurance, number plate, restriction… there's a framework, and you'd better know it before getting pulled over at your first checkpoint.

No waffle here, no shady advice. We lay out the facts, clearly, so you start clean and ride with peace of mind. We're upholsterers, not a driving school, so we stick to what's solid and verifiable. Goal: that you know exactly what the rules say for a 50cc moped in France.

The AM licence (the ex-BSR): mandatory from age 14

To ride a 50cc moped (scooter or geared) in France, you need the AM licence. That's the official name since 2013 for what everyone used to call the BSR (Brevet de Sécurité Routière). The principle hasn't changed: it's the minimum pass to take the handlebars of a 50cc on public roads.

From what age?

The AM licence can be taken from age 14. That's what makes the 50cc the most accessible motorised vehicle for young riders: at 14, with your AM in your pocket, you can ride legally.

Good to know: if you were born before 1 January 1988, you don't need the AM licence to ride a moped in France. And if you already hold a licence (car or motorbike), it counts as an AM licence — nothing extra to take.

What does it involve?

The AM licence is prepared in two stages. First the theory, with the ASSR (school road safety certificate) taken at secondary school, or the ASR for those who've left the school system. Then an 8-hour practical training course at an approved driving or motorbike school, supervised by an instructor. It's not an exam you pass or fail in the classic sense: it's a training course you complete.

On the programme of those 8 hours: riding off public roads, riding in traffic, and a theory section on hazards, gear and behaviour. Nothing rocket-science, but it's serious stuff: it's where you learn not to end up in the scenery.

Insurance: non-negotiable, even for a 50

Second point that's in no way optional: insurance. A 50cc, even though it doesn't exceed 45 km/h, remains a motorised vehicle. The law requires at minimum third-party liability cover. It covers the damage you might cause to someone else.

Riding uninsured is an offence. Not a small slip-up: a hefty fine, possible confiscation of the vehicle, and in the event of an accident, you foot the bill for the damage caused. In other words, you can drag that around for years. So before you even turn the key, your 50cc must be insured.

Plate, papers: what you must carry

A moped must be registered and carry its plate. When you ride, you must be able to show: your insurance certificate, your AM licence or equivalent, and the vehicle's registration document. That's the basic trio a roadside check will ask for. It lives happily under the seat or in a pocket: the key thing is that it's up to date.

The restriction: a 50cc means 45 km/h maximum

This is THE technical point to understand. By law, a 50cc moped is restricted to 45 km/h. It's not a manufacturer's suggestion, it's the legal definition of a moped: engine capacity up to 50 cm³ and a maximum design speed of 45 km/h. It's precisely that ceiling that makes it accessible from 14 with a simple AM licence.

Concretely, every new 50cc leaves the factory with this limitation. It's the "contract" that makes the machine accessible to young riders: power and speed capped, so lighter training and a lower age.

Derestriction: why we clearly say no

Let's be direct, because the topic always comes up: derestricting a 50cc is illegal. We're not going to explain how to do it, or sell you the idea that "everyone does it". Modifying your moped to exceed 45 km/h takes it out of its legal category, and the consequences are heavy:

• Your insurance no longer covers anything. A derestricted machine no longer matches what's insured: if something goes wrong, you face the damage alone.
• You're riding outside the law. Fine, possible impounding of the vehicle, and a record that can follow you.
• You take real risks. A 50cc and its brakes are designed for 45 km/h, not beyond. Going faster means gambling with the frame, the tyres and the brakes.

In short: keep your 50 within the rules. A stock moped, insured, with your AM validated — that's the only setup that lets you ride with peace of mind. The fun goes elsewhere: into the riding, the maintenance and the style of your machine.

Starting right: legality first, style second

Once you're squared away legally — AM validated, insurance active, stock machine restricted to 45 — then you can really enjoy your 50cc. And that's usually the moment you want to make it unique: make it look like what's in your head rather than like every other bike in the car park.

That's exactly our turf. Your seat is the first thing people see and touch on a bike: a well-chosen seat cover changes the look as much as the grip when you're on it. At Bike Sellier, everything is hand-stitched in our workshop in Pia (66), France. In synthetic leather built to last, with 7 years of craft behind every piece.

If you're starting out and want the full picture — gear, maintenance, customisation — we wrote a dedicated guide: customising your first 50cc at 14. And to see what exists for your model, take a look at our 50cc seat cover collection, all brands. Enough to go from "legal" to "your own" without complicating your life.

FAQ: 50cc and the rules

From what age can you ride a 50cc?

From 14, provided you have the AM licence (the ex-BSR). It's made up of the road safety certificate (ASSR or ASR) and an 8-hour practical training course at an approved school.

Are the BSR and the AM licence the same thing?

Yes. The AM licence has been the official name since 2013 for what used to be called the BSR. If someone mentions the BSR, it's the very same training to ride a 50cc moped.

Is insurance really mandatory for a 50cc?

Yes, no exceptions. At minimum third-party liability. Riding uninsured is an offence, with a fine and the risk of confiscation. Your 50cc must be insured before you even ride.

What speed is a 50cc restricted to?

45 km/h. That's the legal definition of a moped: engine capacity up to 50 cm³ and a maximum design speed of 45 km/h. That ceiling is what makes the machine accessible from age 14.

Can you legally derestrict a 50cc?

No. Derestriction is illegal: it takes the machine out of its category, voids the insurance cover and exposes you to penalties. To ride with peace of mind, keep your 50cc stock.

Your 50cc is squared away on paper? All that's left is to make it unique. Configure your made-to-measure seat cover, hand-stitched in France, with our 3D configurator: you pick the colours, the material and the grip, and you preview the result before ordering. Free shipping from €100, payment in 3x or 4x interest-free.