Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 vs Piaggio Zip
The Piaggio Zip passes its MOT first time more often than the Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1: 71.3% vs 67.9%, a 3.4-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 67.9% | 71.3% |
| Outright fail rate | 21.9% | 20.4% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -7.1 pts | -1.0 pts |
| Engine size | 49cc | 49cc |
| Rank among all models | #4861 of 5428 | #4631 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 5,072 | 8,882 |
| MOT tests analysed | 3,257 | 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 | Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 14.2% | 11.9% |
| Steering & suspension | 8.6% | 9.2% |
| Brakes | 6.6% | 6.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 3.9% | 4.0% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 1.5% | 2.5% |
| Structure & body | 1.7% | 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 | Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 67.6% | 71.7% |
| 2018 | 69.6% | 72.9% |
| 2019 | 66.7% | 73.0% |
| 2020 | 79.8% | 73.1% |
| 2021 | 63.8% | 73.3% |
| 2022 | 62.6% | 74.5% |
| 2023 | 83.6% | 74.1% |
| 2024 | 75.7% | 73.4% |
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 Zip |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 68.5% | 75.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 63.7% | 66.7% |
| 20k-30k miles | 75.8% | 64.4% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 vs Piaggio Zip FAQ
Which is more reliable, the Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 or the Piaggio Zip?
The Piaggio Zip passes its MOT first time more often than the Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1: 71.3% vs 67.9%, a 3.4-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Piaggio Zip still comes out ahead: -7.1 points vs comparable bikes for the Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1, -1.0 for the Piaggio Zip. 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 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 Pulse BT 49 QT-9D1 or the Piaggio Zip?
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 64.4% for the Piaggio Zip.
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.