E-Bike vs. E-Scooter: Which One Is Better for You?
A current transportation trend to watch for and think about participating in is anything with a motor and two wheels. Cities and heavily populated urban areas offer more and more new ways to commute around the city without taking on the blocks on foot.
Instead of renting an electric machine through an app or borrowing from a friend, it's worth considering if the investment is suitable for you. Here, we discuss the differences between e-bikes and e-scooters to help you make the most of your experience.
Think About Your Need for Speed
When entertaining the idea of an electronic mode of transportation, you must consider safety and whether each machine suits you. This means learning the speed ranges offered by each machine. In general, electric bikes are much faster than electric scooters, though both move quickly and serve a purpose.
Electric scooters perform best on smooth, flat surfaces and can travel up to 15mph. These are exceptional for meeting friends at the coffee shop across town, heading to a neighbor's house, or just getting out for some fresh air in the cul-de-sac.
For most extensive traveling needs and commutes that run parallel to vehicular traffic, the electric bicycle will serve you best, as it offers much faster speeds and terrain accommodations.
What Is the Range Difference?
The range of your machine will play a significant role in determining which is better for you. If you know upfront that you need to commute to work, run errands around town, or ditch your gas-guzzler vehicle, the range of an e-bike is more flexible compared to an e-scooter. In contrast, e-scooters offer a lot of freedom for the get-up-and-go lifestyle and deliver an easier charging experience for those with quick, level-ground commutes.
How Portable Is Your Machine?
The overall portability of your electric machine is another thing to factor into your decision. You will probably ride the transportation to and from your desired destination, but should you ever need to haul or transport the machine, the machine's portability plays a significant role in your overall enjoyment. If the machine is too heavy to pick up, doesn't fit into your truck, or isn't foldable, consider these as strikes against that option.
With these things in mind, there are compact and travel-friendly versions on the market in both e-bikes and e-scooters. Most electric scoots will conveniently fold in half, offering a slim, portable travel buddy. And believe it or not, there is a market for foldable electric bikes that suits these traveling demands. In most cases, as long as you can lift the electric bicycle independently, you will be able to travel with a bike rack that fits the bike's frame.
Do You Have a Budget?
Depending on your personal financial situation, it may be best to set and stick to a firm budget. This can ensure you don't fall into a hole when making a luxury investment and help maintain the viability of your purchase.
Something else to consider is that sometimes, setting a budget has less to do with financial restrictions and more to do with your ability to protect your investment. When you can physically see and account for where your money is going, you do your due diligence to ensure you are educated and equipped to take this new purchase on.
Spending any amount of money on something you aren't ready to use or receive a return on would be an absolute waste. And in terms of how you decide which transport method is best for you, a budget could help align you with the most suitable option.
Don't Forget the Fun Factor
You can’t consider an investment worth your while without also considering how much fun you may or may not have using it. Partner with people you know who have e-scooters and people you know with e-bikes and ask their honest opinion on how their experiences go. Remember that these experiences are personal to these users, so the answers will vary and may not apply to your needs.
In general, an electric bike offers higher speed rates which can increase their fun factor. In comparison, electric scooters provide a completely different learning curve and reduced speeds. Many who love and enjoy their electric scooter agree that it reminds them of a skateboard, and these are not for everyone.
Pre-Purchase Insights
With the technical aspects presented, you should have a pretty good idea of which machine is better for you. However, there are a few other pre-purchase insights to consider that will help you with the actual purchasing process and experience moving forward.
Before you make a final purchase, consider a test ride to compare e-bike vs. e-scooter, if possible. You also want to ensure you research the local guidelines to see if there are any regulations or requirements for electronic transportation. Sometimes these modes of transport are viewed differently than conventional bicycles, and it's worth knowing how your local community values each to maintain safety.
In addition to any local guidelines helping ensure your safety, investing in appropriate safety gear is a vital part of either machine. A helmet is a standard safety practice for both, but outside of that, you may want to consider any joint pads or appropriate footwear if it helps you maintain riding confidence.
Making the Best Decision for You
Ultimately, the machine you choose will be 100 percent personal and based on your individual circumstances. Once you factor in the different variables, technical features, and lifestyle demands, you can gain a clear understanding of the most feasible electronic transports.
To summarize your choices, an electric bike will serve you well on long-winded rides, altered terrains, and daily commuting. On the other hand, an electric scooter is highly functional for quick trips and personal leisure. You will enjoy your time and adventures in either direction.
Voltaire Cycles offers the most diverse range of unique electric transportation machines. Our selection of Stealth electric bicycles is a fan favorite and offers full functionality and flexibility to every user. Partner with us today to learn more about our collections, as well as ways to optimize your electronic riding experiences.
