Tell me about scooters...?

I would really like a scooter for my 16th birthday! I have 2 years to persuade my parents to get me one.
They won't let me have a scooter because they are not safe, but i would only be using it to go around town on it to the shops and stuff. It's only a small town so I wouldn't be using up much petrol!
1.Is it legal to ride a scooter at the age of 16 (in the UK) on the roads?

2.Is the insurance cheaper than in cars?

3.Are the lessons cheaper than cars too?

I dunno about UK lolli. USA 16 is the drivers license age for every one. After your auto drivers license you have to get a motorcycle endorsement. This requires a separate written test and a practical exam. You can satisfy the practical buy attending a motorcycle safety school and graduating from that 20 hour course at a cost of about 250$.

Yes, liability insures ( pay the other guy) is cheaper on a scooter but medical and comprehensive (pays for you) may be more. Do not buy a 49cc scooter, mo ped, go ped etc. These are between toys and junk. Look for a 125cc brand name scooter or larger. By the way, most accidents happen in town while shopping, going from home to school or over to a Friends house. City traffic is the worst arena to ride in. It is fun hobby but don't be fooled into thinking your safe simply because you are near home and going only 25 mph.

Buy a helmet and gloves and jacket, never wear shorts and wear over the ankle shoes, no laces. Have a good time. It is a great hobby. Have a nice day. Long, shall England live !

Tell your parents a 49cc scooter will only go 30mph (what's that? 48kph?)
You can go that fast on a bicycle, so what makes a scooter any more dangerous than a bicycle?
You wear a helmet riding each.
You follow the same "rules of the road".
You're more cautious on a scooter, because any infractions will affect your license and insurance towards an automobile.

You accelerate up to top speed on a bicycle, stop peddling and coast.
You accelerate up to top speed on a scooter, let off on the gas and coast.
Now give me a logical argument about what the difference is and why one is more dangerous than the other.
Can't be done logically!!!

Go to scootforum.com there is a guy that goes by w8tlftr that lives in the UK and has a 50cc scooter. He is quite knowledgable on the subject.