Electric Bikes or Electric Scooters – Which Is Better?

Electric bikes and scooters have had a great impact on our society. They have almost replaced the traditional means of transport on the roadways, including regular bicycles and motorcycles. But what makes them so phenomenal? Today, we are going to give you our thoughts on electric bikes vs electric scooters.

If we had to give you a definite answer, we could do so in three words: convenient, effective, and accessible.

Having an electric vehicle can help you reach your destination faster, especially if you live in a city with busy roads. Parking is a hassle that you won’t have to face either because electric bikes are portable and easy to store. And these are only a few of the amazing features that an electric vehicle can give you.

If you are new to the world of electric vehicles and are having trouble deciding between a bike and a scooter, then we have great news for you. With a wide range of options and various aspects of consideration, you’ll be able to see a clearer picture of what you should buy.

Both vehicles have their own personal pros and cons. To understand the two options better, let’s look at how they can be defined. 

Electric Bike 

Electric Bike

The wheels on an electric bike are controlled by peddling. An electric bike also contains an electric motor that will keep the bike moving forward if the rider is tired of peddling. 

Electric Scooter

Electric Scooter

An electric scooter moves because it is fully powered by an electric motor. The driver can relax and travel without worrying about the need to peddle. Electric scooters come in various models including long range electric scooter models which rival electric bikes. 

You can also choose scooters that come with a seat. Personally, I think if you’re going to buy an electric scooter with a seat, why not just buy an electric bike? Some others need to be operated while standing.

Now, let’s move on to discussing the differences between the two. 

Electric Bike vs. Electric Scooter

Electric Bike or Electric Scooter

Electric scooters are designed for daily use and they usually help you travel a short distance. They are ideal if you want to move around the neighborhood or your city/town. On the other hand, electric bikes are used to travel long distances. These e-bikes are faster and more powerful than electric scooters.

Electric scooters are extensively used for driving on smooth terrains, such as pavement. In general, unless you get one of the best off-road electric scooters, they aren’t good for off-roading or traveling across rough landscapes. 

Electric bikes can be used on any surface. Their powerful nature gives them stability on any type of land. With an electric bike, you can be guaranteed a smooth ride on the roughest road.

Electric bikes come with a seat (obviously). You can sit and ride comfortably. This aspect isn’t available with every electric scooter so in most cases, you’ll have to stand. 

An electric scooter starts working after you kick start the motor. But what happens if you run out of charge? An electric bike can be peddled and driven because it doesn’t run solely on battery power. When it comes to an electric scooter, you will have to get off of your scooter and push it until you get to a charging station or reach your destination. Scooters don’t have the option to peddle, so you rely completely on the battery power.  

Another thing to note is that the manufacturer’s specs for overall range on an electric scooter is really just a guidepost.  The actual range you will get from your electric scooter will completely depend on a number of different factors such as speed, terrain, temperature, incline, etc.  So, unless you have a really good idea of exactly how far you’ll be going on your trip, an electric bike might be a better option just because you can pedal it if your battery runs out.

Choosing whether or not to get an electric scooter or an electric bike can be a challenging task. Most people spend a lot of time trying to decide between the two. 

We’ll keep it simple for you. 

If you are looking for something portable and affordable then consider getting an electric scooter. If you’re wanting something to help keep you healthy, then an electric bike is the right choice because you can exercise by peddling it.  If you’ve got a serious commute that is over 25 miles, go with an electric bike.  Even though there are e scooters that have long-range it wouldn’t be fun to have your electric scooter battery die with a few miles left to go on your journey.

Are you still a little lost on what to do? Don’t worry. We’re going to dive even deeper into both the electric scooter and the electric bike. Hopefully, by the end of this piece, you’ll be more confident in which one you want. 

Portability

Electric Scooter Portability

Electric scooters are more portable because of their compact size. The electric bike, on the other hand, is heavy and huge.

An electric scooter can be stored more comfortably and can be transported along with you easily. When you’re done using it, just put it in a storage cabinet or hide it under your desk. 

Note that not all electric scooters come in a compact design. It all depends on what model you’re interested in. 

Overall, electric scooters are more portable than electric bikes. 

Convenience

Electric scooters are less convenient than electric bikes. Holding on to your electric scooter for long periods of time can be tiring. If the roads are not laid well, you will find it challenging and exhausting riding on your electric scooter. Since you have to stand while driving it, your body is going to feel every little bump in the road. 

On the other hand, an electric bike provides you with a smooth ride. This is because it comes with large tires and easy handling systems that make sure the rider is comfortable and safe. If you get tired of peddling the e-bike, you can always use the electric motor. This will keep you from getting exhausted. 

Which One’s Faster?

In general, you will find that an electric bike is faster than an electric scooter. However, there are a number of electric scooter models out there now that are insanely fast and are faster than most electric bikes.  Check out the fastest electric scooter models here. An electric bike has a powerful motor that contributes to its speed. 

The average speed of most electric scooters on the market is 15 miles per hour, while the vast majority of electric bike models can move at 25-30 miles per hour.

Range 

If we compare the batteries, e-bikes have bigger batteries than electric scooters. This shows that an e-bike can take you a long way compared to an electric scooter, which is only great for short distances.

Cost 

Electric scooters are cheaper than electric bikes. There are cheap electric scooters that now are just under $100.  Electric bikes on the other hand are generally closer to $1,000 so if you’re on a budget and need an electric vehicle, then an electric scooter is probably your best bet.

You can find expensive electric scooters too, but the starting price range is lower than that of the electric bike.

Exercise

Electric Bike

There’s no doubt that electric bikes will keep you fit. All the peddling will enhance your stamina and will ultimately keep you healthy if you use it regularly.

Finally, Which One Is The Better Option?

You are the only one who can determine the answer to this question. Consider the factors we’ve discussed when making your purchase.  In our opinion, if you need something for a quick commute under 20 miles and you’re on a budget, then you might want to get an electric scooter.  If you’re looking to get exercise, you have a bigger budget, or need to commute further distances, you’re probably better off with an electric bike.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions and Answer

Why would I use an e-bike over a regular bike?

Get to where you need to go faster and easier than on a regular bike. Depending on how you choose to ride, you can travel without significant effort at up to 20 mph on some bikes and even up to 28 mph on others.

Do I need a license to ride an electric bike?

No. As long as the e-bike has a motor size of 750 watts or less (1000 watts in Oregon) and is programmed so that it can’t go more than 20 mph without pedaling, there is no need for a license.

Can you get any exercise on an electric bike?

Absolutely! You decide how much exercise you want to get by adjusting the power assist level on the bike.

Do you need a license to ride electric scooters?

A driver’s license, registration, or insurance is not needed in order to ride an electric scooter. However, there are laws that restrict where you can use them and the amount of power (read Wattage) the motors can have.

Are electric scooters reliable?

Electric scooters produced in the last 5 years will be quite reliable. Electric scooter technology has advanced very fast in both quality, motor power, and battery capacity. Most modern models will have a pretty good range, overall speed and will last for years.

Is an electric scooter worth it?

For most people, electric scooters are definitely worth it. They will be both a great investment and a source of fun. Typically, electric scooters pay themselves off in the very first year, by cutting down public transport costs almost entirely.

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