Electric Bike vs. Scooter — Which One Is the Right Choice for Your Needs?
Electric-powered vehicles have soared in popularity around the world in the past few years.
This is evident in the number of privately owned e-bikes, electric scooters, and other types of devices. Additionally, there has been a huge increase in the amount of sharing services for this type of machine, including electric bike-sharing or e-scooter sharing.
There are three key reasons why we believe this has happened. Firstly, technology has become much better. Now, many people want one of these machines because they are high quality and work really well, including durability and great battery capacity.
E-Bikes and electric scooters are the most popular personal electric transporters.
Secondly, they have become much more affordable and readily available and are not just niche products for “techy” people.
Finally, they allow us to greatly reduce our carbon footprint and save money on commuting when we switch over from regular motor vehicles.
But what are the differences and similarities between electric bikes and electric scooters, and which one should you choose?
Find out below!
Why do you need a personal electric vehicle (PEV)?
Popular reasons for using a personal electric vehicle:
- to avoid traffic jams;
- to avoid parking problems;
- to avoid crowded public transport;
- environmental friendly
There are various reasons to consider getting a PEV, depending on your current circumstances and needs. For example, people with cars will experience different motivations and benefits to an older person who wants to get out and become active again.
Commuting using a PEV instead of a car will save you lots of money over time on running costs, parking, and fuel. It helps you reduce time spent searching for parking, avoid traffic jams, and regular trips to the mechanic. Additionally, an e-bike is more friendly for the environment and will help you get a good workout and burn some calories if you want to use it without pedal assistance.
Someone may also get a PEV if they want to get outdoors or be more active without the limitations of their fitness. E-bikes are also a great way to do traveling adventures like bicycle touring.
E-Bike vs E-Scooter: Main Differences Explained
In this section, we will discuss the differences between electric bikes and e-scooters in nine different categories. Before you make the decision to purchase one or the other based on your preference, read this comparison and consider which are the most important factors for you.
For example, price and portability may not be important to you, but range and comfort may be. This will make an e-bike the most favorable option for you.
Portability
In general, e-scooters are much more portable than e-bikes. This is because they are smaller, lighter, and have fewer moving parts.
This allows them to fold up quickly and compact for easy transport and storage when needed, especially when you have limited storage capacity at home.
There are some excellent folding electric bikes that can fold up into small packages for transport. However, these e-bikes are still quite heavy and are more complicated to fold up.
Comfort
Although you have to stand on most electric scooters, there are also electric scooters with a seat.
Many people value comfort if they’re going to be regularly traveling on a PEV. Of course, standing isn’t going to be as comfortable as sitting, so small e-scooters might be lower on the list for this type of person. However, some e-scooters do have seats that you can use when you prefer not to stand.
Another consideration worth noting is the size of the wheels on the device. This is a big factor if you’re looking for a smoother ride. For example, a commuter or a cruiser-style e-bike will have wider, shock-absorbent tires that smooth out road vibrations and make your journeys more comfortable. In general, e-scooters have narrow wheels which are not as comfortable to ride with.
Other important comfort components to consider are the quality of the saddle, suspension systems, handlebar grips, and frame materials.
Range
Many factors come into play when finding the average range, including, battery size, average speed, weather, rider’s weight, and type of terrain. Nowadays, most electric vehicles come with reliable lithium-ion batteries.
The average e-scooter has a max range of around 25 miles (40 km). With ranges varying from 5 to 45 miles depending on the model and scooter manufacturers, scooters can also be suitable for longer rides.
On the other hand, the average e-bike will have a max range of around 45 miles, which makes it more suitable for longer distances. However, on ebikes with larger batteries, max ranges vary from 30 to 80 miles based on the manufacturer.
Speed
Some electric scooters can go even over 50mph. You should wear full motorcycle safety gear when riding at such speeds.
Most electric scooters have a top speed between 15 mph and 25 mph, however, some expensive models have crazy top speeds of up to 80 mph.
E-scooters are not currently subject to restrictions in most states and can be ridden on a designated bike lane. It is likely that further, more widespread restrictions will be common as popularity increases. At the moment, they can be ridden on sidewalks, but at the speed of walking.
The e-bike classification system is broken into three types, Class 1, 2, and 3.
- Class 1: Top speed 20mph, pedal assist only
- Class 2: Top speed 20mph + Throttle 20mph
- Class 3: Top speed 28mph + Throttle 20mph
Depending on where you live, there are different rules and restrictions for each class. Speeds are generally limited by manufacturers.
Pricing
It’s clear that electric scooters are more affordable than e-bikes. However, they are much more limited in their capability and are really only appropriate if your sole purpose is to do short trips without much cargo (just a backpack).
The table below shows popular examples of entry-level products and high-end products from both categories. Although prices do vary even more than this.
| Entry-Level Model | High-End Model | |||
| Electric Bike | Electric Scooter | Electric Bike | Electric Scooter | |
| Brand | Lectric XP 2.0 | Xiaomi M365 | Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 1 | Dualtron Thunder |
| Speed | up to 28 mph | 16.7 mph | 28 mph | 50 mph |
| Range | up to 45 miles | 18.6 miles | 105 miles | 75 miles |
| Charging Time | 4-6 hours | 5 hours | 5 hours | 20 hours |
| Weight | 63 lbs | 27 lbs | 55 lbs | 95 lbs |
| MSRP | $1,099 | $599 | $4,600 | $3,899 |
Safety
Safety when sharing the roads with other, more dangerous vehicles is very important. Neither choice here is significantly safer to ride once the rules of the road are obeyed and good driving habits are practiced.
Most good e-bikes and e-scooters come with battery-powered LED lights pre-installed on the front and rear which are important for safety. Additionally, helmets should be worn with both.
The solid construction of an e-bike with strong brakes, a longer wheelbase, wider tires, and less sensitive handling makes it slightly easier to control and safely ride an e-bike compared to the scooter. This is especially relevant when traveling at higher speeds.
Utility
When talking about carrying some cargo, no electric scooter is as helpful as RadWagon electric bike.
There is no competition between e-bikes and e-scooters when it comes to general utility. Electric bikes, especially purpose-designed utility e-bikes, are the perfect tools for completing a wide variety of tasks.
E-bikes can:
- Have loaded pannier racks or a basket on the front and back
- Support child bike seats in various positions on the bike
- Pull trailers for pets, cargo, or kids
- Carry large payload capacities (up to 325lbs)
With an e-scooter, you are limited to carrying a backpack, and they generally do not have the power or payload capacity to be loaded heavily as e-bikes do.
Durability
In general, the durability of both products is quite good if you take good care and maintain them properly. The quality of the product and its parts is also a big factor in how long it lasts. In general, the budget models will not last as long as mid to high-end alternatives.
E-bikes have more moving parts and therefore more chance of having a part break or need maintenance. Additionally, you are more likely to subject your e-bike to heavy use such as on mountain trails and gravel paths. E-scooters are more limited in their use and therefore may not experience the same wear.
Lastly, the battery on these devices usually has a limited lifespan measured by total average charge cycles. This varies by manufacturer, the best ones being Samsung, Panasonic, Bosch, etc.
Exercise
E-bikes are still an excellent way to get exercise and activity despite having an electric motor, as many do not have a throttle and require pedaling to activate the motor. Though, most models with hub motors come with a throttle whereas those with mid-drive motors don’t.
To get the maximum range possible from a single charge it is also better to pedal as much as you are comfortable with. Also, if you take on very steep gradients most e-bikes will still require quite a lot of pedaling.
Of course, they are not as good as a regular bike for exercise, but they allow those with injuries or limited fitness to get back into cycling.
With e-scooters, there is very little chance to get any meaningful exercise as you use throttle control to move.
Benefits of E-Bikes
Here are a few of the advantages of e-bikes over e-scooters:
- Longer range
- Faster, larger wheels
- Keeps you fit
- More practical and useful
- Safer
- More comfortable
It’s clear that there are a lot of benefits to using an electric bike, especially when compared to a scooter.
They are a great way to get exercise for many people who find it difficult to cycle, they allow you to take on many different jobs without breaking a sweat, they get you around quickly, and they are generally very comfortable to ride.
Benefits of Electric Scooters
- Better portability and convenience
- Affordable prices
- Easier to store at home or the office
- Lightweight design
Although not quite as useful as e-bikes, electric scooters allow many people who live in large towns or cities to ditch the car and save lots of money, time, and effort on their commuting, day-to-day living, and running errands.
These devices serve their purpose perfectly and make many people’s lives easier, and more enjoyable.
What’s better is that they’re super-affordable and convenient to use, especially if you don’t have a lot of space in your apartment.
Conclusion
It’s clear from writing this article that both electric bikes and electric scooters are great products that can make your daily life a lot more convenient and enjoyable. Choosing which one to buy boils down to personal preferences.
Cutting out the traffic, parking, expensive maintenance, and environmental impact associated with owning a car is a reason enough to get a PEV. Additionally, an e-bike is a great way to exercise and even see the world by bicycle touring.
We hope that after reading our comparison and having a better understanding of the key considerations, you can now make a better choice that will best suit your individual needs.
Read Next
Best Electric Scooters on REI.com
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You made a good point that durability is one of the important factor to consider when it comes to electric bikes. I’m interested in looking for one soon because I’ve been going on morning walks almost daily to buy bread for breakfast. Maybe turn those morning walks into biking sessions so that I could get more exercise.
Why not, Alice, that sounds like a great idea. You can take a detour on the way home and have some fun as well!