Contrary to 'ideal battery charge cycle claims', expect to replace battery packs (SLA) every 6-12 months after daily 80% + usage. I use 80% discharge rates because that is what is required to get maximum range. Most small gas scooter get 120 mpg or so. It will take ten full charges for a small electric to get 120 miles range. The total electric fees will be around $1.00 vs $2.50 for the gallon of gas. If one includes 2-stroke oil we have ~ a 3 to 1 cost saving with the electric. The electric's yearly battery pack upgrade added to the frey makes the electric the winner when small battery packs are employed, but it gets very hazy the larger (read more expensive) the battery packs get. Gas scooters also have additional costs like spark plugs, oil changes, carburetors, mufflers (batteries for larger types).

To operate a gas powered engine one must pollute as a function of operation. An electric 'can' get electricity from non polluting sources. If electric vehicle users get electricity from polluting sources then yes they are adding to the pollution, but they don't have to pollute as a function of operation. Batteries both from 'gas' and electric powered vehicles adds to the disposal pollution problem.

Electrics are capable of highway speeds, but they don't have sufficient range at high speeds as stand-alone vehicles When/if charging stations and quick charge batteries become available, then this will change.

Electrics have more low end torque than gas scooters and will be superior hill climbers with the proper components (motor, controller, batteries)

This is changing, however, rapidly. Electrics will probably always cost more, but the difference won't be in multiples like it has been in past years. The Goped ESR-750 and the E-MAX are prime examples of the price - performance gap closing.

The average trip by US drivers is 7.5 miles round trip. Most quality electrics have that range and many have several times that range.

If one needs a large premium or full-size electric, and there are no available outdoor outlets, and one must bring the unit up stairs for charging inside; then an electric will be too much of an inconvenience.

Electrics usually require no motor-controller maintenance (maybe replace brushes every few years). whereas gas scooters require break ends, tune-ups, oil changes, cooling system maintenance and value adjustments (for applicable types)

Unless one is in a situation where they cannot charge an electric at home easily, then electrics are far less of an inconvenience than gas powered scooters.

There is no reason that the key components, motor and controllers can't be made water proof, so the answer is 'false'. Most current models, however, aren't suited to handle rain or large puddles .