Considering the way fuel rates are skyrocketing, most consumers are looking at the other logistic options. If you are one of them, electric two-wheelers are your best bet. They are not only pollution-free but also pocket-friendly. Let us look at electric cycles, electric scooters, and electric bikes. When you understand their qualities and advantages, it makes it easier to make an informed choice.
Between electric bicycles, electric scooters, or electric motorcycles, most people are baffled by the difference. Invariably, they each differ in mileage, cost, maintenance, traffic laws, etc. But first, let us look at the descriptions of each and then the advantages and differences. Whatever you choose in terms of micro-mobility, you have a win-win for both you and the earth.
Let us start with definitions.
What is an electric bicycle?
Electric bicycles are supported by battery power and run by pedaling. They may also have a throttle. When you use the pedals, a small battery-powered motor boosts the speed. You can rev up higher altitudes and smoothly cross hard turf without losing momentum or gas. They are better than regular bicycles because you can control the pace and yet accelerate as you will. While rules may vary along with regulations, the rule of thumb is that an electric bicycle has mostly the same rules as a regular bicycle.
What is an electric scooter?
An electric scooter is a personal vehicle powered by an electric motor, skilled in revving up without using a pedal. It has a floorboard, propellant handlebars, spacious legroom between the T-shaped handle and front seat. The e-scooter is an easy-to-use, medium-speed vehicle.
Mopeds Vs. scooters
On the other hand, we also have electric mopeds that look similar to an electric scooter. An electric moped is a two-wheeler hybrid of both motor and pedals. Whereas, electric scooters have no pedals and are electrically charged plug-in vehicles.
What is an electric motorcycle?
Usually, electric motorcycles resemble conventional motorcycles. However, they have compact engines that operate on battery power. It was in 1974 that Corbin-Gentry Inc. launched the first street-legal electric motorcycle. Later in 1978, the electric Harley Davidson MK2 was designed by Transitron in Honolulu, Hawaii. Compared with other electric two-wheelers, e-motorcycles are faster, bigger, and have a kick starter. They also don’t have pedals.
Major Difference between Electric Bicycles, Electric Scooters, and Electric Motorcycles
Speed
- Electric bicycles can run at a top speed of up to 25kmph on the electric assist mode. They can also run like a conventional bicycle by pedaling when the power assist is off.
- Electric scooters can run at a top speed between 25kmph to 75kmph, depending on the model. New technological innovations in motor and battery have boosted the speed.
iii. An electric motorcycle operates at a top speed of 60 to 140 kmph. The Ultraviolette F77, Automotive’s first electric premium motorcycle, is all set to launch in 2022. It will be the fastest electric motorcycle in India. The claimed top speed of Ultraviolette F77 is 147 kmph.
Cost-Effectiveness
Budget is a crucial factor when deciding what to buy. If you need speed, affordability, and horsepower to haul things around, choose an electric two-wheeler. Then again, investing in an electric vehicle essentially depends on your funds and logistic needs. Having said that, electric bicycles are usually cheaper than electric scooters, and electric motorcycles are more expensive than electric scooters.
- Electric bicycles are pretty reasonably priced between INR 15,000 to INR 75,000.
- The best electric scooters are in the price range of INR. 63,000 to 1.5 Lakh
- The top electric motorcycle brands in India costs between INR 65000 to 3 lakh.
Mileage
If you are buying an electric vehicle, the most critical aspect to consider is the range. Most consumers are cautious in buying an EV. You want the one that runs for miles, with battery longevity and minimal charging time.
The range usually depends on factors like the rider load, vehicle weight, the size of the battery, and the minimum speed at which the user rides. The range of electric vehicles is usually between 50-100 km on a single charge before running out of juice.
Luckily, many electric two-wheelers offer an impressive range. Well, here you have some of the best EVs. So choose from these options of electric bicycles, electric scooters, or electric motorcycles that run many kilometers before needing a charge.
- Hero Lectro C3 Electric Bicycle range 30 km/charge
- Essel Energy GET 7 Electric Bicycle range 70 – 80 km/charge
- Toutche Heileo M200 Electric Bicycle range 75 km/charge
- EMotorad T-Rex Electric Bicycle range 35 km/charge
- SVITCH XE+ Electric Bicycle range 80 km/charge
- Hero Electric Atria Electric Scooter 85 Km/charge
- Hero Electric Flash Electric Scooter 85 km/charge
- Hero Electric Optima HX Electric Scooter 85 km/charge
- Okinawa ipraise+ Electric Scooter 139 km/charge
- Pure EV Electric Scooter 80 km/charge
- Revolt RV400 Electric Motorcycle 150 km/Charge
- Revolt RV300 Electric Motorcycle 180 km/charge
- One Electric Motorcycles Kridn 110 km/charge
- ULTRAVIOLETTE F77 Electric Motorcycle 130-150 km/charge
- Odysse EVOQIS Electric Motorcycle 140 km/charge
Maintenance and ecological value
Electric vehicles can support you in financial savings. Whether fuel, tolls, insurance, or maintenance, with EVs, you save. Still, when you shop for an EV, make sure you consider all the parameters.
Electric bicycles and electric scooters/motorcycles have unique features; they are valuable for their use and inexpensive travel. It means no money wasted on gas, zero to minimal carbon emissions, and little noise pollution. Also, do remember, electric scooters and motorcycles usually make use of acid batteries or lithium-ion. Most brands have a warranty for the battery and are also far cheaper to purchase if required. Nevertheless, these batteries are weighty, and your EV can be hard to tug around without a running motor. Therefore, if your battery dies while you are out traveling, you must push your ride home or get a hitch back. Whereas, an electric cycle can still get you to pedal to your destination, albeit with lesser speed and throttle.
Convenience and safety
It is always advisable to wear helmets for your own safety. Talking about riding in comfort, electric scooters and electric motorcycles have the benefit of comfortable seating for you and the passenger. Wheres, electric bicycles while offering comfort, are not built for pillion riding. Still, all three types of electric vehicles come equipped with suspension systems built for bumpy roads.
Scooters, motorcycles, and bicycles are easier to park and can be effortlessly moved indoors. On occasion, if you need to store them in your apartment, that’s easy too. Bicycles and scooters are especially compact, most are pretty lightweight. Many scooters can also be folded if you have to store them. They are also easy to transfer and move as they can conveniently be transported via a freight train or truck.
When it comes to safety, most motorcycles and scooters come with bigger tires that offer a solid grip on the highway. While many electric mountain bicycles are lightweight and perfect for hiking on rough trails and mountains.
EVs you can ride without a License
The most important factor you should note about your electric bicycles and electric scooters/motorcycles is the kinds. There are two types of EVs based on their motor power, they are high-powered EVs and low-powered EVs. The low-powered electric bicycles, scooters, and motorcycles have a 250-watt motor and can run at a capped speed of 25 kmph. These low-powered EVs can be used without a license.
Luckily, we have some electric two-wheelers in India that to a certain extent can provide mileage and affordability. Below, we give you a list of some of the best EVs that you can ride without a license.
Okinawa Lite – Electric Scooter (₹66,993)
This EV is powered by a waterproof 250 watt DC motor. It offers a constant range of 60 km/charge with a curb weight of 150 Kg.
Joy E-Bike Monster -Electric Motorcycle (₹ 1,01,055)
This battery-powered bike from Joy E-Bike uses a 250KW hub motor with a lithium-ion battery pack that delivers a range of 75 km/charge. It has a light curb weight of 75 kg.
Ampere Reo Elite- Electric Scooter ( ₹42,999 – 59,990)
Then we have the Ampere Reo Elite EV that is powered by a 250-watt BLDC hub motor with a top speed of 25 kmph. It offers lead-acid and lithium-ion battery alternatives. Reo Elite EV allows a claimed range of 60 kmph/full charge.
Hero Electric Optima E5- Electric Scooter (₹ 66,551)
The Optima E5 is powered by a 250 Watt hub DC electric motor with a lithium-ion battery. The top speed on offer is 25 kmph. It delivers an excellent mileage of 65 km/ charge. Indeed it is also noticeably lightweight at 68 kg. The Hero Electric Optima E5 comes with a battery pack available in either lithium-ion or a lead-acid.
Hero Electric Flash E2 – Electric Scooter (₹ 46,640 – 56,940)
The Hero Electric Flash E2 is a value for money, lithium-ion battery-powered EV. It features a 250-watt hub-mounted electric motor with a lithium-ion battery. The Flash E2 operates with a top speed of 25 kmph and measures a kerb weight of only 69 kg. It runs for a minimum of 65 km/charge.
Okinawa R30 – Electric Scooter (₹ 58,992)
Then we have the electric scooter Okinawa R30 that has a 250-watt electric motor with a lithium-ion battery pack. It has the ability to run at a top speed of 30 kmph. It can also offer a range of 60 km/charge.
Lohia Oma Star Li – Electric Scooter (₹ 51,750)
There is also the readily available Lohia Oma Star Li. This EV is powered by a 250-watt hub motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. It offers a range of 60km/charge.
Final Countdown
This ends our expeditious comparison of personal EVs. Do examine what you want whether an electric bicycle, an electric scooter, or an electric motorcycle, We do hope you find all the information you need to pick the best one that suits your budget and needs. As noted, the choice can ride on a number of factors. Your electric vehicle is intended to meet your individual demand. Whether that requirement is resources, comfort, or maintenance, depends on you.
