Electric scooters and vehicles are go-to cruisers to roam around the city with the pride of keeping your environment clean and pollution-free. But if you are still deciding whether to buy an electric moped or invest in an electric scooter, we have curated the perfect guide to help you with both.
While with a plethora of electric vehicles in the market, shortlisting a few can be challenging, selecting one among the shortlisted ones is even critical. Despite the budget constraints, many other factors guide the riders to pick one to make their commutes and travel worth a joy.
Here we have carefully discussed e-mopeds and e-scooters to help you make an informed decision. Let's look at the factors and decide which one is to be settled for. Let's begin!
Table of Content [hide]
What Is the Main Difference Between an E-moped and an E-scooter?
E-mopeds and e-scooters are power-driven electric vehicles that offer a smooth and joyous commute to riders in addition to helping riders save money on gas. But despite being personal transportation vehicles, their licensing requirements, speed, age limits, benefits, riding style, etc., can differ on various grounds. Here are a few bases to help you know the primary differences between the two and decide the one that best fits your needs.
What Is an Electric Scooter?
The electric scooter is a power-assisted vehicle that does not have pedals. However, a license and registration are mandatorily required, but they can vary from state to state. These vehicles are available for both kids and adults.
What Is an Electric Moped？
An electric moped is another power-supported vehicle that has an electric motor and battery instead of a gas engine. However, insurance, license, and registration are required, but like e-scooters, it varies from state to state. But ensure having a motorcycle license (M1 or M2) to drive an electric moped.
Since the rise of pollution restrictions, e-mopeds are gaining popularity in China and Europe over gas mopeds. Electric mopeds offer higher comfort and stability than electric scooters.
Ride Style And Design
E-scooter
Electric scooters were designed for adults and kids. They have a larger weight capacity of 220 lbs or 100 kg, powerful motors, a larger deck, and a battery size with a taller stem. The ones intended for kids have smaller, lighter, less durable materials and cheaper (less expensive) designs than their adult counterparts. While electric scooters do not come with seats, some offer seat attachments for comfort during long rides.
E-scooters offer a sturdy design but generally weigh less than 100 pounds and have handlebars that are powered by an electric motor. In addition, e-scooters generally top out at 20 MPH on a paved level surface when riders power it only by the motor. Considering the riding style, its deck is quite similar to that of a skateboard. They have brakes, lights, stem, suspension, tires, speed setting displays, and power buttons. They are generally foldable (without a seat) and thus portable to be packed and stored to be carried easily anywhere.
E-moped
Electric mopeds are sit-down scooters that look similar to gasoline-powered mopeds. Generally, these vehicles have a leg shield to conceal their electrical mechanism and offer ample storage space to keep helmets under the seat or in the leg shield. Some e-mopeds are pedal-assisted to use when the motor runs out.
Electric mopeds are classified into three classes with specific requirements and restrictions for each.
|
E-moped Classes |
Top Speed |
License Required |
Traffic Lane Operation |
|
Class A |
30 - 40 MPH |
Class M/M license |
Operates in any traffic lane |
|
Class B |
20 - 30 MPH |
No specific license required |
Either operated in the right-hand lane or along the shoulder |
|
Class C |
Equal to or less than 20 MPH |
No specific license required |
Either operated in the right-hand lane or along the shoulder |
How Fast Can E-mopeds and E-scooters Go?
E-scooter
Electric scooters reach a top speed of a maximum of 12 to 20 miles per hour. This is the reason that e-scooters do not have shock absorption and are susceptible to potholes, street cracks, etc. In addition, they have comparatively smaller tires and dimmer rear lights that increase the risk of injury.
E-moped
Electric moped bikes are comparatively faster than e-scooters. As e-mopeds are styled after mopeds, they can generally reach up to 28 miles per hour (roughly around 45 km/h). And that's why e-mopeds are more open to legal scrutiny. But then, they are packed with safety gear to ensure a smooth ride.
Are there any Licensing Requirements for E-mopeds and E-scooters?
E-scooter
Generally, in the U.S., the minimum age for riding an e-scooter is 16 years. However, some states are pretty liberal. For instance, states like Virginia and Utah have set the age restrictions to 14 years and 15 years, respectively, and Minnesota and Michigan have set the age restrictions to 12 years and above.
Most states require DMV registration for mopeds and motorcycles, but the license requirement for e-scooters varies for each state. E-scooters are more accessible to ride than most other motor vehicles, so they attract fewer restrictions. But some states do require the riders to have a license to use private e-scooters.
E-moped
E-mopeds are subject to registration and licensing requirements due to their high speeds. So the rider must check with the local government for particular details like registration fees, motorcycle license requirements, insurance requirements, and more. Moreover, the riders must be at least 16 years old to ride an electric moped.
The e-moped seat accommodates two people and is comfortable enough with suspension, bigger tires, and wheels. Raiders also get rearview mirrors, indicators to turn on signals, trunk, and stronger lights with a higher position.
E-moped and E-scooter In a Nutshell
After a comprehensive debate on e-mopeds Vs. e-scooters, let's summarize their differences for a quick glance for informed decision-making when buying an electric vehicle.
|
Electric Vehicle |
E-moped |
E-scooter |
|
Average Speed |
30 MPH |
15 MPH |
|
Average Weight |
200 - 300 pounds |
15 - 30 pounds |
|
Seat |
Yes |
No |
|
Pedal Requirement |
No |
No |
|
License Requirement |
Yes (a driver’s license is required) |
Yes/No (varies with states) |
|
Registration Requirement |
Yes |
No |
Bottom line
E-mopeds and e-scooters have flourished in the transportation industry for safer, pollution-free, and comfortable commutes and are pleasing kids, teens, hipsters, corporate executives, and others to embrace stylish electric vehicles. We have discussed a thorough comparison of both electric vehicles to give you a clear insight into their designs, speed, license requirements, and more. Now the choice rests in your hands to go for either of them. But we advise you to wear a helmet and pack your safety gear before riding on one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can e-mopeds and electric scooters be used for long-distance travel?
E-mopeds and e-scooters can be used for long-distance travel. But electric scooters have smaller tires that can result in jerks and harsh vibrations at high speeds and patchy terrains while traveling long distances. And as most e-scooters have an average top speed of 25-30 km, they are ideal only for short trips.
On the contrary, e-mopeds are an ideal option for long travels as they have a seat attachment and greater comfort. Once charged, they can travel around 80-90 miles hassle-free.
Are e-mopeds and electric scooters allowed on bike lanes or roads?
E-scooters are allowed to be ridden in bike lanes and streets with a limit (speed) of less than 30 MPH. Similarly, if a bike lane is available in a specific state, moped operators can travel in one being mindful of the speed limits. However, be careful not to ride the e-moped on sidewalks and park in bicycle areas only.
Can e-mopeds and electric scooters handle inclines or hilly terrains?
E-scooters can easily climb an incline of about 10-15 degrees and up to 20 degrees (more powerful ones), but the incline also depends on the rider's weight. On the other hand, e-moped stability on hilly terrains depends on their design and build. While a lightweight e-moped will not be able to handle hilly terrains, the ones constructed sturdily will offer a poor range.
Are there age restrictions for operating e-mopeds and electric scooters?
The age limits for electric scooters vary with the local state laws and range between 11 and 18 years. At the same time, electric moped riders should be at least 16 years old and above.
