You might have heard a discussion regarding an electric scooter vs petrol scooter. If you are also thinking about the same and finding it hard to decide what to purchase, this article will surely help you.
Electric scooters are one of the coolest innovations of the modern era. Many of us were not much familiar with them about two decades ago, but they are now an integral part of the short-distance commutation system. They have replaced regular fueled bikes to some extent, but not entirely at all.
E-scooters have some legal issues in several countries. They are not allowed in public places in many parts of the world. However, efforts are being made in many countries for their legalization.
As far as petrol scooters are concerned, they have been around for ages. They are still having a strong presence across the globe and do not seem to be out of the market, at least in the near future.
So what is a better choice for you? This question is in the minds of thousands around the world. Therefore, electric scooter vs petrol scooter is one of the hottest topics these days and needs attention.
Keep in mind that both these commuters have their advantages. On the other hand, they are not without their flaws.
Petrol scooters are generally more powerful, run much faster, and are suitable for long-distance travel. On the other hand, e-scooters are usually cheaper, portable, and contribute less to air pollution.
So what does a comparison between electric scooters vs petrol scooters say? The following table featuring the pluses and minuses of both says it all.
Electric Scooter
Petrol Scooter
Electric Scooter vs Petrol Scooter: 6 Reasons to Prefer an Electric Scooter
Despite a few of their drawbacks, electric scooters are getting more and more popular for all the right reasons. We have analyzed both of these types of scooters and found out that buying and preferring an e-scooter over a petrol scooter is justified in many ways.
So let’s talk about these reasons in detail.
1. Fuel Saving
One of the handiest benefits the electric scooters offer is that they can save you hundreds of bucks you might need to spend while having a petrol transporter.
Electric scooters run on DC batteries. You need to replace them once they complete their life. Modern lithium-ion batteries are pretty long-lasting, provided you charge them as per the manufacturer’s instructions. So in e-scooters, overall expenditures are far less than that may incur for fueling a conventional petrol scooter.
This petrol conservation is not only beneficial to individuals but can also be helpful for the country’s economy. A large number of countries around the world are oil importers. Let us take the example of the United States. The net crude oil import by the US in 2019 was 0.67 million barrels per day, as stated by US Energy Information Administration (EIA). Although the country’s oil exports exceeded imports for the first time in 2020, experts believe it won’t be the case again in 2021 and 2022.
In this context, the adaptation of electric vehicles can be highly supportive not only to yourself but also to your country’s economy.
2. Affordability
Electric scooters have the upper hand here too. They are usually, but not every time, more budget-friendly as compared to regular fuel scooters.
The price of e-scooters starts from about $150, and riders can buy an affordable electric scooter for under 1000 Dollars. The price range of some high-end models indeed reaches up to $3000, but they are few and far between and might not be desirable for many.
However, you may need to invest a minimum of around $500 for a conventional fuel scooter, and the price will get higher and higher with engine power.
3. Portability
Portability also kicks in when discussing the electric scooter vs petrol scooter. The scooters of the former type are much lighter and usually weigh from 20 to 35 lbs. So they are much easier to handle.
Moreover, most of the e-scooters have a foldable design. Many among them can be folded in a single step. So the combination of lightweight and foldability makes carrying and storing the scooter highly convenient for you. You won’t need a garage or parking space, and can easily keep them somewhere in your room or store.
4. Convenience
Another benefit e-scooters carry is that you do not need to visit any fuel station for filling. All you need to do is charge the battery at home. You can undertake your ride immediately after charging.
But on the flip side, things can be problematic if your device is not charged enough, and you need to commute urgently. So you need to be much careful about that.
5. Beginner-Friendliness
This factor can be significant for all newbies. Most electric scooters are beginner-friendly in the sense that their top speed is much lower than petrol scooters.
Speed is undoubtedly the most crucial factor from a safety point of view. Most e-scooters have a maximum speed of below 20 mph, although a few exceptions are there. This speed is safe enough for beginners and kids to learn how to ride. Another good thing is that many speedy scooters have beginner modes, which you can set to ensure a low and safe speed.
6. Less Air Pollution
Unlike any petrol vehicle, electric scooters do not emit carbon dioxide fumes, and therefore their contribution to air pollution is much less.
On average, an electric scooter discharges about 200 grams of CO2 per mile. Whereas the same is around 400 grams for a regular fuel car.
Unfortunately, e-scooters are still not that popular in many countries where air pollution is a huge problem.
However, all this does not mean that e-scooters are perfectly environment-friendly. Studies indicate that they emit a significant amount of carbon during manufacturing and charging. Like every electronic device, their carbon emission increases rapidly after a certain period. It is, therefore, better to discard them once they complete their recommended life.
Electric Scooter vs Petrol Scooter – Conclusion
In short, e-scooters are taking over the scooter industry slowly and steadily after coming into the limelight. Although they are not a perfect alternative to fuel scooters yet, they still offer enough benefits to make them worth your money.
One can anticipate that e-scooters will become an inevitable part of the transportation industry with the passage of time and technological evolution.
The reasons elaborated above to opt for an electric scooter may be good enough for many passionate riders to make a decision.
If you have any questions in your mind, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section below. You are also welcome to contact us at any time.
Salman Ali is basically an engineer. He got a keen interest in outdoor recreation vehicles during his professional life, which led him to be a passionate writer on this subject. He has been in this field for around three years and founded his website Outdoor Champs in 2020. More about Salman