What are differences between electric bicycles and scooters?
Posted by Gary Ares
The simplest answer about the differences between electric bicycles and scooters is the bike looks like a bike, while the scooter most often resembles the classic design of a Vespa and a moped (motor - pedal) is a scooter that sort of looks like a bike, and has pedals, but generally goes faster. I prefer to view the differences in terms of weight, maneuverability, range, serviceability, and let's not forget style. One small point is they are all generally categorized as Light Electric Vehicles (LEV).
Electric Bicycle Electric Scooter Electric Moped (pedals)
I wish it were simpler to explain, but bear with me and we'll get though this together - unscathed. Let us first understand most of the choices (2009-10) are at the price points ranging from about $1,000 to $3,500. Generally, the prices escalate based on the overall quality of the components, power, and battery (energy & life) up to about $10,000.
What appeals most to me is a lightweight electric bicycle with a bit more than enough power and battery to get the job done. With a total weight of about 40 - 80 pounds an electric bike is quite portable and manageable by both sexes. I like that.
There are no hard and fast rules, but generally, beyond the 100lb threshold weight climbs in 50 pound increments. Again as a rough guideline scooters and mopeds will weight in the range of 125 to about 250 lbs; you probably won't find me trying to pedal anything above 100lbs. Maxi-scooters can weight upwards of 500 lbs, and deliver a luxurious and extended ride.
The topic of maneuverability is most important for those who will be traveling in tight traffic. The good news is the short wheel base, and light electric bikes, scooters and mopeds will be quite nimble is tight quarters. The other side of that coin is they may not track as steadily at higher speeds downhill. An area where the electric bike will clearly shine is that it can go (legally) where scooters and mopeds typically cannot, because it is legally a bicycle, which gives it an edge in this area.
The range of an electric vehicle is largely dependent on the size of the battery. So, the greater the weight bearing capacity of the electric bike - scooter - moped the more battery power can be stored. The proportions vary with the combined weight of the unit and rider(s), overall power in watts or horsepower, and speed traveled. If you want a simple electric bike to ride while visiting and touring then a 50lb folding type could be perfect. However, if you want to travel over 30 miles, traveling at 30 miles per hour, with plenty of storage area, as well as taking a passenger, then you'll most likely gravitate towards a much larger maxi-scooter.
As you'd expect, the LEV's ease of servicing, which includes obtaining replacement parts, is increasingly important for a light electric vehicle used the most. The fact is people don't generally do their own servicing beyond a simple wash and polish of the unit. What I can recommend from experience is to make sure your can get your new LEV looked after regularly at a qualified service center. If you purchased the new ride from a dealer who stocks parts and understands how to do the maintenance, then you're golden.
To simplify the point, let's again use an electric bicycle as the example. From a serviceability standpoint it's about 95% bike, and 5% electric motor system. At minimum, you should be able to at least get it to move under pedal power somewhat faster and easier than you could by pushing it.
Please note that there are new designs making their way onto the market which look like a mopedish-scooter, but have pedals, and are being sold as an electric bicycle. This is fine as long as you don't really expect to pedal a 150 pound "electric bicycle" for any significant distance if the battery source or electric component forces you to be the engine.
Finally, for many, it's all about style - ALL. I can hear it now..."Forget all the practical, economical, safety stuff, because I just have to look good!" To those who value style above the preceding points, my best recommendations are to (at least) do some research, check the warranty, and always wear a helmet (there are great stylish helmet covers on the market in 09).
Please take a spin by VeloChef again as we'll be expanding the topics and exploring new and exciting Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) recipes for success.