Electric scooters are everywhere. You see them zipping through city streets, offering a convenient and efficient way to get around. But when it comes to electric scooter vs electric bike, which one is the better choice?
Electric bikes have also surged in popularity. I realized this a few years ago when I was out cycling at a decent speed, feeling pretty good about my pace. I spotted an elderly gentleman riding a step-through bike. Strangely, I wasn’t catching up as quickly as expected.
Even more puzzling, his pedals weren’t moving fast, yet he maintained a steady speed. Curious (and slightly annoyed), I picked up the pace, determined to close the gap. Then, as I finally pulled up beside him, the mystery was solved. He was on an electric bike. And he was probably 73 years old.
At the time, e-bikes weren’t as common, so it was a real eye-opener to see how effortlessly he kept up. Today, of course, they’re everywhere—just like electric scooters.
Now, e-bikes and e-scooters are common sights. If you’re thinking of joining the personal electric vehicle club, it depends on your needs. Consider how you plan to use it, how comfortable you want the ride to be, and factors like storage and physical effort.
Both e-scooters and e-bikes have their advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore them to help you decide which one is right for you.
Comfort: Sitting vs. Standing
When it comes to comfort, sitting down is always the winner. Electric bikes, like regular bikes, offer a comfortable ride, even if they’re a bit heavier. Their bigger wheels and frames handle bumps and potholes better than most electric scooters. Plus, sitting gives you more control over the bike, making it perfect for longer rides.
Electric Scooters: Not Bad Either
Electric scooters aren’t uncomfortable, especially those with good suspension and air-filled tires. However, standing up can’t compare to sitting down, and longer rides might be more tiring.
Portability: Scooters Win
Electric bikes are bigger and less portable than scooters. Even foldable e-bikes can’t match the convenience of scooters. Electric scooters are super easy to take with you, whether it’s to the office or your apartment. They can fit into tight spaces, which e-bikes just can’t do. Some scooters are ultra-light, making them even more practical for daily use.
- Also Read: How to Ride an Electric Scooter?
Riding Style
Electric Bikes
Electric bikes offer a variety of riding options. You can choose from:
- Manual Pedaling: Ride like a regular bike.
- Electric Pedal Assist: The motor helps with each pedal stroke.
- Throttle Control: Let the motor do all the work.
For example, on a flat road, you can pedal like normal. When you hit a hill, switch to throttle mode. Or use pedal assist for a boost.
Electric Scooters: Different Modes
Electric scooters also have different riding modes, but they don’t involve physical pedaling. They’re more about speed and power settings.
- Also Read: What is a Pedal Assist E-Bike?
Speed and Range
Both e-bikes and e-scooters typically have a top speed around 20 mph (32 kph). However, many e-scooters can reach speeds of 40-60 mph (65-96 kph), while the fastest e-bike, the Delfast, tops out at 50 mph (80 kph). It’s pricey and heavy, though.
Why E-Bikes Are Slower
E-bikes are more regulated than e-scooters, which limits their speed. In the US, most e-bikes are capped at 20 mph (32 kph) or 28 mph (45 kph). E-scooters often focus on portability, using smaller batteries and motors, which can make them slower. However, some e-scooters can match or exceed e-bike speeds.
Range and Practicality
E-bikes generally have a longer range due to larger batteries, making them better for longer commutes. However, they take longer to recharge. E-scooters are perfect for city use, where speed isn’t as crucial as portability. The average e-scooter range is about 20 miles (32 km), while e-bikes can go 20-35 miles (32-56 km). Plus, e-bikes offer the option to pedal, which can extend their range significantly.
Price Comparison: Electric Scooter vs Electric Bike
Budget-friendly e-bikes start around $1,100. Meanwhile, you can find a budget e-scooter for half that price or even less.
E-Scooters: High-Quality Options
For $5,000, you can get an amazing electric scooter. This is a great option if you want high performance without breaking the bank.
E-Bikes: Quality Comes at a Cost
If you’re looking for a higher-quality e-bike, especially for off-road or mountain biking, be prepared to spend at least $5,000 to $10,000. The price jumps significantly as you move beyond basic commuter models.
- Also Read: How Much Do Electric Bikes Cost?
Battery and Motor Power
E-bikes are bigger, which means they can handle larger batteries and motors. This gives them longer battery life, a key advantage when comparing them to e-scooters.
E-Scooters: Compact but Powerful
E-scooters are more compact, so they have smaller batteries and shorter ranges compared to e-bikes. However, when it comes to motor power, e-scooters shine. Many have dual motors that deliver incredible acceleration and speed, often surprising first-time riders with their power.
Durability: E-Bikes Have an Edge
E-bikes are essentially regular bikes with a motor and battery added. This means that common bike issues like flat tires or broken chains are easy to fix, especially since they’re often sold through local bike dealers. You can get help and service easily, even if it costs a bit.
E-Bikes: Built on Experience
Many e-bike manufacturers have decades of experience building bikes, which adds to their overall quality. This experience shows in the durability and reliability of their products.
E-Scooters: Still Catching Up
E-scooters are newer to the market, and their manufacturers are often younger companies. The support infrastructure for e-scooters isn’t as developed as it is for bikes. While some distributors offer great service, e-bikes generally win when it comes to durability and service. For now, at least!
- Also Read: How Long Do Electric Bikes Last?
Safety and Braking Systems
Data suggests that traditional bikes and e-bikes might be safer than e-scooters. However, the data isn’t complete. Large studies show that shared scooter riders have a higher accident rate, partly because many don’t wear helmets and ride unsafely.
A 2019 US study found that e-bike riders were more likely to have internal injuries and be hospitalized, while e-scooter riders suffered more concussions. E-bike injuries were also more likely to involve collisions with pedestrians. The study noted that e-bike injuries were more serious, possibly because it’s harder to quickly get off a bike compared to an e-scooter.
Both e-bikes and e-scooters have well-developed braking systems, including drum, disc, hydraulic, and mechanical brakes. If you ride responsibly, stopping power shouldn’t be an issue.
Exercise: E-Bikes Are the Way to Go
If you’re looking for a workout, e-bikes are the better choice. Unlike electric scooters, e-bikes let you pedal, no matter what mode you’re in.
More Exercise with E-Bikes
Research shows that e-bike riders often get more exercise than regular bike riders. They tend to ride longer distances and more frequently. Plus, if you want a real challenge, try pedaling a heavy e-bike uphill without the motor – it’s a great workout!
A Greener Future
Imagine a city like New York where only electric vehicles, e-scooters, and e-bikes are allowed in the city center. The impact on air quality would be significant. A 2017 study by the U.S. Department of Transportation found that nearly 60% of car trips are under 6 miles, which is inefficient for cars and the environment. E-bikes and e-scooters offer a cleaner alternative, especially for short trips.
Why E-Scooters Shine
For shorter commutes, e-scooters have an edge over e-bikes. They’re more maneuverable, easy to learn, and require less space. You can fold them up and store them securely, reducing theft risk. Plus, they need less maintenance since they don’t have chains or sprockets. E-scooters are also more affordable, with lightweight models starting at around $400.
Environmental Benefits
Both e-bikes and e-scooters are environmentally friendly, especially for short trips. While battery technology and recycling still have room for improvement, they’re currently the best option for reducing emissions in urban areas. E-scooters, in particular, are great for city use due to their portability and ease of use.
- Also Read: How Long Do Electric Scooters Lasts?
Why E-Bikes Stand Out?
E-bikes have some strong advantages that make them appealing to many users. For instance, you can always pedal, even if the battery runs out. While you can technically kick an e-scooter forward without power, it’s much more tiring and not recommended. Plus, e-bikes handle obstacles and potholes better due to their larger wheels.
Practicality of E-Bikes
E-bikes are also great for carrying things. You can easily add a basket to the front and use the rear rack to carry items. This makes them super practical for errands or commuting. On the other hand, e-scooters require you to wear a backpack to carry anything, and riding one-handed is not safe or stable.
- Also Read: How to Choose and Electric Bike?
When to Choose an E-Scooter?
E-scooters are perfect for short trips, especially as a last-mile solution. They’re great if you use public transport or drive and park outside congested areas. You can easily fit them in your trunk and use them for the final leg of your journey.
- Also Read: How Much Does an Electric Scooter Weigh?
When to Choose an E-Bike?
For longer trips where portability isn’t a priority, e-bikes are the way to go. You can sit comfortably, enjoy a longer range, pedal if needed, handle various terrains, and carry groceries easily.
Conclusion: Give Them a Try
The biggest hurdle for many people is simply not knowing what they’re missing. Once you try an e-scooter or e-bike, you’ll quickly get used to the benefits and start preferring them for short trips. They’re fast, convenient, and better for the environment. Plus, you’ll save money on gas!
I’ve noticed how convenient e-scooters are in my own town. I can zip to the local store, arrive at the same time as someone driving, and be done shopping before they even park. Living in a smaller town with a low speed limit makes it even more practical. Whether you choose an e-scooter or e-bike, you won’t regret joining the personal electric vehicle community!