Electric scooters and bicycles are two popular means of transportation for short trips. Both are short-distance transportation modes, and they have some similarities, but they differ significantly in terms of speed and power.
Motor power
The speed of an electric scooter depends on the power of its motor, which usually ranges from 250 to 1,000 watts on most consumer models. The higher the wattage, the faster the scooter can go. In contrast, standard e-bikes are usually equipped with motors of 250 to 750 watts. So in general, electric scooters can reach higher top speeds than bicycles due to their more powerful motors.
Speed Limit
However, in many countries and cities, electric scooters are classified as motorized vehicles, so they must follow the same speed limits as other motorized vehicles, typically 15 to 30 mph. Bicycles, on the other hand, can travel much faster on roads and bike lanes in some places. However, most electric bicycles also have certain speed limits for safety reasons. Therefore, when traveling under normal conditions, electric scooters and electric bicycles are essentially equivalent in speed.
Weight and portability
One of the factors that affects speed is the weight of the vehicle. The average weight of an electric scooter is 30 to 40 pounds, while the average weight of an electric bicycle is 45 to 70 pounds. The lighter weight of a scooter requires less energy to accelerate and climb hills. However, under normal road conditions and speed limits, the speed difference is quite small for most recreational riding.
Conclusion
In summary, while some e-scooters have more powerful motors and can reach slightly higher top speeds compared to e-bikes, they are essentially similar in real-world driving due to legal speed limits and safety concerns. For all practical purposes, electric scooters and bicycles can be considered equivalent in terms of speed for local trips and short commutes.