Electric Scooter vs. Electric Cars or Bikes

Eco-friendliness and sustainability are all the rage, and people are increasingly moving towards micro-mobility. Electric scooters, cars, and bikes rule the landscape of environmentally conscious urbanites. Their popularity is simple to understand given their simplicity of use and minimize adverse environmental effects. It can be challenging to choose between the three when you are looking to purchase one. Here, we will discuss the pros, cons, and features, among other aspects, so that you can make the most rational decision.

Critical Comparisons Based on Features and Things to Consider

Electric Scooters

    - Pros of e-scooters

    - Cons of e-scooters

Electric Bikes

    - Merits of e-bikes

    - Demerits of e-bikes

Electric Cars

    - Advantages of e-cars

    - Disadvantages of e-cars

Which one do we recommend and why?

Recommended Models

Concluding Thoughts

Key Comparisons Based on Features and Things to Consider

For utmost clarity, we have summarized everything you must consider in the table below in a comparative context.

Electric Scooters

Your favorite kick scooter from childhood has grown into an electric scooter in modern times. These now have more prominent features, better tires, electrical systems, and electric motors. As a result, electric scooters are more potent in terms of acceleration and speed. Additionally, they have superior features that improve riding comfort. Some electric scooters include suspension and built-in LEDs. Most importantly, they are easier to go around than conventional scooters, bikes, and cars because they don’t require as much manual labor. Moreover, they are the most environmentally friendly.

Pros

They are easiest to control and are perfect for navigating through traffic and confined locations.

They are portable and light, making them simple to store and transport.

Compared to the other options, they are comparatively affordable.

You don’t need licenses for personal electric scooters in most states.

The perfect solution to avoid traffic as they offer the best hybrid solution.

According to research by the European Environment Agency, electric scooters release 50–90% less carbon dioxide than gas-powered vehicles.

Their adoption speaks for itself. According to a study by Navigant Research, later cited in Forbes, global sales of electric bikes will likely grow from 3.7 million in 2019 to 17 million in 2027.

Cons

They have a limited range in comparison to some electric bikes.

They may not be ideal for rough terrain and rocky roads, but there are offroad models, too (we will cover such a model later in the article in SmooSat MAX).

Some models have lower weight limits making them less suitable for heavier riders.

Electric Bikes

Even though an e-bike won’t ever allow you to burn as many calories as a bicycle, powered just by your legs, it is still much healthier than a gas-powered or electric car. Electric bikes’ key benefit is that they enhance the features that make riding to work more comfortable for the rider. For instance, an electric bike still has a pair of pedals, allowing the rider to exercise or work out. Manufacturers design them with a sensor, lithium-ion batteries, and an electric motor. The motor boosts it through a pedal or torque sensor. Then the energy is subsequently stored by the lithium-ion battery. However, they lag in portability and ease of use.

Merits

They can get you to your destination while giving you a workout.

They can cover more ground than other electric scooters.

E-bikes are better for navigating a range of terrains, including slopes and rugged landscapes.

Demerits

Many states require licensing for electric bikes.

Compared to most electric scooters, they are heavier.

They have much less range than electric cars.

They are significantly more expensive than electric scooters.

Of all three, they require the most maintenance.

Electric Cars

Though they were a rare breed initially, nowadays, there are widely adopted in the US. However, most electric vehicles share similarities with their gasoline and diesel counterparts regarding appearance and feel, so ownership considerations like high maintenance still need to be addressed. On a positive note, the range of electric vehicles has increased to the point where it is possible to use one without stopping to recharge the battery. In their most basic form, electric cars work on the premise that a vast, heavy battery pack powers an electric motor that powers the drive system that turns the wheels. In this case, cars outperform electric bikes. They have ranged between 100 and 300 miles on a single charge and can transport larger, heavier lithium-ion batteries.

Advantages

Electric automobiles have a more fantastic range than electric bikes and scooters, making them more suited for longer distances.

Electric cars are more comfortable to ride in because they have more interior space, superior suspension, and air conditioning.

They are remarkably dependable because of their excellent stability, airbags, and other safety features.

Disadvantages

Electric automobiles cost between $30,000 and $100,000, making them more expensive than electric bikes and scooters.

Long-distance travel is challenging because extensive electric vehicle charging infrastructure currently needs to be improved.

Because they are larger, electric cars need more room to park and charge.

Which One Do We Recommend and Why?

Electric scooters get the nod from us. They are a fantastic option for many people, although each electric vehicle has unique benefits and drawbacks. Electric scooters are an excellent option for short commutes and leisure activities because they are portable, lightweight, and reasonably priced. They are also simple to drive and, in most states in the US, don’t need registration or a driver’s license. Additionally, compared to electric bikes, electric scooters are safer.

Furthermore, electric scooters have the potential to replace brief automobile trips and ease traffic, as noted by a report from the National Association of City Transportation Officials. Moreover, they have the lowest upfront and incurring costs that will save you a lot of money. Also, according to research by the Victoria Transport Policy Institute, electric scooters can save riders up to $500 per year in fuel costs compared to alternatives. To dig deeper, please read our blog: Electric Scooter vs. Car: How Much Money Can You Save?

Recommended Models

We have provided a list of the top adult scooters for commuting below. Without a doubt, one of them will perfectly suit your demands.

The Versatile SA3 Adult Electric Scooter 

Given that you get a powerful 350W motor with peak speeds of up to 15.6 mph for only $499.97, the SA3 is excellent in the last-mile market, and it isn't easy to rival it. When fully loaded, it can easily climb slopes with an angle of 14° and supports a maximum weight of 220 lbs. It can go 20 miles on a single charge. Its secure, fashionable, and family-friendly design is a significant draw. The model has the appearance of being significantly more expensive than its sub $500 price tag. The SmooSat SA3 is a versatile electric scooter you can buy for yourself as an adult or an adolescent family member.

The Elegant SA3 Prime Adult Electric Scooter

The Prime is ideal for individuals looking for a quiet, feature-rich scooter that complements life in the white-collar sector. Urbanites who want to travel with a minimum carbon footprint without sacrificing anything should choose this electric scooter. The Prime is the SA3’s bigger brother, offering excellent performance and value. The well-known SmooSat SA3 has been magnified 10 times into the SA3 Prime! Furthermore, it provides an unprecedented range of 28 miles from a complete charge. It’s the perfect e-scooter for young professionals.

The Powerhouse – SmooSat MAX

The MAX provides the finest ride imaginable because of its unrivaled power and performance. It operates flawlessly in off-road terrain as well. Thanks to its 500W motor, the MAX excels over its exclusively urban counterparts and can easily climb up a 15° incline at a top speed of 18.6 mph while towing a maximum of 264 lbs. It deserves the name MAX for its relentless strength. The MAX expertly combines the highest standards of safety and comfort. The ten solid tires and dual front suspension make riding comfortable in rugged terrain. Regarding features, the MAX is as robust as a mammoth.

Concluding Thoughts

Finally, we note that electric scooters, electric bikes, and electric cars are all fantastic choices for alternative forms of transportation. Depending on your requirements and personal tastes, each option provides a unique mix of benefits and drawbacks. However, electric scooters are the way to go if you want a compact, portable, and reasonably priced choice for short commutes. Without a license or registration in most places, they provide an enjoyable and effective means of transportation. Electric scooters, electric bikes, and electric cars can all be ideal depending on your demands, finances, and personal preferences. Before making your ultimate choice, consider your commute’s length, terrain, storage options, and riding expertise. No matter what you decide, always ride safely. Check out our SmooSat Best Products Gift Guide blog for a deep dive into our offerings.