I am going to make my purchase this Wednesday. And a late addition to the fold is an electric scooter.

Now why I am considering an electric scooter, is I live in Vancouver’s downtown east side. It’s basically where hopes and dreams go to die. so It’s not the nicest neighborhood. and I am worried about theft. a scooter would be alot more easily secured. I could basically take it inside with me wherever I go. And it’s alot easier to take it on transit. Plus the ones I’m looking at have a supposed range or 60+ Km’s but even if I only got half that It would be good.

The only downside is no swappable battery which you get with most e-bikes.

So which would you choose? e-bike or scooter?

  • Showroom7561English
    3·
    7 months ago

    I’ve used a few e-scooters, and have put probably 10,000km on them between the two.

    I do not own an e-bike, but ride regular bikes (probably more than 10,000km by now.

    If I had to choose one, it would be an e-bike. Just because they offer greater flexibility, reliability, longevity, utility, and would work better on bad roads and trails (common in Ontario, and I can imagine so in BC).

    The biggest advantage with an e-scooter is portability, and probably cost. If those factors are the top priority, go with an e-scooter.

    The only downside is no swappable battery which you get with most e-bikes.

    Well, if your e-scooter dies for whatever reason (happened to me), you’ll be pushing it to your destination. An e-bike can still be pedalled.

    Plus the ones I’m looking at have a supposed range or 60+ Km’s but even if I only got half that It would be good.

    Ok, range claims on e-scooters tend to be greatly exaggerated. My Ninebot Max has a claimed range of 65km, and even at 150lbs, there’s no way I’d get more than 45km. In colder months, the range tanks.

    The exception was my Emove Cruiser, which had a claimed range of 100km, and I was able to get that much going about 18km/h on average. That was an awesome experience, but I’ve had to push that one due to a faulty battery once, then a flat that my tire sealant wasn’t able to plug.

    Good luck with whatever option you go with. I’m on team folding bike, so that’s another option, with or without electric assist.

    EDIT: There’s a guy on YouTube called “Nic Laporte”, who I believe lives in Vancouver. He covers a lot about e-scooters and micromobility, and there may be some good content there for you to help make a decision. Here’s one “why I ride an electric scooter” that brings up some pros and cons.