Electric Bikes and Scooters

Electric bikes are here to change the face of personal transportation. But how do they compare to more established modes of alternative transportation, like a moped or scooter? Are there any meaningful differences between a moped and scooter? Would you get more use out of an electric bike vs a moped?

Check out these answers from experts in electric bikes and scooters to find out!

E-Bike, Moped, or Scooter?

Yes, all these usually have two, and sometimes three, wheels, but they are actually very different. The differences between a moped, scooter, and e-bike are in their legal requirements, riding styles, costs, and overall benefits.

E-Bikes

Cinelli Gazzetta Della Strada W/ Leeds Electric Conversion ($1,699.00 – $1,999.00)

So, what are e-bikes? According to the Independent: “Electric bikes offer all the benefits of a scooter, and none of the downsides”.

Electric bicycles have pedals, but they also have an electric motor to help riders along while riding uphill or against the wind. E-bikes don’t require a license, insurance, or registration to own or ride.

Moreover, electric bikes offer you an excellent cardio workout, comparable to conventional bikes, with the added benefit that you can let the motor pick up the slack when you’re tired.

Electric bikes have motors of one horsepower or less, and they are legally allowed to go up to 20 miles per hour. Note that you can easily go faster if you pedal hard, burning more calories. Moreover, when the battery runs out, you can use your e-bike as a conventional bike with no drawbacks.

E-bikes can be easily converted as mountain e-bikes to take you off-road, while mopeds are strictly designed for city riding.

Finally, electric bicycles (vs mopeds) are considered bicycles for all intents and purposes. This means you’re allowed to ride on bike lanes and enjoy any other benefit aimed at cyclists.

Scooters

10 Ah 350 Watt Leeds CyberScooter ($499)

The term “scooter” refers to various different vehicles. Electric scooters are actually electric mopeds, and that’s one of the main sources of confusion for those who are shopping for both electric bikes and scooters. As with mopeds, these scooters require insurance, a license, and registration to drive legally in the US, though laws vary by state.

There also exist electric kick scooters, which are similar to conventional kick scooters but also pack an electric motor. Another type of scooter is the mobility scooter, which are designed as mobility vehicles for people with limited mobility.

Mopeds

Mopeds have no pedals. One difference between a moped and scooter is that mopeds are basically low-powered motorbikes with less than two horsepower and a max speed of 30 miles per hour.

Mopeds require insurance and registration, and you need a license to drive one. They are powered either by a gas engine or a battery.

Take Your Bike to the Next Level

Whether you have a regular bike, moped, or scooter, you should really look into e-bikes for all the reasons we’ve seen above. Here at Leeds Bikes, we offer electric bikes and scooters, as well as incredible kits to convert your bike into an e-bike and get all the benefits at a lower price.

Check out our site for health and lifestyle tips, bike reviews, and tons of articles on e-bikes that will help you make informed decisions and level up your favorite means of transportation today!

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What are the benefits of using an electric scooter?

1. Safe, convenient, and easy to use

2. Light and portable

3. Relatively eco-friendly

4. Low operating costs

5. Easy repair and maintenance

6. Perfect for short distances

7. Can skip traffic jams

8. Less noise pollution

9. No need for permits or a license

10. Mobility for those with health issues

Electric scooters are growing in popularity now more than ever — they’ve become the symbol of modern urban transport in cities like Chile, Seoul, Madrid, San Francisco, and more. This trend is solely due to the many benefits of using an electric scooter. However, there are still many people who remain unconvinced about these supposed advantages. If you consider yourself to be part of this category, read on and perhaps our list can change your mind!

Safe, Convenient, and Easy to Use

Every means of travel has some kind of risk attached to it. However, when you compare an electric scooter to other portable modes of transport (such as cycling, roller skating, and others) they come out as possibly the safest option. Additionally, they require little to no skill to operate — all you need is some balance! This is a convenient choice for those who want to travel without any fear of danger.

Some electric scooters come with added features for the user’s well-being. Simply Moving’s electric scooters in particular are designed to meet the needs of any rider. With LED ambient lights, slip-resistant baseboards, robust braking systems, and suspension, our Ninebot KickScooter by Segway ES2 ensures your ride will be safe and smooth every time.

Light and Portable

Electric scooters, despite their mechanical and electronic parts, are light and easy to fold up. This makes them portable so you can store them in your trunk or your home. Electric scooters can also be carried anywhere you can think of, and be quickly unfolded when needed.

Our KickScooters all use a one-step folding system, which is useful for those taking their electronic scooters to public transportation. With this mechanism, you can fold up our electric scooter in a matter of seconds, and bring it along with you on your journey.

Relatively Eco-Friendly

A list of advantages to owning an electric scooter is simply not complete without mentioning how eco-friendly they are. In this era of drastic climate change, many people are searching for ways to reduce their impact on the environment, including changing their modes of transport.

Electric scooters are one of the most eco-friendly options to date. Apart from zero emissions, electric scooters also run on low quantities of electricity. They are more efficient at moving commuters — they take only a fraction of the energy compared to a car or SUV. Moreover, technology for electric scooters has improved remarkably over the last two years, further improving their eco-friendliness.

Low Operating Costs

When it comes to operating costs, electric scooters come out on top. They are quite cheap to use when compared to other modes of transportation. All they need is some charge, and they can bring you quite a distance. Plus, they only need a small amount of electricity to run and can be quickly replenished at home or in a charging station. They are also much cheaper to use than taking public transportation. All in all, they are an affordable option for daily travel.

Easy Repair and Maintenance

Aside from cheaper operating costs, electric scooters are also much easier to service than other transport options. For example, a problem with your car will probably require an inspection, professional repair, replacement parts, and more.

But when it comes to an electric scooter, their design is relatively uncomplicated and is therefore much easier to repair and maintain. You only have a few parts of concern: the motor, the battery, the tires, and the controller, which rarely need repair or replacement. Many electric scooters even come with additional benefits, like the non-pneumatic tires of the KickScooter ES4, which completely prevents the issue of flat tires.

Perfect for Short Distances

While the range of electric scooters is rather limited compared to taking the train or the bus, they are perfect for users who need to frequently travel short distances. This could mean commuting to your office a few kilometers away or visiting your friends in another subdivision.

They are also easier to use for taking shortcuts and passing through areas that cars and other vehicles are not allowed on. For these short distances, electric scooters are much cheaper and quicker to use than other options, such as a tricycle.

Can Skip Traffic Jams

The motor and battery technology used in electric scooters allows the rider to cover several kilometers with little effort. Additionally, the scooter itself is compact, meaning riders can take advantage of cycle lanes, walkways, and other paths that are traffic-free. This is especially useful in areas like Metro Manila, whose roads are congested nearly daily.

Less Noise Pollution

Driving and silence rarely go hand in hand. Conventional methods of travel, like taking your car, a jeep, or a tricycle come with a substantial amount of noise pollution. This is especially true for older vehicle models, which can be incredibly loud. This noise pollution is considered a nuisance for many people. Thankfully, an electric scooter offers a much quieter mode of transport and can get you home quietly without disturbing anyone.

No Need for Permits or a License

Electric scooters have lower speeds than gas-powered scooters and bikes and are much easier to drive and maneuver. Thus, they do not require special licensing, permits, or other insurances to use. This is great for younger users who need a mode of transportation but are unable to apply for a license. However, there are a few laws every rider should still abide by while using an electric scooter. Ensure you comply with driving laws before going out on a ride.

Mobility for Those with Health Issues

Electric scooters also give increased mobility to individuals who suffer from various health issues. These conditions may make it difficult for them to walk, bike, drive or use other modes of transportation. In these cases, electric scooters provide the best replacement. This is because they require no peddling or frequent movement, which means users rarely get fatigued using it.

Additionally, an electric scooter also opens up other options for users. Most disabled people find it difficult to walk to public transport stations. However, with an electric scooter, they can travel and access these stations much easier.

Key Takeaway

The benefits of using an electric scooter make it one of the most usable options for commuters everywhere. They are safe, eco-friendly, and drive effortlessly — allowing even younger or disabled people to use them with ease. These benefits are why the electric scooter is so popular in urban use.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this transportation option, and how it can help you, check out Simply Moving’s extensive catalog of electric scooters — no matter what your transportation needs are, we have a scooter for everyone!

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