Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
TGB R50 X vs Piaggio Zip
The Piaggio Zip passes its MOT first time more often than the TGB R50 X: 71.3% vs 70.3%, a 1.0-point lead.
MOT reliability, side by side
| Metric | TGB R50 X | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 70.3% | 71.3% |
| Outright fail rate | 22.9% | 20.4% |
| Vs comparable bikes (age & mileage adjusted) | -3.6 pts | -1.0 pts |
| Engine size | 49cc | 49cc |
| Rank among all models | #4706 of 5428 | #4631 of 5428 |
| Median miles at test | 5,739 | 8,882 |
| MOT tests analysed | 1,879 | 78,993 |
| Most common failure | brakes | 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 | TGB R50 X | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| Lights & signalling | 8.7% | 11.9% |
| Steering & suspension | 9.2% | 9.2% |
| Brakes | 11.3% | 6.5% |
| Tyres & wheels | 4.4% | 4.0% |
| Structure & body | 2.2% | 1.6% |
| Fuel & exhaust | 0.9% | 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 | TGB R50 X | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 75.2% | 71.7% |
| 2018 | 63.5% | 72.9% |
| 2019 | 74.6% | 73.0% |
| 2020 | 73.0% | 73.1% |
| 2021 | 72.6% | 73.3% |
| 2022 | 72.2% | 74.5% |
| 2023 | 70.1% | 74.1% |
| 2024 | 86.5% | 73.4% |
Each year mixes bikes of different ages, so a fleet that is getting older tends to slip.
Pass rate by mileage
| Mileage | TGB R50 X | Piaggio Zip |
|---|---|---|
| 0k-10k miles | 72.2% | 75.2% |
| 10k-20k miles | 65.3% | 66.7% |
Bands with fewer than 30 tests for either bike are left out.
TGB R50 X vs Piaggio Zip FAQ
Which is more reliable, the TGB R50 X or the Piaggio Zip?
The Piaggio Zip passes its MOT first time more often than the TGB R50 X: 71.3% vs 70.3%, a 1.0-point lead. Adjusted for age, mileage and test class, the Piaggio Zip still comes out ahead: -3.6 points vs comparable bikes for the TGB R50 X, -1.0 for the Piaggio Zip. An MOT checks roadworthiness items, not engine or gearbox internals.
What does the TGB R50 X fail its MOT on most?
Brakes: 11.3% of TGB R50 X MOT tests failed on it, then steering & suspension (9.2%).
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%).
See each bike's full report (trend, mileage curve, failure breakdown and rivals) on its own page.