Electric bike or electric scooter for daily commuting?

It's time for micromobility! Faster, easier and more ecological to get around, electric bikes and scooters have a lot of advantages. Being stuck in traffic jams will become a distant memory!

There are a number of factors to consider when making your choice. These include portability, comfort and autonomy. Can you get an electric bike into your studio? Can you carry one up the stairs of your building without an elevator? So many factors not to be overlooked! So, do you prefer an electric bike or an electric scooter? Let's find out!

Which one is the fastest? It's a tie! Electric bikes and electric scooters generally have similar speeds. However, if you're used to riding in heavy traffic or on congested city streets, speed may not be your main concern.

Please note that the speed limit for e-bikes is 25 km/h. If you come across an electric bike on the road, it's probably a speed-bike, a moped-type vehicle (45 km/h, helmet, gloves and license plate compulsory, not allowed on cycle paths).

As for electric scooters, most of them run at about 25 km/h, others are power monsters that can reach a top speed of 80 km/h. Needless to say, they are expensive, dangerous, massive, and officially banned, or rather unlicensed.

Electric bikes and electric scooters are both a great way to get around town. However, there are some key differences between the two. The most obvious is range: an electric bike can travel up to 100 km on a single charge, while an electric scooter typically has a range of only about 20 km.

That said, electric scooters are relatively easy to transport. This makes battery life less of a concern for commuters who can plug them in at the office to recharge.

If you need to travel long distances, an electric bike is the best option. If your trip is less than 20 km, an electric scooter will do just fine.

Not surprisingly, electric scooters are much easier to transport and store than electric bikes. They don't take up much space and are foldable, which is very handy if you live in an apartment without an elevator. Or if you have to use public transportation regularly. It's also useful if you can't park your bike in front of the office.

An electric scooter generally weighs between 10 and 15 kg. On the other hand, few electric bikes weigh less than 20 kg and only a handful of light (and very expensive) electric bikes manage to weigh less than 15 kg.

When it comes to comfort, the electric bike definitely takes the cake. 🏆It has a comfortable seat and handlebars, making it easy to ride long distances. You can use it just about anywhere, even on the trails!

Most electric bikes have large frames and tires to support the weight of the battery and motor. Electric and hybrid MTB bikes are equipped with suspension systems, which are just as useful on bumpy, potholed urban roads as they are on trails.

That's not to say that electric scooters are uncomfortable. Many models even come with large tires and suspension systems, but this makes them harder to fold and carry. For most commuters, these additions work against one of the scooter's main selling points: convenience.

Of course, standing on a scooter will never be as comfortable and relaxing as sitting on an electric bike.

You may be one of those people who worry about leaving their bike unattended in front of the office, at the train station or simply at the bottom of a building!

Indeed, bicycles, and even more so electric bikes, are at high risk of theft. As you can imagine, the resale price is high. That's why you need to invest in a good bike lock and take out insurance. It would be a shame to have it stolen! EABs also require much more maintenance than electric scooters.

As for the scooters, they can be taken everywhere, which avoids leaving them outside.

Electric bikes are heavier and more stable than electric scooters. Their structure is designed to support your weight, which avoids the risk of falling and slipping. Not to mention that the wheels of the bike absorb the many irregularities of the road.

Electric scooters are a different story. They can be easily knocked off balance, and even the smallest pothole on the road can get you into trouble. This is one of the main causes of accidents.

Scooterists are also less visible to drivers than cyclists, which increases the risk of an accident. On the other hand, if you do fall, the standing position allows you to land more easily on your feet.

Finally, indicating your direction by raising your arm when you want to turn is much more dangerous on a scooter than on a bike!

If you are looking for something safe and secure, the electric bike will be your best ally!

We know that on the road, the quality of braking is important!

Again, the braking of the EAB is very efficient thanks to its large wheels. The brake pads of the bike are far from the wheel axis, which allows an efficient braking. You won't need much force to stop your bike.

Electric scooters usually have 2 brakes: one on the handlebars, the other on the wheel. They take longer than bicycles to stop when they hit an obstacle, which can be dangerous when you ride in built-up areas.

That a bicycle can stand the test of time is one of its main advantages. Many bikes have survived the decades without a single wrinkle.

How to explain it? There are standards for EAB parts. Several years after purchase, they can be repaired without any problem. They (almost) never go out of style!

As far as scooters are concerned, each manufacturer has its own standards. How to change the parts in case of breakage if the manufacturer does not exist anymore? Do you have to change everything? Do you have to buy a new one? Will it be possible to make repairs in a few years? Nothing is sure...

Electric bike and scooter batteries last between 2 and 5 years, depending on your usage. Most are made of lithium-ion with an estimated life of 500 full charge cycles. This means you can travel thousands of miles!

On the whole, electric bikes are more expensive. For an electric scooter, you can expect to pay between €400 and €1000 on average (although there are many more expensive models available). Electric bikes are more expensive, with the average price for a city bike ranging from €1,500 to €3,000.

The most economical option is definitely the electric scooter! One of the most popular is the Xiaomi M365, which is very good value for money. For less than 500€, it includes: a 30 km autonomy, a 25 km/h speed, a 250 watts motor, an eABS system, a Led headlight or an ultra simple folding system.

As you've seen, electric bikes and scooters each have their advantages and disadvantages. But which is the best choice for you? That really depends on the nature of your commute.

Electric bikes are more cost effective in the long run. They are powered by the motor but also by pedaling, while electric scooters are powered only by electricity and constantly require battery power (which will eventually need to be replaced).

If you intend to use them to run errands or take your kids to school, an electric bike is the best choice. It has many options: large luggage rack, extra seats, a large cargo capacity... If you want to exercise during your ride, a light EV will suit you better. Finally, if your ideal mode of transportation is to weave through traffic, travel light and have the ability to easily board a bus, train or subway, an electric scooter is the way to go.

In short! Need something that fits in the trunk of your car and doesn't break the bank? Go for an electric scooter! Want to make some physical effort and ride for long distances? Get an electric bike! You have the means? Adopt both!

• Portable, some are even foldable
• Faster than electric scooters
• Can be used without battery
• An important autonomy
• Stability on the road
• Comfortable and easy to use

• A high purchase price
• Does not fit in the trunk of a car, quite bulky
• A significant weight, between 15 and 30 kg

To drive an electric scooter, you must be 14 years old and have the BSR (now called AM). If the machine exceeds 25 km/h, you must be 18 years old.

A driver's license, registration or insurance are not required to drive an electric scooter. However, there are laws that limit where you can use them and how much power the motors can have. For example, they are not allowed on sidewalks unless the mayor allows it or the motor is turned off. In case of violation, you are liable to a fine of 135€. 

Regardless of the protection rating of your electric scooter, it is not recommended to use it in the rain, especially during heavy downpours. Electrical components such as the battery should never be completely immersed in water.