Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 vs Piaggio NRG
The Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 passes its MOT first time more often than the Piaggio NRG: 67.9% vs 65.5%, a 2.4-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 | Piaggio NRG |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 67.9% | 65.5% |
| Outright fail rate | 21.9% | 27.4% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -7.1 pts | -6.0 pts |
| Engine size | 49cc | 49cc |
| Rank among all models | #4861 of 5428 | #4992 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 5,072 | 9,874 |
| MOT tests analysed | 3,257 | 40,458 |
| 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 | Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 | Piaggio NRG |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 14.2% | 15.0% |
| Steering & suspension | 8.6% | 15.5% |
| Brakes | 6.6% | 10.2% |
| Tyres & wheels | 3.9% | 4.7% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 1.5% | 3.8% |
| Structure & body | 1.7% | 2.5% |
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 | Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 | Piaggio NRG |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 67.6% | 72.0% |
| 2018 | 69.6% | 69.2% |
| 2019 | 66.7% | 68.0% |
| 2020 | 79.8% | 71.8% |
| 2021 | 63.8% | 72.9% |
| 2022 | 62.6% | 74.8% |
| 2023 | 83.6% | 77.5% |
| 2024 | 75.7% | 81.9% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 | Piaggio NRG |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 68.5% | 71.3% |
| 10k-20k miles | 63.7% | 60.6% |
| 20k-30k miles | 75.8% | 55.7% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 vs Piaggio NRG FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 or the Piaggio NRG?
The Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 passes its MOT first time more often than the Piaggio NRG: 67.9% vs 65.5%, a 2.4-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Piaggio NRG still comes out ahead: -7.1 points vs comparable bikes for the Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1, -6.0 for the Piaggio NRG. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 fail its MOT on most?
Lights & signalling: 14.2% of Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (8.6%).
What does the Piaggio NRG fail its MOT on most?
Steering & suspension: 15.5% of Piaggio NRG MOT tests failed on it, then lights & signalling (15.0%).
Which holds up better at high mileage, the Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 or the Piaggio NRG?
At 20k-30k miles the Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 passes first time more often: 75.8% for the Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 vs 55.7% for the Piaggio NRG.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.