Commuting in a crowded city can be a big challenge, especially in heavy-traffic regions. Thus, the need for alternative transport means is therefore common to help commute easily and efficiently. In Australia, for example, people living in busy places like Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth for instance are leading the train in investing in personal electric vehicles.
These electric vehicles; electric scooters or electronic bikes, are cost-effective transportation means that give an edge over the traditional commute system. But they offer various advantages and disadvantages over the other. If you are having a hard time deciding which is best for you, you're at the right place.
In this article, we consider the key differences between e-bikes and electric scooters, highlighting their unique advantages and disadvantages to help you determine the best fit for you based on your needs and preferences. But first, let's start with understanding what e-bikes and electric scooters are.
What are Electric Bikes?
E-bikes are modern bicycles equipped with an electric motor, and a battery. These bicycles provide the rider with a boost of power supplied electrically through the motor to make riding easier. Electric bikes come in different forms and functions. Some have assisted pedalling while some offer more in cruise modes where the bicycle moves fully powered electrically.
The motor is powered by a rechargeable battery which is usually removable for charging. There are different types of e-bikes based on their design and usage. We have commuter, mountain, folding, cargo, and cruiser e-bikes. They are great and affordable means of transportation that offers the benefit of a traditional bicycle with the added electric motor assistance.
What are Electric Scooters?
An electric scooter is a transport means that includes an electric motor and rechargeable batteries. They feature a portable and lightweight design with a deck and handlebars. The rider stands upright while holding the handlebars to ride on an electric scooter, and their battery is usually removable to enhance recharging.
There are different styles and sizes of scooters, but the majority are portable and small for easy storage and short-distance movement. Still, you'll find other heavy-duty models for longer distances and rough terrains.
Similarities Between E-bikes and eScooters
Electronic bikes and scooters are personal electric vehicles with clear differences. But before we consider these differences and discuss in-depth which you should choose, let us see how they are alike:
- They are both eco-friendly means of transportation.
- They are low-cost alternatives to public means of transportation.
- Both are convenient for lovers of outdoor riding.
- They are both easy to store especially with foldable electric bikes.
In-Depth Comparison of E-Bikes and Electric Scooters
We discuss the difference between electronic bikes and scooters under eight different categories to help you decide which is ideal for you. Let's get into it.
1. Design and build
There are basic differences between the design and shape of E-bikes and electric scooters. The most obvious difference is in the riding position. An electric scooter has a deck on which the user stands while holding the handlebars to ride. Conversely, e-bikes have saddles, like traditional bicycles, on which the user sit to ride.
Scooters are more simplistic in design compared to electric bicycles, they are essentially a deck and handlebars with small wheels. Whereas electric bikes, on the other hand, have more parts with bigger details. The wheels are bigger, with a seat, handlebars, frames, and more.
If you're looking for a simple electric vehicle to carry you on short commutes and errands and is also portable to store and carry along, then choose the electric scooter. Otherwise, the more sophisticated electric bike would be the ideal option.
2. Speed and range
For speed, eBikes rank slightly higher than electric scooters; this is mainly due to the motor power difference. E-bikes have more powerful motors and so run faster, they have speeds averaging 40 to 50 km/h. Electric scooters, on the other hand, have speeds averaging only 25 km/h.
Although some scooters can speed up to 40 km/h, they are rarely in use on Australian roads. There are safety regulations that guide the speed of vehicles like eScooter and eBikes. These speed regulations are specific to each region. The commonest speed adopted in Australia is the 25 km/h mark in assist pedalling vehicles.
For range, eBikes still have an advantage. The battery of an electric scooter flats out faster than it does in an eBike. The advantage of electric scooters, should your battery flat out, is their minimalistic design; you can convey it home via public transport. For e-bikes, you may have to pedal them home, which may be quite a distance depending on how far out you were.
3. Weight and portability
Electric scooters are more compact and portable. Plus, they generally weigh less, enhancing easy transportation. They can be carried easily even while on public transport. You can get off the bus or train and immediately switch to your eScooter.
E-bikes with foldable designs that are versatile, portable, and compact. But most are not so easy to transport due to their heavyweight designs. This makes e-bikes less ideal to move around while using public transport. You are more likely to use your electric bikes on their own than interchangeably with public transport on a single commute.
4. Mobility and comfort
Riding an electric scooter for a short distance is a lot of fun. But as the distance increases, it can become tedious because of the riding position. Standing while riding for a long distance is usually not ideal since you get fatigued easily.
On the other hand, eBikes offer more comfort since their saddle is often adjustable. The large wheels and suspension system act as good shock absorbers making the ride more comfortable. Additionally, there is an electric motor that aids the pedalling.
Overall, it is more comforting to ride an e-bike than an eScooter, especially on a long ride, but it is more fun to ride electric scooters. Choose electric scooters for leisurely rides and electric bikes for long-range commutes.
5. Pricing and cost
The price comparison between e-bikes and electric scooters is not so straightforward. Generally, e-bikes are more expensive than electric scooters, and that's expected since they are the more sophisticated option. You will find expensive scooters that provide excellent additional features on the Australian market; still, you can get a decent bargain below $500.
While the cost of electric bikes is mostly a reflection of modern lightweight design and other high-quality components, electric scooters with a high price are indicative of high speed and range. Overall, a higher price for both electric vehicles is proportionate to improved performance measures.
6. Utility
This is quite easy to judge, eBikes are emphatically the better option for utility. A testament to this is the cargo e-bikes that have special designs for moving cargo. Also, simpler e-bike models can be used to move loads far better than e-scooters.
Electric scooters, on the other hand, are heavily limited in their use cases. only a few cargo accessories exist for them due to their instability. If you intend to use your electric vehicle beyond regular commuting, choose an electric bike.
7. Sport and exercise
Electric bikes are fashioned to be used for exercising as compared to electric scooters. This is essentially due to the design and mode of operation.
Pedalling in eBikes helps to engage and work out the muscles of the body, especially those around the limbs and core. Mountain electric bikes, for example, are a great source of aerobic or cardiovascular exercise. The resistance encountered serves as a great exercise. And you could as well switch off the motor engine in some models and ride your e-bike as a normal bicycle.
Electric scooters, albeit minimal, are not without health benefits. They build core muscle strength and leg muscle strength since riding engages your abdomen and your lower back area and requires you to maintain stability. Research also shows that riding an e-scooter for 30 minutes daily at 7.4 km/h burns about 150 calories, about the same as walking 30 minutes a day.
9. Safety features
A large part of safety when riding an electric scooter or an eBike depends on the rider's ability, terrain, and environmental factors. E-scooters, though ranked lower in safety, have the advantage of meandering through traffic because of their portability. They are also easy to hop off the scooter in case of an accident. A scooter with a wide deck and thick tires offers an increased degree of safety.
E-bikes, however, are considered to be safer. They have large wheels that can easily get through rough terrains and sturdy frames that offer increased stability even on wet roads.
To reduce or avoid the risk of fire, ensure your electric vehicle is listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labelled accordingly before purchase. Do not overcharge your battery, and never without the charging equipment it came with. We also recommend not using your device if the battery shows signs of damage, such as an unusual odour or change in colour.
Which Is Best for You?
Depending on your use case, you may choose between an electric bike or an electric scooter. While there's plenty to consider from above, there are some particular cases that require one over the other. Let's explore these.
Choose an Electric Scooter If
- You need an easy commute option to a short-distanced location within 10 km.
- You need transport means that won't contribute or be affected by traffic congestion with zero threat to the environment.
- You don't have enough outdoor space for parking an extra vehicle.
- You enjoy short trips around your city or getting off to the next bus stop quickly.
There are speed regulations on the use of eScooters and they are not great for utility purposes.
Mark Thompson
Choose an Electric Bike If
- You need a means of transportation for a long work commute either on or off the road.
- You want to combine exercise with commuting.
- You are seeking a budget-friendly means of transportation to supplement public transport.
- You live or work in a hilly neighbourhood.
An eBike demands more maintenance and may take a longer time to charge.
Mark Thompson
Make Your Choice
There are particular advantages to the use of either e-bikes or e-scooters as they have clear differences. Choosing between these two electric vehicles is subject to personal preferences and situations. You will need to reach a balance between the comfort, utility, safety, speed, design, and usability of the two to determine the one that is best for you.
Depending on your choice, there are quality options to pick from for both. For a good purchase, check out this list of the best electric bikes and electric scooters available in Australia.
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