Electric Scooter Or Electric Bike – Which One To Buy?

When it comes to choosing an electric motorcycle or an electric scooter, the decision will depend on your needs and lifestyle preferences

Initially, electric two-wheeler sales were quite low in India. However, with availability of multiple brands and improvement in technology, electric two-wheeler sales have been continuously increasing. Share in overall two-wheeler sales has also grown significantly and is expected to cross 10% by 2026.

When buying an electric two-wheeler, people often get confused whether to buy an electric scooter or an electric motorcycle. Let us evaluate the pros and cons of both to help you make the right choice.

Speed and range – Electric motorcycles are usually faster than electric scooters, owing to their sturdier design and better aerodynamics. Users can expect top speeds of up to 160 km/h. If you want your daily commutes to be faster, you can go with an electric motorcycle. In comparison, electric scooters may become unstable at speeds of over 100 km/h.

You cannot maintain high speeds in an urban environment. But a faster vehicle can be very useful for overtaking. The faster speed is also a delight for thrill seekers. Electric motorcycles can also deliver a higher range with their larger battery packs. However, this can vary based on the models being compared. So, in terms of speed and range, an electric motorcycle can work better.

Practicality and storage – Electric motorcycles are usually heavier than electric scooters. Total storage space available is also usually less. In comparison, electric scooters are built around practicality. They are lightweight and often have multiple storage options such as front storage and underseat storage. The floorboard area can also accommodate big loads of groceries and other items. If you are looking to fulfill everyday needs, an electric scooter can be a better choice.

Comfort and ride experience – Electric motorcycles usually have enhanced suspension and bigger tyres. This ensures smoother rides across rough patches or off-road tracks. On the other hand, electric scooters usually have 12-inch or 14-inch tyres. These may create a bumpy ride across rough patches. Another aspect is that an electric scooter can become more tiring over long-distance journeys. In terms of overall comfort and ride experience, an electric motorcycle can work out better.

Cost – An electric motorcycle will usually cost more than an electric scooter. So, if you have a limited budget, an electric scooter will be more suitable for you. Running cost of an electric motorcycle can also be higher in comparison to electric scooters. That is because the former is likely to be using high-performance motors and battery management systems.

As is evident from above, both electric motorcycles and electric scooters have their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice about which one to buy will depend on your individual needs and priorities.