Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
MBK Mach G vs Piaggio Zip
The Piaggio Zip passes its MOT first time more often than the MBK Mach G: 71.3% vs 65.3%, a 6.0-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | MBK Mach G | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 65.3% | 71.3% |
| Outright fail rate | 26.5% | 20.4% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -8.3 pts | -1.0 pts |
| Engine size | 49cc | 49cc |
| Rank among all models | #5002 of 5428 | #4631 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 6,659 | 8,882 |
| MOT tests analysed | 2,103 | 78,993 |
| Most common failure | lighting and signalling | lighting and signalling |
First-time outcomes on normal tests, 2005–2025. "Most common failure" is the component group with the most recorded defects on failed tests. Read pass rates against test counts: a smaller sample is noisier. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results.
"Vs comparable bikes" is the first-time pass rate minus the rate expected for each bike's own mix of age, mileage and test class, in percentage points: positive means better than comparable bikes. How this works.
What fails, side by side
| Component | MBK Mach G | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 17.3% | 11.9% |
| Steering & suspension | 9.8% | 9.2% |
| Brakes | 9.9% | 6.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 3.8% | 4.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 4.6% | 2.5% |
| Structure & body | 2.2% | 1.6% |
A test that fails on two components counts once in each. Component links go to the bikes most likely to fail on it.
Pass rate by test year
| Test year | MBK Mach G | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 58.1% | 70.8% |
| 2011 | 62.6% | 69.7% |
| 2012 | 60.1% | 69.1% |
| 2013 | 63.7% | 69.7% |
| 2014 | 74.2% | 68.8% |
| 2015 | 71.4% | 69.8% |
| 2016 | 60.0% | 71.0% |
| 2017 | 66.7% | 71.7% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | MBK Mach G | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 67.6% | 75.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 58.9% | 66.7% |
| 20k-30k miles | 68.8% | 64.4% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
MBK Mach G vs Piaggio Zip FAQ
Which is more reliable, the MBK Mach G or the Piaggio Zip?
The Piaggio Zip passes its MOT first time more often than the MBK Mach G: 71.3% vs 65.3%, a 6.0-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Piaggio Zip still comes out ahead: -8.3 points vs comparable bikes for the MBK Mach G, -1.0 for the Piaggio Zip. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the MBK Mach G fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 17.3% of MBK Mach G MOT tests failed on it, then brakes (9.9%).
What does the Piaggio Zip fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 11.9% of Piaggio Zip MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (9.2%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the MBK Mach G or the Piaggio Zip?
At 20k-30k miles the MBK Mach G passes first time more often: 68.8% for the MBK Mach G vs 64.4% for the Piaggio Zip.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.