How To Choose Between an E-Bike and an Electric Scooter
Many of us are taking a long, hard look at our lifestyles and determining that we need to do better. One area that can really use some improvement? The way we get around. Sitting in traffic isn’t good for our health or the health of the planet. If you’re ready to charge forward with an electric personal vehicle, we can help you figure out how to choose between an e-bike and an electric scooter.
How Much Exercise Do You Want?
If you’re looking for opportunities to squeeze in a workout during your commute, an electric bicycle is probably the way to go. Make no mistake—riding a scooter is a vigorous activity that engages your core, hones your balance, and uses a variety of muscles. But the beauty of electric bicycles lies in their adaptability.
Electric bicycles don’t just motor you where you want to go. You adjust the power to the level you want, and the e-bike obliges with some extra help pedaling. Let’s say you want to arrive at the office fresh as a daisy, just slightly windswept with a soft flush to your cheeks. Crank that electric bicycle as high as it will go, and enjoy the ride.
But if you want a workout, an e-bike will give you one. You can change the settings to help you tackle that steep hill mostly on your own. You can even set it to zero and use it as a regular bicycle, although the motor will make it heavier to move.
An electric scooter is more of a low-intensity workout. If you’re standing on one, you’re strengthening the muscles in your stomach, back, and pelvis as you balance. Even seated, though, you’re using your arms and legs to move. Exercise-wise, e-scooters are invaluable for getting riders out of the house and on the road to adventure.
How Important Is Portability?
There are excellent e-bikes and e-scooters at both ends of the spectrum, from big, powerful beasts to lightweight, sleek rides. Speaking realistically, you might need a portable vehicle for:
- Carrying on and off public transportation.
- Stashing in your car trunk.
- Hoisting up the stairs to your apartment.
- Storing in a small space.
- Bringing on an airplane.
There are many more reasons, of course. And today, you can find both electric scooters and bikes that are easy to fold and fit the bill. But if you’re looking for the most convenient, we sell a 250-watt e-scooter that weighs just 22 pounds and folds up into a backpack. It even zooms up to 16 miles per hour.
A compact e-bike can also be impressive, just not quite as small or as light. You can buy a 350-watt model that folds up in seconds to about half its size. It weighs about 57 pounds, but you can get up to 30 miles per hour on it.
Do You Want To Go Fast?
On an electric bicycle, 1,000 watts of power will get you up to 35 miles an hour. That puts you in the same class as the American antelope, the fastest long-distance runner in the animal kingdom. Not too shabby. If you’re living in a more spread-out area and have to travel farther, you’ll cover ground at a thrilling speed. You also have the option to depart from the asphalt and venture onto more exciting terrain.
But if you’re looking for a lightning bolt of a ride—if you’re really, really sure that this is what you want, and your loved ones are at peace with it—then you want a dual-motor electric scooter. The 2,600 watts in this puppy mean that you’ll flash by at more than 50 miles an hour. (Take that, American antelope!)
Speed, of course, is relative. If you’re shopping for a vehicle to use in tight urban traffic, 20 miles per hour will feel plenty fast. You can dart in and out among cars and pedestrians without getting into any fights with snippy couriers.
Is Safety Your Top Concern?
We’re not suggesting that you might be accident-prone. Certainly not. But if you don’t have a great track record for remaining uninjured, you should probably choose an electric bicycle. E-scooters have smaller wheels, which can be bad news if you’re not a confident driver. E-scooter tires are often between six and eight inches, while the average e-bike tire is 25 inches. Small tires have a harder time getting around obstacles. If you hit a jolt, you’ll feel it.
But that shouldn’t rule out an electric scooter for you if that’s what you’re comfortable with. Many owners think of their scooters as toys, as opposed to bikes, which many consider vehicles for commuting. E-scooter owners are also less likely to wear a helmet, which is a big no-no. In general, the more money you spend, the better your vehicle’s safety features will be. Make sure you’re familiar with yours before you start getting fancy with it.
Take a Test Ride To Decide
All this information might be enough to help you make a decision. In that case, we have just the online electric bike store for you. But if you’re still stumped about how to choose between an e-bike and an electric scooter, it’s time for some hands-on experience. The ride you imagine might be very different from reality.
It might be a surprising detail that makes or breaks your decision. Do you feel secure in the seat? Do you feel balanced? Are the handles in a good position? Did you scream during the test ride? Are you worried about spilling your morning latte? There are countless little intangibles that can occur to you when you’re actually on board.
For many buyers, the choice might come down to price. That’s valid. You want to get the most for your money, and spending a little more can make a big difference. There’s also no shame in buying a “starter” model to practice on before taking a more expensive plunge.
At Best Electric City Rides in Cheyenne, Wyoming, we carry a comprehensive selection of e-scooters and e-bikes. That way, you can compare all the variables until you narrow down your dream vehicle. When you know, you know. Contact us if you’d like some more assistance.
