The Maxi-scooter market has been massively dominated by the bigger names like Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki and their larger capacity models. Whilst these three are still in the running, it seems the small-capacity Maxi-scooter market is opening up with smaller, lesser-known and even dedicated electric brands now branching out alongside the big hitters and offering the opportunity of easy and comfortable commutes to riders with lower capacity models.

If you are looking for a maxi scooter with a little more power behind them, check out our Top 10 maxi scooters and 10 of the Best A2 Maxi Scooters 2022 articles!

With that said, in this new blog, I’m looking at the top 9 125cc Maxi-scooters available on the market right now!

‎Kymco X-Town 125

First up we’re paying a visit to Kymco’s X-Town 125.

The learner-legal liquid-cooled engine has been tweaked to fall in line with Euro5 restrictions and reaches 14.7 hp which actually makes it the most powerful on the list whilst also meeting the CBT hp limit for a 125cc – I bet you weren’t expecting that seeing as we have entries from Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha coming up a little later.

With plenty of legroom and padding on the seat, it’s a roomy scoot that provides lots of comfort. The styling is sharp, and it’s been sprinkled with a few (not as many as the others) useful niceties including LED lights, enough storage space for one helmet and a USB connector.

This pint-sized Maxi-scooter has performance and styling on point. It’s missing a few bells and whistles but when you take into consideration it’s only priced at £4,199, it’s a real-world option for those having just passed their CBT. 

Engine 124.8cc, 14.7 hp, liquid-cooled
Fuel tank 12.5L
Brakes Front and rear disc
Seat height 785mm
Weight 185kg
Price £4,199

‎Yamaha XMAX 125

Whilst the XMAX 125 has been one of the leaders in this category for some time now, for 2021 Yamaha thought they would try to improve it further. Therefore in this year’s model get ready to see a newly designed 124cc liquid-cooled engine that not only uses Yamaha’s secret Blue Core recipe and VVA but is also Euro5 compliant, offers a stronger 12 hp performance and better fuel economy too.

Alongside this, for practicality and comfort a dual seat, plenty of legroom, Smart Key, traction control, a large illuminated under-seat storage compartment, full LED lighting, LCD display and motorcycle-type front forks are also included.

All that and the £5k starting price mean the XMAX 125 hits the small-capacity everyday urban commuter brief. It’s not the cheapest on the list but it’s still relatively well priced for everything you get and that includes Yamaha’s reputation.

Engine 124.6cc, 12 hp, liquid-cooled
Fuel tank 13L
Brakes Front and rear disc
Seat height 800mm
Weight 166kg (wet)
Price £5,000

‎Supersoco CPx

The CPx is the flagship scooter in Supersoco’s all-electric range, and it seems to have it all…

Modern and attractive dark looks? Tick. A capable motor and respectable top speed? Tick. A  comfortable seat? Tick. And the moral high ground that comes with owning an electric scooter? Tick, tick tick!

When it comes to the engine, it’s powered by a 4kW Patent motor and 2x lithium-Ion batteries which take around 3-4 hours to charge. As Brett mentions in his CPx review he reached a top speed of 56 mph.

On top of that, it also has dual LED headlights, a large-fixed windscreen, nice padded seat and large, clear dash making it a very well-equipped commuter indeed! However, one thing to note is that storage space is restricted to just a small cubby hole due to those batteries living under the seat.

Brett was very impressed and stated that the “the CPx is really putting itself in the market as a go-to electric option that could easily compete against its petrol counterparts!” Another thing to note is that unlike its petrol counterparts the CPX is best for urban use and won’t be handy for touring as many of the others maxi’s on this list.

Motor 4kW Patent
Battery 2x lithium Ion ATL pouch cell
Charging time 3-4 hours
Brakes Front and rear single disc
Seat height 760mm
Weight 107kg (excluding battery)
Price Single battery: £3,599 (with OZEF grant) or £4,498.75 (without grant) / Dual battery: £4,699 (with OZEF grant) or £5,873.75 (without grant)

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‎SYM Joymax Z+ 125

Introduced at EICMA in 2018, Sym’s Joymax Z+ 125 has made a mark on the bargain Maxi-scooter market.

The frame is compact so provides plenty of sports handling and comfort that is only backed up further by the padded seat and dual rear shocks. Other features on this scoot include a clear and easy-to-read dual digital display, enough under-seat storage for two full-face helmets, LED lights, ABS and a liquid-cooled, Euro5 engine that reaches 14 hp – putting it as one of the most powerful on the list!

The Joymax Z+ 125  is a smart-looking bike that, in my opinion, looks more premium than its £4,499 price tag reflects.

Engine 125cc, 14 hp, liquid-cooled
Fuel tank 12L
Brakes Front and rear disc
Seat height 747mm
Weight 172kg
Price £4,499 (+OTR)

‎Neco Alex One

What is there to know about Neco’s Alex One? Well, let me tell you…

With two glove boxes and under-seat storage, this scoot has more than enough storage space. The 14L fuel tank gives you a decent range. The large saddle and backrest add comfort. And the inclusion of a handbrake is very useful.

Coming in at 130kg makes it the lightest on the list too so it will be easy to manoeuvre and handle whilst inspiring confidence in its rider.

Because of that low £2,595 price tag, the Alex One is one of the models featured that has a lower quality spec. It has an air-cooled engine, CBS and lower top speed and acceleration compared to the liquid-cooled, ABS and 12+ hp of its higher-priced competitors. But I will say that similar to the Sym Joymax Z+, Neco has done well with the overall look, and this is what carries it when it goes up against its Japanese and European rivals.

Engine 125cc, 8 hp, air-cooled
Fuel tank 14L
Brakes Front and rear disc
Weight 130kg (wet)
Price £2,595

‎Suzuki Burgman 125

Well-spec’d and well-priced, Suzuki’s Burgman 125 is the perfect choice for city use.

It features two 7L front storage compartments, 41L under-seat storage, a large windscreen and digital display.

As well as this, the Burgman 125 is also equipped with a spritely liquid-cooled engine. Though some reviews have been disappointed with the 65mph top speed if you’re not looking to take this little guy on the motorways then you won’t need to worry too much. A bit more poke would have just been nice to ensure it can hold its own and add confidence. 

If you do your research, you’ll see that the Burgman is still Euro4 so you might be wondering why I’ve included it on the list for 2021. But, after doing my own research I can see a lot of Burgman’s still available online so, what I’m trying to say is, if you’ve got your eye on one you might want to buy it while you still can for £3,799.  

Also, we here at BikeMatters have reviewed the 125's bigger sibling, the Suzuki Burgman 400. So, if you like what you see in the Suzuki Burgman why not check out our full in-depth review?

Engine 125cc, 10.7 hp, liquid-cooled
Fuel tank 10.5L
Brakes Front and rear disc
Seat height 735mm
Weight 162kg
Price £3,799

‎Lexmoto Apollo 125

The Apollo 125 is one of the latest additions joining Lexmoto’s 2021 line-up.

From the outside, it doesn’t look like your typical 125. It’s got aggressive detailing, big wheels and an even bigger presence but underneath it, all is still the same engine 125cc engine as all the others – it just doesn’t have as much power with under 9 hp.

To ensure it can cope with your daily commute the Apollo 125 comes with a large 13L fuel tank, seat and storage space (which includes two front compartments). For a dash more practicality, a USB charging point is also included. 

For the £2,499.99 price, it’s good value. Though similar to the Alex One, this lower price does mean that it won’t have the same flashy bits or max speed as some of the others.

Engine 125cc, 8.7 hp, air-cooled
Fuel tank 13L
Brakes Front and rear disc
Seat height 780mm
Weight 146kg
Price £2,499.99

‎Silence S01

Conveniently also known as ‘The Commuter’, Silence’s S01 is the second electric maxi-scooter popping in to say hello.

Because of its nickname, you would expect it to have all the equipment needed for those journeys to and from work, college or a night at your mates, wouldn’t you? Well, you’ll be pleased to hear it does. This includes a zippy 7kW motor that reaches 62mph so it can keep up with traffic, and whilst the batteries need 6-8 hours to charge, they are ‘click and go’ which means you can remove them and wheel them wherever they need to go.

If that wasn’t enough, also included are 3 riding modes (‘Eco’, ‘City’ and ‘Sport’), a reverse gear, USB port, LED lights, 2-year vehicle and 3-year battery warranty as well as 2-year roadside assistance.

Prices start at £4,995 (including use of the OLEV grant) and whilst that may seem steep you need to remember the positive impact owning an electric scooter will have on your bank account in the long run.

Motor 7kW
Battery 5.6kWh
Charging time 6-8 hours
Brakes Front and rear disc
Weight 111kg (excluding battery)
Price £4,995 (with OZEF grant)

‎Honda Forza 125

This list is in no particular order but we’re finishing with the real MVP.

With strong and refined bodywork, 180mm extended electric screen, full LED lighting, a large storage space, Smart Key, USB Type-C socket, Honda’s Forza 125 provides the tech and practicality as well as the style expected of a 125cc Maxi-scoot.

Let us not forget that esP+, liquid-cooled, Euro5 compliant engine that includes Honda’s Selectable Torque Control, Idling Stop and reaches 14.3 hp.

Our own Brett rode the 125’s big brother, the Forza 350, on a recent road test and couldn’t get over how great a maxi-scooter it was, saying “it’s packed full of great spec, loads of storage, a pokey motor which accelerates well, with touring comfort while priced very competitively.” If that doesn’t say it all then I don’t know what will!

The popular Forza range was revised for 2021 and, as you can probably tell, it hasn’t held back. With top spec and Honda’s build quality and finish, the Forza 125 has earned a certain level of respect others on the list can only dream of achieving.

Engine 124.9cc, 14.3 hp, liquid-cooled
Fuel tank 11.7L
Brakes Front and rear disc
Seat height 780mm
Weight 162kg
Price £4,949

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‎The last stop

Maxi-scooters won’t be for everyone but because of their comfort, control, and convenience, it’s easy to see why so many people love them! Typically higher in price because of this, a 125cc might not be accessible for some when compared to your typical 125cc scooter or motorcycle but it’s good to know what options are out there, and having manufacturers even offer these smaller-capacity options is fantastic...

Last but not least, if you have your very own maxi scooter you need to insure, make sure to get a scooter and moped insurance quote direct with Lexham!