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People are changing the way they move in cities.
There’s just not enough space for everyone to drive a car and public transport is often expensive and inconvenient.
This has led to a resurgence in the numbers of people commuting by bicycle, as well adopting new forms of personal electric transport, such as e-bikes, e-scooters and the like.
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Indeed, according to the Edison Electric Institute, worldwide sales of e-vehicles amounted to around 1.1 million in the first half of 2019. Hence, it increases by about 46% of total sales in the first half of 2018.
Electric-powered vehicles are becoming even more available in the marketplace today because of their practicality and the advantages they provide for customers. They are efficient and, in the long term, they cost significantly less than conventional cars.
Electric vehicles come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. There are various kinds of electric vehicles available worldwide, such as e-cars, e-bikes, and e-scooters. However, if you weigh down your options due to their portability and practicality, then electric bikes and electric scooters would be great options for you.
Electric Bikes
While you’ll never burn as many calories on a e-bike as a solely pedal-powered bike, it is still much healthier for you than driving.
The main benefit of electric bikes is that it enhances its features which helps the rider in a more comfortable commute. For instance, an electric bike still has a pair of pedals that still allows the rider to exercise or workout. However, it has an additional boost that the electric motor provides.
An electric bike comprises three parts: an electric motor, lithium-ion batteries, and a sensor. The electric motor gives an extra boost to the pedal of the e-bike through either a pedal or torque sensor. Then, it gets its energy stored from a lithium-ion battery. They are much lighter and have a longer lifespan than other types of batteries.
Another significant component of an electric bike is its sensor. It is responsible for giving additional assistance to the rider; it can either be a speed sensor or a torque sensor.
E-Bike Advantages
- No harmful gas emissions
- Portable, some are even foldable
- Does not require you for a licensed plate and for insurance bills
- Relatively faster than analog bikes and e-scooters
- Good for workout
- Have a further range than e-scooters
- It can still be used even when the power runs off
- Provides stability on the roads
- Comfortable and easy to use
E-Bike Disadvantages
- Have a high purchase price
- Some could not be stored in a car’s trunk
- Heavyweight, which usually ranges from 40-100 lb
- Have only limited motor power options
- Have restricted top speed
Since e-bikes do not have gas emissions, they would be useful for people residing in busy cities where roads are congested with fuel-powered vehicles contributing to ecological harm.
They would also be suitable for people with only small storage at home because some e-bikes are foldable which can fit in limited spaces. Lastly, e-bikes would help people get the same benefits as cycling but with less effort.
Electric Scooter
On the other hand, an electric scooter refers to a vehicle powered entirely by an electric motor or human power with two or three wheels, handlebars, and a floorboard that can be stood on when riding.
It has a handful of different components, but the battery, brakes, joystick, floor, handlebars, lights, transmission, stem, suspension, and tires are the main ones. The platform on which you stand when riding is the deck.
The standard scooter deck height is 14″ by 5″ inches and provides ground clearance of a few inches. The stem is a folding metal tube that links the front wheels to the handlebars.
The electric scooter’s suspension, like that on a motor vehicle or bicycle, improves the quality of your ride. Lastly, tires give you traction to accelerate or brake in an emergency.
E-Scooter Advantages
- Convenient, fun, and easy to use
- Does not require you for a licensed plate and insurance bills
- Environment friendly
- Perfect for short distances
- Skipping traffic jams
- Less noise pollution
- Low maintenance costs compared to cars
E-Scooter Disadvantages
- May increase the number of accidents
- May be left behind anywhere and may get stolen
- Overcharging and other battery issues
- No storage utility
- Only good for short distances
- High purchase price
- Relatively slow compared to electric bikes
The electric scooter is best for people with movement restrictions and people who choose to get to other places faster, persons with parking space, certain people who find it difficult to walk, and even children and adults. You can go anywhere you want and enjoy making local errands enjoyable, fast, and easy on roads and streets.
Electric Bike v Electric Scooter: Summary
If you’re looking for an e-bike or an e-scooter, you’re probably aware that there are various electric transportation options in the market today. Assessing their power, usefulness, purpose, and weaknesses is a must before purchasing one.
A pedal-assisted, two-wheeled cycle with an electric motor that propels the bike to a leisurely ride is known as an electric bike. To commute around the area, you could go on a pedal-assisted or fully electric model. On the other hand, an electric scooter is a two-wheeled vehicle with a handlebar packed with an electric motor. The motor is self-propelled, which will lead you on a fun ride after the initial kick-off.
Both electric vehicles have their own advantages and disadvantages listed above. Some may prefer to ride on an electric bike because it can help them exercise with a purpose. However, others may also enjoy riding on an electric scooter because it is handy.
E-Bikes v E-Scooters
Deciding what is right for you is entirely dependent on your preferences and requirements. Electric bikes are a better alternative if you need to cover longer distances promptly and want to bring a micro-mobility option with you. But if you want something to reach the nearby stop and vice versa, then electric scooters are a portable and handy option. Nevertheless, the final decision will be all yours.
Post by Trevor Fenner
About the Author: Trevor is the founder and owner of Electric Bike Paradise, a one-stop-shop for all your electric bicycle needs. He has been selling bicycles, electric bikes, and electric scooters online since 2010 and eventually established Electric Bike Paradise in late 2013 when he happened to meet a seller from Craiglist that introduced him to electric bikes. Ever since Trevor spent time searching for electric bikes online but couldn’t find a single website that offers a wide selection of bikes and informational articles. That is why he decided to start a website where everyone can shop conveniently, browse buying guides, and read educational posts.
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