Micro mobility vehicles have taken the world by storm in recent years, leading many consumers to weigh the pros and cons of an electric moped bike vs an electric scooter. Even the best electric scooters have their limitations, after all, as do the best moped-style bikes. Keep reading to learn the differences between the two so you can make an informed purchase decision.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Electric moped-style bikes tend to be faster than electric scooters, with maximum speeds up to 28 mph. This does, however, open them up to more legal scrutiny.
- Motorized scooters tend to be much more compact, lighter, and more portable than e-bikes, with many scooters featuring foldable designs.
- Electric moped bikes are safer to ride than electric scooters, as e-scooters have inferior tires, limited shock absorption, and dimmer rear lights.
Differences Between an Electric Moped Bike and an Electric Scooter
Electric scooters and electric moped bikes are both personal transportation vehicles, but that is where the similarities end. They differ in form, function, cost, and many other aspects. Here are a few of the primary differences between the two.
Insider Tip
When it comes to battery life and range, there is no clear winner. Check the battery itself and the estimated range as provided in the vehicle’s documentation.
Speed
Electric moped bikes tend to be much faster than electric scooters. These e-bikes are styled after mopeds, after all. Moped-style e-bikes can reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour, while electric scooters typically max out at around 12 to 20 mph. Of course, if an electric moped bike’s motor can achieve speeds higher than 20 mph, it may be subject to registration and licensing requirements. Check with your local governmental agency for specific details regarding the registration fee, whether or not you need a motorcycle license and any insurance requirements.
Safety
There’s no way around it. Electric bikes are safer than electric scooters. E-scooters don’t have much by way of shock absorption, making them susceptible to potholes, street cracks, and just about anything else. Electric scooters also feature smaller tires than electric bikes, further increasing the risk of injury. They also tend to feature dimmer rear lights than what can be found with electric bikes. No matter which type of vehicle you go with, always wear appropriate safety gear when you ride, use the bike lane or bicycle path, stick to the speed limit, only use the maximum speed when necessary, and avoid public highways.
Portability and Weight
Electric scooters tend to be much more compact and portable than electric moped bikes. Many e-scooters can easily fold up and be carried when not in use. The same cannot be said for e-bikes. Even if a motorized bicycle features a foldable design, it will still be much heavier and more cumbersome to carry than a scooter. The average weight of an e-scooter is around 24 pounds, while the average weight of an e-bike is around 60 pounds. The increased portability of an electric scooter also means you can bring it in with you during errands, reducing the risk of theft. If you are looking to maximize portability, consider thinking about an electric scooter vs. a hoverboard.
Warning
Electric bikes can be much more expensive than electric scooters, which should be taken into consideration.
F.A.Q.S
Do you need insurance for a moped or scooter in California?
Riding an actual moped and some electric moped bikes will require insurance in the state of California. Riding an electric scooter will not require insurance. These rules and regulations will shift depending on where you live, so be sure to check in with any local regulatory or government agencies near you.
Are electric bikes a smarter choice?
This depends on what you are planning on using your personal mobility vehicle for. Electric bikes would certainly be a smarter choice if you are riding on nature trails, for instance, while an e-scooter might be a better bet for simple neighborhood rides. Some electric scooters can include powerful battery systems that offer long ranges, answering the question of why to use a 24-volt electric scooter motor.
Why should I buy a personal electric vehicle?
There are so many reasons to buy a personal electric vehicle, no matter which type you choose. They can save money on gas, they can make commutes easier, and, most importantly, they are a heck of a lot of fun to ride. They also significantly reduce your carbon footprint, making them much more eco-friendly than traditional motor vehicles.
STAT: According to a 2018 bicycle industry analysis, e-bikes sales increased 83 percent between May of 2017 and May of 2018, and e-bikes made up 10 percent of overall bikes sales in the U.S. for that time period. (source)
REFERENCES:
- https://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/state-electric-bicycle-laws-a-legislative-primer.aspx
- https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/electric-scooters-and-bicycles-and-other-unregistered-vehicles
- https://www.oregon.gov/odot/forms/dmv/6619.pdfr
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorized_scooter
