Those of you who have been looking at scooter helmets lately are probably wondering what alternative means of transportation are available in crowded cities. After all, no one wants to be stuck in traffic, which is why devices such as electric bikes and scooters have seen a sharp increase in popularity in the latest years.
It’s true that not everyone is aware of the main differences between these two types of items, so knowing which one is the better-suited alternative can be a bit difficult. However, in the next lines, we’re going to take a look at what each one has to offer so that when you are getting ready for your next purchase, you’ll know exactly what you are looking for.
Before we go into the details, it’s important to note that the global demand for e-bikes and scooters has been continuously growing, mainly because these devices are very handy and easy to use, and they take you from one place to another in a much more comfortable and environmentally-friendly way.
Moreover, manufacturers and brands have been working on developing more sophisticated models, so you’ll get plenty of other features that are going to make your ride safer.
E-Bikes
Just as you would expect, an e-bike is a device that comes with both a seat and pedal, much as the traditional ones that we are so used to. However, given that we’re talking about electric models, these come equipped with specially-designed motors that are going to make your life a lot easier.
The motor can be used for the bike’s propulsion, but if you don’t want to or cannot pedal at all, it can get the job done entirely, much to your comfort. If, however, you do want to work out a little as well, the motor can assist you during difficult uphill pedaling, or when you are going against the wind.
Of course, this makes e-bikes a much better alternative to traditional models that require your full muscle-power in order to work. In terms of engines, their power can range between 150W-1000W, so the device can actually go quite fast, depending on the model you go for. Speeds up to 30 mph are not uncommon among e-bikes, which makes them even better.
On the other hand, it’s good to keep in mind that you always need to be cautious and ride safely while following all the traffic rules and regulations. Plus, the battery’s capacity can be a bit small, so going for distances over 30 miles can get a bit tricky. You’ll need to allow the e-bike to charge from time to time, but for short distances within the city, it can be an ideal solution.
Since we’ve mentioned rules and regulations, it’s important to note that e-bike owners may be required to have a valid driver’s license in order to operate the unit on public roads. This depends on the laws of the state you live in, so the right approach is to check with the local authorities in order to make sure that you have everything you need to legally use the e-bike.
The same goes for age limits, as in some states, persons under the age of sixteen are not allowed to use them, and for highways, given the fact that they do come with speed limitations that may make their usage on certain public roads dangerous.
E-Bikes Pros & Cons
Given that according to statistics around 55% of those who try an e-bike prefer it to traditional models, it’s clear that there are plenty of benefits that these vehicles offer. The first one is the fact that you also get to work out, which is true for all types of bikes, but in this case, you can choose how much effort you want to make, which can be great for senior users.
Thanks to the handy motor, it’s clear that we’re talking about a versatile solution that you can use when going on hilly roads, and e-bikes are also much easier to maneuver in bad weather.
Plus, the motor can get the job done if you are feeling too exhausted, but you’ve already traveled for a long distance, and these units require little maintenance, as long as you use them correctly. On the other hand, there are some disadvantages as well, the most important one being that e-bikes do tend to be quite heavy.
Therefore, it may be less comfortable if you have to store them or walk around the city pedaling if the battery is depleted. Also, the prices are higher than those of conventional bikes, and you do need a bit of time to get used to riding it before heading out in traffic.
E-Scooters
Scooters have also seen a sharp increase in popularity in the past years. From the small vehicles used by kids around their homes, scooters now represent one of the main means of transportation chosen by many adults who don’t want to deal with traffic issues in crowded cities.
E-scooters also feature a motor that renders the vehicle self-propelled once the initial kick-off takes place. Of course, this also means that there’s no need to push the scooter using the legs, as is the case with traditional scooters. One of the reasons for which e-scooters have become such a popular alternative is that the battery does last for a comfortable amount of time for city riding.
For instance, the average scooter can be used for up to 10 miles, and models featuring the largest batteries can travel for as long as 60 miles before they need to be recharged. Moreover, there’s no need to have insurance, a license, or registration in most cities in order to operate a scooter.
However, it’s always a good idea to check with the local authorities in order to make sure that this is the case in your area as well, before heading out on public roads.
E-Scooters Pros & Cons
When it comes to e-scooters, very little time is needed for practice before you can ride it safely, which means that you won’t waste too much time before starting to enjoy the benefits. Moreover, it’s clearly a more affordable alternative compared to cars or motorcycles, and some models have also taken the comfort aspect into account by adding a seat as well.
The units are easy to control and handle, so this is not something you should worry about. However, there are some disadvantages that you should keep in mind as well, the most important one being the battery capacity. If the unit runs out of battery, it may be difficult to move it around, so you will probably need to walk it.
This is a less comfortable solution than using an e-bike that you can simply ride like a regular one in case this happens. Plus, given that e-scooters are highly portable, they can easily get stolen, so you’ll need to keep yours safely stored during the night.
Making a Choice
After taking a closer look at what these vehicles have to offer, you should think about your riding needs as you are getting ready to make a choice. In terms of overall comfort while riding, e-bikes may be a better alternative. That is if you don’t choose a scooter that features a seat as well, in which case you have more options in terms of overall riding style.
E-bikes, on the other hand, do ensure higher riding speeds, with top-rated models going even 50 mph, while e-scooters usually reach a speed of 20 mph. While the scooter can be turned on quicker, the e-bike is the one that can take you around the city faster.
Another aspect you should take a look at is the size of the tires. E-bikes are usually equipped with larger tires than scooters, so this means extra stability and comfort on the rider’s part. Choosing a scooter, on the other hand, means that the smaller tires make it more portable, so you’ll have a much easier time transporting it around.
Last but not least, weight is another factor that you should think about as well, given that we’re talking about vehicles that you may need to walk or ride, in case they run out of battery. For this reason, it’s good to keep in mind that scooters feature a simple construction and usually weigh around 27 lbs., while e-bikes are more complex and can go up to 55 lbs.
