Comparison of electric scooters and electric bikes

Electric Bikes vs Electric Scooters

Category	Electric Bikes	Electric Scooters
Speed	The average speed is 16-18 mph but the various kits and add-ons will take bikes to 25 mph or more. The fastest stock bike unassisted will do 28-30 mph. You can increase gear ratios in most models to allow for pedal assisted speeds which are higher than the motor can provide.	Economy models: 12 - 18 mph Midsize: 15 - 20 mph (except 'Q' - 10 mph) Premium: 15-24 mph Moped: 24-30+ mph
Range	The unassisted range for 'power on demand' (POD) bikes is very close to the figures obtained by equivalently powered scooters. A little pedal assistance, however, can double that range. Pedal assisted (PA) bikes typically get 18 - 25 miles range, even, with small batteries.	Economy models: 8 10 miles Midsize: 8-10 Premium: 8 25 miles Moped: 20- 30+ miles
Power	Bike motors are usually in the 250 to 600 watt range, with the biggest being 1000 watts. It is impossible to judge the strength of a PA bike motor, but I would say none would be able to climb steep hills if not assisted. The larger POD bike motors are about equivalent to the top 'economy' scooters, with a few being equal to some of the midsize scooters.. ESW has yet to see a POD bike that can climb with the top 'premium' scooters.	The climbing power of scooters may not correspond with their price-size class. There are economy models that climb as well as larger scooters and midsize scooters that climb as well as many premium and moped class scooters. generally, however, one can expect the following performance: Economy models: Short Hill, 8-12%, Long Hill -6-8% Midsize(except the 'Q' which is less): Short Hill, 12-16%, Long Hill - 8-10% Premium: Short Hill - 12-18%, Long Hill - 10-12% Moped: Short Hill: 12-18%, Long Hill - 10-15%
Safety	I have found that a good pair of linear pull 'V' bike brakes stop bikes as well as any type of scooter braking system. The danger from a fall or the likely-hood of a fall is much greater with a bike, however, than with a sit-down scooter (and probably stand-up). The bike rider is high up and is probably more visible. Night riding is about equal comparing bikes and scooters without street equipment. The street equipment scooters, however, are much more visible at night than the make-shift bike lights, and usually have turn-signals and brake lights which can be crucial at night. A bike is probably more likely to get a flat tire.	Brakes Economy models: Adequate for motor operating speeds, but marginal when going down steep hills. Midsize(most models, but not all): Very good at motor speeds, and adequate for descents down steep hills. Premium(most models, but not all): Excellent at motor speeds, and very good to excellent going down steep hills. Moped: Excellent at motor speeds, and very good to excellent going down steep hills. Scooters have night riding advantages only in the 'premium' and 'moped' classes in general with few exceptions.
Portability	Bikes are bikes and electric bikes are 'heavy' and usually more bulky than regular bikes. Bikes usually interface well with rail mass transport, but don't fit in many car trunks, except 'folder' types.	Stand-up scooters are more portable than most sit-down scooters and bikes, including most folder types. Convertibles (quick removal/installation of seat) are nearly as portable as pure standup's. The next most portable are those scooters that have folding steering columns. The least portable are those scooters where nothing folds and they are heavy or take up a lot of space. Economy models: Most fit in large trunk or back seat Midsize: Most fit in large trunk or back seat. Premium: Usually a wagon/suv is required to transport. Moped: Usually a large suv/pickup truck and a ramp, or towed trailer is required to transport.
Size	Electric bikes are usually equivalent to the 'midsize' scooters in terms of weight, but take up more space.	Economy models: They weigh under 60 lbs in most cases and they are rarely over 45" long and 18" wide. Midsize: They weigh in the 55 -95 lbs rang and they are rarely over 49" long and 18" wide. Premium: They weigh in the 95-150 lb range and they are rarely over 52" long and 23" wide. Moped: Most weigh over 200 lbs and are the size of 49cc gas scooters
Legality	Electric bikes are classified as bikes by federal law, but local ordinances could be a problem. Being stopped on an electric bike is extremely unlikely, unless one is riding recklessly. It is pretty much impossible to outlaw a PA bike anywhere as it is not a motorized vehicle, in that it cannot move by motor power.	Ca, MD, MA, CT, WA, and few southern states are the most tolerant to electric scooters. Electric scooters lack pedals so they are not covered by the federal bike law; although I believe this could be challenged and won in court. Most of the 'premium' and 'moped' class scooters can be registered as mopeds or whatever if one is willing to overcome the ignorance of insurance companies and DMV's.
Price	Pre-built electric bikes cost from around $700 to over $3000. Bike conversion kits and motor upgrade kits cost in the range of $275-$600, and to that you must add the cost of the bike.	Economy models: Under $400 Midsize: $500-$800 Premium: $999 - $1199 Moped: $1395 - $3500