How to Choose between a Gas or Electric Scooter

From 3arf

How to Choose Between a Gas or Electric Scooter

This is a very big question on the minds of people shopping for motorized scooters… do I go gas or electric?!?! Certainly, there are many factors that you need to consider when purchasing a motorized scooter/moped. However, deciding on choosing a gas scooter or an electric scooter should be one of the first decisions you'll want to make. Here we will outline both the pros and cons of each type of motorized scooter. This will allow you to make a better decision on which of these types of scooters/mopeds is the best for you.

First we need to define which class or size of scooter that we are talking about as some of these points can change depending on the size of scooter we are talking about. Focusing on gas scooters 100cc and above (may also be referred to as mopeds or even motorcycles) compared to electric scooters of similar size is the size of scooter we will focus on. Here is a simple outline for performances of the different gas scooters which may also help you make your best scooter purchase decision:

.....Engine Size  =  Speeds of.....

50cc = 25 MPH or less        125cc = Up to 45 MPH

80cc = Up to 35 MPH           150cc = Up to 55 MPH

100cc = Up to 40 MPH         250cc = Highway/freeway speeds

COST: Gas scooters win the prize in the affordability category for scooters that are in the 100cc category and up. The price does, however, increase as the size of the gas engine increases. As a general rule, an electric scooter that offers the same specifications as a gas scooter will be more expensive. Most of the increased costs are related to the lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries that power the electric scooters. These special, high-powered batteries continue to come down in price as time goes on but are considerably more expensive at this point in time.

IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENT: The winner is by a land-slide...electric scooters! If your goal is to help save the planet by reducing harmful emissions, then electric powered scooters is the only way to go. Gas powered scooters burn fuel which gives off emissions that are harmful to our environment and people like you and me. Gas scooters, however, do produce fewer harmful emissions than a car. Some gas scooters have engines built to California C.A.R.B. Tier 2 exhaust emission standards and are cleaner burning than standard gas scooters. C.A.R.B. is an acronym for California Air Resource Board, whose stringent air-quality standards have been adopted by many states. A Non-CARB Compliant Engine fails to meet these standards. While CARB-compliant engines run cleaner than non-compliant models, they still emit pollutants.

NOISE: Electric scooters are also a clear winner in this category. Gas scooters are quite loud and their noise levels can be irritating and distracting to others. If noise is a concern, you should probably get an electric scooter. An electric scooter is very quiet and usually gives off a low humming sound rather than the high volume sound produced by gas scooters. High quality electric motors produce very little noise and are many times described as being “whisper quiet.” If you must have a gas scooter and noise is a concern, CARB-compliant engines are quieter.

SPEED: The advantage in the category of speed goes to gas scooters, but only slightly. There are electric mopeds and motorcycles that can easily zip along at speeds of 60+ MPH and accelerate very quickly. One example of this is theXM-5000Li Electric Mopedthat accelerates to 60MPH very quickly. Many gas scooters easily reach speeds of 40 MPH, 50 MPH, 60 MPH or even more (see the chart above). For gas and electric scooters, the more expensive the model within the gas or electric category, the faster it can go.

MAINTENANCE: Keeping your scooter running, whether gas or electric powered, is very important. The less you have to do to keep it running reliably will make things much easier on you. Electric scooters tend to be easier to maintain. There is no air filters or spark plugs to change, no needing to keep the oil full and change the oil regularly. Filling a gas scooter isn’t necessarily difficult but is more of a pain to do when you compare it to plugging in an electric scooter to charge it back up.

USABILITY, DURABILITY & RELIABILITY: There are no real clear winners here. Most scooters, both gas and electric, are easy to use as far as driving and operating is concerned. They are both durable and very reliable forms of transportation especially with trips and from work, school, friends’ houses or running errands.

SAFETY/LEGAL: Both electric scooters and gas scooters require attention to local laws as well as safety guidelines. It is highly recommended and best to take educational classes for learning the operation of scooters, mopeds and/or motorcycles so that you have a better chance as staying safe while operating your gas or electric scooter. Laws regarding motorized scooters vary from state to state and it's best to contact your local DMV or law enforcement agency for the laws in your area. Gas scooters must comply with California C.A.R.B. laws! Others are illegal for use in the state of California for other than closed course competition purposes.

CONCLUSION: Narrowing down your choice of the best scooters can be difficult. Choosing the best scooter for you, however, should be a fun and rewarding process. The choice you make depends partly on how you plan on using your scooter and partly on personal preference. To help make your decision a little easier, consider the following information:

-Electric scootersare much quieter than gas powered scooters.

-  Electric scooters are easy to use and don't require the handling of fuel.

-  It only costs a few cents per day to charge the batteries.

-  Electric powered scooters are more environmentally friendly.

-Gas scootersoffer more power and speed.

-  Gas powered scooters have a greater range and can travel farther than electric scooters.

-  Gas scooters are more convenient in that you can simply fill it up and go.

-  Electric scooters must be recharged which takes more time.

These are the very basic pros and cons of buying an electric scooter versus a gas scooter in the 100cc and up power class range and the electric powered equivalent. What you need to do is simply weigh both the advantages and disadvantages of each and decide which type of motorized scooter will best suit your needs. Owning a scooter is fun and can provide you with years of reliable transportation.

For a great variety of some of the best scooters including both gas scooters, electric scooters, and more - visit:

http://www.KingScooters.com/

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