Personal transportation vehicles are all the rage these past few years, leading some consumers to wonder what would happen if you pit an electric scooter vs a kick scooter. The best electric scooters are great for recreational use and for running errands, how how do kick scooters fare? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The primary difference between a kick scooter and a motorized scooter is that kick scooters are human-powered and electric scooters are powered by motors.
- This makes electric scooters much faster and easier to ride than kick scooters.
- Kick scooters, on the other hand, are safer, cheaper, and much more durable than electric scooters.
Differences Between an Electric Scooter and a Kick Scooter
Of course, the primary difference between a motorized scooter and a kick scooter is that e-scooters are powered by electric motors, and kick scooters are human-powered. This is a unique comparison among micro-mobility vehicles, as even if you were to compare an electric scooter vs. a hoverboard, you would find that both featured motors and batteries. Here are other differences you should consider before making a purchase.
Insider Tip
No matter which type of vehicle you choose, be sure to always wear protective gear during rides. This includes a helmet, knee pads, and more.
Speed
As previously mentioned, kick scooters are propelled by the humans riding them, and not by powerful motors. In other words, in nearly any scenario, a motorized scooter would have a clear edge when it comes to max speed. Motorized scooters can travel up to 20 miles per hour in some instances, whereas a kick scooter can only travel five to seven miles per hour, and even less going uphill. If you are looking for a vehicle with a comparable speed to an e-scooter, consider thinking about an electric scooter vs. a one-wheel scooter.
Safety
Electric scooters may have the edge when it comes to speed, but kick scooters are generally regarded as being safer for kids and adults to ride. Motorized scooters feature sensitive lithium batteries, which have had safety issues in the past. Additionally, the extreme speeds motorized scooters can reach make them less safe than kick scooters. Both vehicles can use the bike lane, however.
Durability
Kick scooters are much more durable and long-lasting than motorized scooters and other electric vehicles, including electric bikes. They are generally made from high-grade materials, such as steel or reinforced plastic. They also lack an electric motor, meaning less risk of something breaking down. Kick scooters have no battery life to think about, no motor to worry about, and no sensitive gyroscopic balance system to calibrate. The best kick scooters also include pneumatic tires.
Cost
Regular kick scooters tend to cost less than motorized scooters for the same reason they tend to last longer. There are no expensive electrical components to drive the price up, and they have been around for decades, giving manufacturers plenty of time to refine the manufacturing process.
F.A.Q.S
Should I ride a kick scooter to work?
You can certainly ride a kick scooter to work, though it may not be sensible to do so on extremely hot days, rainy days, or during snowstorms.
How can you commute on a kick scooter?
This will depend on the hilliness of the terrain and the overall fitness of the rider. These vehicles are human-powered, after all.
Kick scooter vs bike?
Both have their advantages. Bikes are generally considered to be safer, while kick scooters are cheaper and lighter. Bicycles need to be chained up when not in use to deter theft, while kick scooters can simply be picked up and carried.
STAT: According to the Road Traffic Act of 1961, all e-scooters are considered to be “mechanically propelled vehicles”. (source)
