What Are the Pros and Cons of E-scooters Compared to a Non-Electric One?

In the busy urban traffic arena, electric and non-electric scooters have become popular choices for commuters and leisure riders. While both offer a convenient and environmentally friendly way to navigate city streets, they each have a unique set of advantages and disadvantages that cater to different preferences and needs.

Understanding these distinctions is essential to making an informed decision when choosing your two-wheeled companion.

1. Electric Scooters: A Convenient Ride

Electric scooters have taken the world by storm, attracting riders with their easy handling and impressive range. These stylish machines are battery-powered and propel riders forward with minimal effort, making them ideal for covering longer distances or tackling hilly terrain.

The electric motor does all the hard work, allowing riders to glide smoothly and efficiently, typically at speeds of 15-25 miles per hour. For example, the Superfun brand Electric Scooter can typically reach speeds of 19 miles per hour.

1.1 Advantages of Electric Scooters:

• Easy Ride:

  Electric scooters are equipped with electric motors and do not need to rely on pedaling to provide power like traditional scooters, making them easier to ride, even for the elderly or those with poor physical strength.
  
  According to a study by the University of California, Berkeley, the average heart rate and energy consumption of electric scooter riders are 20%-30% lower than those riding bicycles, which is a boon for those with limited mobility.
  
  

• Extended Range:

  Electric scooters can travel 15-20 miles on a single charge, and high-performance electric scooters can travel up to 30-40 miles. In contrast, the average range of ordinary bicycles is only 5-10 miles.
  
  For people who need to commute or travel long distances, electric scooters can easily meet their needs. For example, for food delivery workers, electric scooters can help them improve their delivery efficiency and travel about 80 kilometers a day.
  
  
  

• Conquer the slope:

  The motor power of electric scooters is generally between 250W-750W, and can easily climb 10-20 degrees. For those who live in hilly or mountainous areas, electric scooters can easily solve the problem of climbing.
  
  For example, a student living in San Francisco needs to ride to and from school every day. Because there are many steep slopes on the road, he used to ride a bicycle and it was very laborious. Later, he switched to an electric scooter and easily solved this problem.
  
  

• Environmentally friendly travel:

  Electric scooters are zero-emission means of transportation and do not produce any exhaust pollution. Studies have shown that electric scooters have 90% lower carbon emissions than cars and 70% lower than motorcycles.
  
  If traditional fuel vehicles are replaced with electric scooters, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions can be significantly reduced. For example, the EPA estimates that if all U.S. commuters switched to electric scooters, carbon emissions could be reduced by about 100 million tons per year.
  
  

• Equipped with lighting systems:

  Many electric scooters are equipped with headlights and taillights to increase rider visibility at night or in low-light conditions.

1.2 Disadvantages of Electric Scooters:

• Higher Cost:

  Electric scooters are usually more expensive than traditional scooters. For example, an ordinary electric scooter costs between $300-500, while a high-performance electric scooter can cost more than $1,000.
  
  In contrast, the price of an ordinary traditional scooter is between $50-100. The price of electric scooters can be a barrier for people with limited budgets.
  
  

• Battery Dependence:

  The range of an electric scooter depends on the life of the battery. Generally speaking, electric scooters can travel 15-25 miles on a single charge, and high-performance electric scooters can travel up to 30-40 miles. This means that electric scooters need to be charged regularly, otherwise they will not be able to be used.
  
  Battery dependence can be a problem for those who need to travel long distances. For example, a traveler planned to use an electric scooter to travel around the city, but because the battery range was limited, he had to find a place to charge halfway, which delayed his trip.
  
  
  

• Maintenance Needs:

  Electric scooters require regular maintenance, including charging, checking the battery level and condition, and performing motor repairs when necessary. These maintenance tasks take time and money. Maintaining an electric scooter can be a challenge for those who are not familiar with mechanical repairs.
  
  For example, an electric scooter owner found that his scooter was slowing down, and he didn't know how to fix it, so he had to send it to a repair shop, which cost him a lot of money.
  
  

• Safety hazards:

  Electric scooters are usually heavier than traditional scooters, which makes them more prone to injury in the event of a collision. For example, according to one study, the injury rate of electric scooter riders is 20% higher than that of traditional scooter riders.

Moreover, electric scooters are at risk of motor failure, which may cause a sudden loss of power and cause the rider to fall. In addition, electric scooters are equipped with batteries, which pose a fire hazard. For example, there have been some incidents of electric scooters catching fire in recent years.

2. Scooters: Classic Pedal-Drive Fun

Scooters, also known as push scooters, embody the essence of a simple, enjoyable mode of transportation. Relying solely on human power, these unpowered devices provide a fun and exhilarating workout as they navigate city streets.

Scooters are lightweight, portable, and relatively inexpensive, making them a popular choice for short-distance commuting and recreational riding.

2.1 Advantages of Scooters:

• Affordability:

  Traditional scooters are usually priced much lower than electric scooters. For example, a regular traditional scooter costs between $50-100, while a high-performance traditional scooter can cost up to around $200.
  
  Traditional scooters are a more affordable option for people on a budget. For example, a student who wants to buy a scooter to commute to school chooses a traditional scooter because it is inexpensive and he can afford it.
  
  
  

• Simple Maintenance:

  Traditional scooters require little maintenance, except for occasional lubrication of the bearings and inspection of the wheels. In contrast, electric scooters require regular charging, checking of battery charge and condition, and motor repairs when necessary.
  
  Traditional scooters are easier to maintain for those who are not familiar with mechanical maintenance. For example, a traditional scooter owner finds that his scooter wheels are worn, he can easily replace new wheels without sending the scooter to a repair shop.
  
  

• Portable and Lightweight:

  Traditional scooters are usually made of aluminum alloy or steel, which are lightweight and compact. After folding, they can be easily put into a backpack or suitcase for easy carrying and storage.
  
  This is very convenient for commuters or travelers who need to carry a scooter frequently. For example, an office worker rides a scooter to and from get off work every day, and he chooses a foldable traditional scooter that can be easily brought into the office.
  
  

• Environmentally Friendly:

  Traditional scooters are a zero-emission means of transportation that does not produce any exhaust pollution. Compared with motor vehicles such as cars, motorcycles and electric scooters, traditional scooters can help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
  
  For example, an environmentalist chooses to ride a traditional scooter to travel because he thinks it is a more environmentally friendly way.
  
  

• No Fire Hazard:

  Traditional scooters are not equipped with batteries and do not have fire hazards.
  

2.2 Disadvantages of Scooters:

• Physical Strength Required:

  Traditional scooters rely on pedaling to provide power, so riding requires a certain amount of physical strength. For those with weaker physical strength, riding a traditional scooter may be more laborious, especially for long distances or uphill sections.
  
  For example, an elderly person wanted to use a traditional scooter to commute to get off work, but he found that riding was too tiring and eventually gave up the idea.
  
  

• Short range:

  The range of a traditional scooter depends on the rider's physical strength. Generally speaking, a person can travel 5-10 miles on a traditional scooter. In contrast, an electric scooter can travel 15-20 miles on a single charge, and a high-performance electric scooter can travel up to 30-40 miles.
  
  For people who need to travel long distances, the range of a traditional scooter may not be enough. For example, a traveler planned to travel around the city with a traditional scooter, but he found that he needed to rest every few miles, which greatly reduced his travel efficiency.
  
  

• Slower speed:

  The speed of a traditional scooter depends on the rider's physical strength and pedaling speed. Generally speaking, traditional scooters can reach a maximum speed of 10-15 mph, while electric scooters can reach a maximum speed of 20-30 mph.
  
  For people who need to get to their destination quickly, traditional scooters may not be fast enough. For example, an office worker who needs to rush to work in the morning finds that riding a traditional scooter is too slow and eventually chooses to take public transportation.
  
  

• Long braking distance:

  Traditional scooters rely solely on human braking, with a long braking distance, and may not be able to brake in time in an emergency. Moreover, traditional scooters do not have a speed limit function, and riders may exceed the speed limit, increasing the risk of accidents.
  
  

• Lack of lighting system:

  Many traditional scooters are not equipped with a lighting system, which poses a safety hazard when riding at night or in low light conditions.
  

3.  Some Safety Precautions When Riding a Scooter

• Wear a helmet and other protective gear.
• Obey traffic rules and pay attention to avoid pedestrians and vehicles.
• Use lights or reflective stickers in low light conditions.
• Inspect and maintain the scooter regularly to ensure it is in good condition.
• Do not exceed the speed limit and do not ride on dangerous roads.

In addition, some cities and regions have or are in the process of formulating relevant regulations for electric scooters, such as speed, power and load restrictions. Before riding an electric scooter, you should understand the relevant local regulations.

To checek more Blog posts on "how to ride an electric scooter safely", please click here:

• When Using Electric Scooters, Be Cautious of Safety Risks
• How to Ride and Stay Safe on the Superfun S1-A Collapsible Electric Scooter
• Mastering Safety with the Superfun M2 Urban Scooter
• Superfun S10Pro Electric Scooter with Seat: Unboxing, Features, and Setup

Conclusion: Tailor Your Choice to Your Needs
The choice between electric scooters and kick scooters ultimately comes down to personal preference and riding habits. If you prioritize convenience, longer range, and an easy ride, an electric scooter is a great choice.Here we recommend several electric scooters from SuperFun, including SuperFun S1-A, SuperFun M2, SuperFun S10, and SuperFun S10pro. They have reliable performance and a very high cost-performance ratio.

However, if you’re on a budget, value physical activity, and prefer the simplicity of a classic scooter, a kick scooter might be the perfect choice for you.

Whichever you choose, remember to put safety first, obey local traffic laws, wear proper protective gear, and ride responsibly. With a little consideration and caution, your two-wheeled adventure awaits you, and it will turn your city commute or leisure ride into an exhilarating and enjoyable experience.