Deciding between an electric bike and an electric scooter can feel extremely tricky as it isn’t about which one is better—it’s about what fits your lifestyle, needs, and budget. Both these options have a lot to offer, but they serve slightly different purposes, and you’ve to pick one based on your needs.
Is zooming through traffic easily your main priority, or do you prefer a ride that offers a bit of exercise along the way? Also, do you value portability, or is maximum comfort what you’re looking for? These little details make a big difference when you’re deciding between electric bikes and scooters.
To help you figure it out, we’ve compared the two electric vehicles below and discussed the pros and cons of each one.
Quick Overview of Electric Bikes Vs Electric Scooters
Feature |
Electric Bikes |
Electric Scooters |
Speed |
Generally faster, up to 28 mph (45 km/h) on average |
Slightly slower, up to 20 mph (32 km/h) on average |
Range |
Longer range, typically 40-100 miles |
Shorter range, around 15-40 miles |
Portability |
Less portable |
Highly portable |
Comfort |
More comfortable for long rides |
Better for short commutes or quick trips |
Terrain Suitability |
Handles various terrains well. |
Best for flat, smooth surfaces |
Price |
Higher, €1200-€1500. |
More affordable, €500-€1000. |
Learning Curve |
Easy to learn. |
Easy to learn. |
Safety |
Larger wheels and safer on uneven surfaces. |
Smaller wheels and less stable on rough terrain. |
Storage |
Requires more space for storage. |
Compact; easy to store in small spaces. |
Eco-friendliness |
Both are eco-friendly and reduce emissions. |
Both are eco-friendly and reduce emissions. |
Electric Scooter vs Electric Bikes: A Detailed Comparison
Now, let’s dive into a detailed comparison between electric scooters and e-bikes and cover everything from portability and ride quality to safety and cost. This breakdown will help you figure out which one suits your needs best.
Learning Curve
If we talk about learning how to ride e-bikes and e-scooters, you’ll find that both of them are easy to pick up and use but in slightly different ways.
E-bikes have the advantage of being familiar. If you’ve ever ridden a regular bike—and let’s face it, most of us have—you’re already 90% there. The motions feel like second nature: balancing, pedalling, and leaning into turns. The only new things are throttle control and electric motor assist, which don’t take long to figure out. It’s like riding a bike but having a little extra power that makes the ride even smoother.
Electric scooters, on the other hand, might feel unfamiliar at first, but don’t let that intimidate you. The learning curve is surprisingly quick. All you have to do is stand on the platform, grab the handlebars, press the throttle, and control your speed. Sure, the first few minutes might feel a bit shaky, but by the time you hit the ten-minute mark, most people will start confidently cruising around like pros.
So, both of those electric vehicles have a quick learning curve, and you’ll become a pro rider in no time!
Portability
One of the biggest differences between electric scooters and bikes becomes clear when you need to carry them or fit them into tight spaces—and scooters definitely are the better option here.
An average electric scooter weighs around 20 to 70 pounds, and most models also fold up easily. So, it’s super easy to carry them upstairs or place them in a car trunk. For example, the UNAGI Voyager weighs just 29.6 pounds and folds down to a compact size of 37.8” (L) x 16.5” (W) x 15” (H). You can conveniently handle and store them.
Electric bikes, on the other hand, typically weigh between 50 and 75 pounds. Unless you invest in a folding model, they, unfortunately, stay full bike-sized, which can make them a bit challenging to carry or store. Even foldable e-bikes aren’t as lightweight or portable as scooters.
So, the final verdict is that if you live in a city, use public transport, or need a vehicle that you can easily carry into your apartment, electric scooters are the more practical choice. Alternatively, electric bikes are better for those who have a garage or don’t need to move their vehicle around often.
Multi-Modal Integration
How well these vehicles fit into your overall transportation routine is another factor you’ll need to consider, and we think electric scooters once again take the lead here.
Scooters are incredibly easy to integrate with public transit. Their lightweight design and foldability make them easy to carry onto buses or trains without much hassle.
Electric bikes, which are fantastic for standalone trips, are a bit trickier in this area. Their larger size makes it harder for them to take public transport unless your bus has a rack or there’s space on the train. However, e-bikes work wonderfully with personal cars since you can mount them on standard bike racks. Plus, their longer range often means you won’t need to combine them with other transport modes as much.
To sum it up, if public transport is part of your daily commute, go for electric scooters, as their portability makes them perfect for hopping on and off buses or trains. Meanwhile, e-bikes are better suited for longer standalone rides or pairing with your personal car.
Comfort And Ride Quality
Now, let’s discuss comfort and ride quality, but this isn’t as simple as choosing between sitting and standing, and there’s a lot more you’ll need to consider.
E-bikes come with seats, which may feel more familiar and comfortable for most riders, especially on longer trips. However, even with well-padded bike seats, prolonged rides can become uncomfortable. That’s why e-bike riders often stand up occasionally to relieve the pressure.
Some electric scooters come with seats, and while they add a level of comfort similar to e-bikes, the smaller dimensions can make the setup feel a bit cramped. For most e-scooters without seats, standing might seem tiring at first, but it actually allows for more flexibility. You can shift your weight, adjust your stance, and move naturally as you ride. That said, standing for extended periods can still become uncomfortable, especially on longer trips.
Wheel size also plays a big role in determining your vehicle’s comfort. E-bikes typically have larger wheels—20 inches or more—which handle bumps and uneven roads more smoothly. In contrast, most e-scooters have smaller wheels, usually 8 to 11 inches, which can make every crack and bump in the pavement more noticeable. Some high-end scooters come equipped with large pneumatic tyres and suspension systems to improve comfort, but these features often add weight and bulk and make the scooter less portable. For example, lightweight models like the Unagi Model One, which weighs under 30 pounds, are designed for smooth rides on level pavement without sacrificing portability.
If you’re making a short trip that’s under 2 miles, you’ll find that e-scooters perform wonderfully. They’re easy to ride, and you don’t have to pedal or worry about your pants getting caught in chains. For medium distances (2-5 miles), it really comes down to your personal preferences and demands. But for longer trips, we highly recommend electric bikes as they have a more ergonomic design, larger wheels, and better shock absorption.
Range and Charging
Most electric scooters offer a range between 15 to 30 miles per charge. And, if you’re willing to spend more, you can even get long-range commuter scooters that can go over 50 miles. Electric bikes also deliver a similar range, but they have one major advantage over the scooters—when their battery dies, you can keep pedalling for as long as you want! Essentially, your range is only limited by how far your legs can take you. In contrast, once an E-scooter’s battery dies, you’re left with a manual kick scooter, which isn’t great for longer commutes.
E-bikes also tend to have removable batteries, so charging them is more convenient. You can easily bring the battery inside to charge it without moving the entire bike. Alternatively, e-scooters typically require you to take the whole scooter to an outlet. While this isn’t a major hassle, it’s not as convenient as just removing a battery.
Maneuverability and Parking
Electric scooters have slim designs that allow them to slip between cars and easily navigate narrow bike paths or make quick direction changes.
As for E-bikes, they require more room as they’re wider, heavier, and have a larger turning radius, which makes sharp direction changes trickier in congested areas.
And, when it comes to parking, scooters are better again. It’s easy to tuck them into corners, slide them under desks, or fit them into tight spaces. Since e-bikes need more space, they often require proper bike racks or wall space.
Maintenance
Electric bikes have chains, gears and other components that need regular upkeep. Fortunately, most of these are standard parts, so you can get repairs done easily at any bike shop. Plus, since they share mechanics with traditional bikes, you won’t have trouble finding service options or replacement parts.
However, e-scooters have simpler designs and fewer moving parts that require less day-to-day maintenance. But there’s a catch; if a proprietary component breaks, it becomes very tricky to make repairs. And, since not every shop has the skills to deal with scooter-specific issues, you may have to contact the manufacturer or a specialist.
Storage Capacity
If you need a personal electric vehicle to carry groceries or other items, you should opt for e-bikes. You can add baskets or rear racks to them, and you have plenty of room to keep your essentials.
On the flip side, e-scooters have limited storage as you can only add options like a small bag attached to the handlebar or a backpack. You can probably make some modifications to increase their carrying capacity, but they simply aren’t designed for hauling larger loads.
Cost
As for the cost, e-scooters win here, too, as they are more affordable. You can get great options under €1000. But, e-bikes are more expensive as their prices normally start at €1200-€1300. And, if you opt for a higher-end model, this price tag can go much higher!
Performance
Versatility is what electric bikes are all about. They can handle all kinds of trails, including trails and rough roads, easily. You can also pedal while the motor is running to add more power and ride comfortably in hilly areas.
Meanwhile, electric scooters are best for flat urban settings. Their performance depends on their motor power and battery size. Moreover, you should also keep in mind that scooter pricing works like the “sports car model”. You have to pay more to get more power and speed. For example, entry-level scooters cost approximately €500, and they usually have a 15 mph top speed. But, if you spend around €1500-€2000, you can get a scooter that can reach 40 mph or more speeds.
E-bikes, on the other hand, follow a different pattern. Across various price points, their core performance remains relatively consistent. What changes are the quality of components, the battery capacity, and the riding experience? Higher-priced e-bikes often feature larger motors and batteries, which makes them better for challenging terrain like steep hills.
Fun Factor
Electric scooters give you an immediate thrill that’s hard to describe until you’ve tried it. Standing upright while you whizz through the streets provides almost the same adrenaline rush as surfing or snowboarding!
E-bikes, while definitely enjoyable, tend to focus more on practicality. They’re great for efficiently getting you from point A to point B, but they don’t quite capture that same free-spirited sense of exhilaration.
Safety Considerations
E-bikes offer a safer position on the road. They elevate you to about the same height as a motorcycle and make you more visible to cars. Most e-bikes also come equipped with better lighting systems and reflective surfaces to maximise safety.
Electric scooters, although they’re equipped with lighting and reflectors too, naturally have a lower profile. Being closer to the ground and having smaller frames makes it harder for drivers to notice, especially in blind spots. You can improve visibility by wearing reflective clothing or adding extra lights, but the smaller size remains a disadvantage in traffic.
Legal Framework
E-bikes usually fall under well-defined regulations as they’re grouped with traditional bicycle laws. This clarity makes it easier to know where and how you can ride them legally.
Electric scooters, on the other hand, often operate in a legal grey area. While this can mean more freedom, it can also create more uncertainty. Some cities are extremely lenient with scooters, while others ban them altogether or impose strict limitations. This variability can make it challenging to navigate the rules, especially in areas where regulations are still evolving.
Electric Scooter vs. Electric Bike: What’s the Right Choice for You?
When it comes to deciding between an electric scooter and an e-bike, it all boils down to what works best for your lifestyle. Let’s break it down so you can figure out what fits your needs perfectly.
Why Pick an Electric Scooter?
Go for an e-scooter if:
- Portability is a top priority for you as scooters are easy to carry and store.
- You live in a small apartment or have limited space for storage.
- You want something that you can easily carry on public transport.
- You’re on a strict budget and need an affordable entry-level pick.
- You value fun and quick manoeuvrability more than heavy-duty features.
- You don’t need to carry a lot of things in your vehicle.
- You primarily ride on smooth and paved streets.
Why Choose an Electric Bike?
An e-bike might be your best bet if:
- You often need to carry groceries, gear, or other cargo.
- You like having the option to pedal, whether for exercise or as a backup.
- You deal with hills or rougher terrains regularly.
- You want more stability and all-weather riding capabilities.
- You prefer something versatile that can handle longer distances.
- You’re okay with a bit more maintenance due to its extra parts.
The Final Verdict
Forget about all the specs and stats for a moment, and think about your daily routine to figure out what works for you. The “better” option on paper might not necessarily be the best fit for your life. The key is finding something that fits effortlessly into how you live.
At the end of the day, it’s not about which one is technically superior—it’s about what makes your commute or leisure rides more enjoyable and practical. Sometimes, the simpler choice is the one that truly clicks with your lifestyle.