Are you looking to buy a new scooter but can’t decide whether you should get an electric or kick scooter? They’re worlds apart, and knowing their differences will help you decide. It all comes down to the features you want and your intended use.
Electric scooters are battery-powered, while kick scooters are human-powered. Beyond that, electric scooters are faster, easier to run, and more expensive.
With their lightweight bodies, kick scooters are more portable and durable, not to mention cheaper. You’ll also notice major differences in weight distribution and speed range.
Before you can make your decision, you need to figure out what your priorities are. Do you need to travel long distances or over rough terrain? Want to drive fast? Get an e-scooter.
On the other hand, if you’re working with a strict budget and want an easily portable, durable model to travel short distances, a kick scooter will work just fine!
Read on to learn more about the features that set these scooters apart.
Electric Scooter vs. Kick Scooter Differences
Several factors set electric scooters apart from kick scooters. It all comes down to the difference in mechanism, comfort, and ease of travel. Here are some ways electric and kick scooters vary in function.
1. Power Source
The biggest difference between electric scooters and kick scooters is their power source. While batteries and a motor power e-scooters, kick scooters work solely on leg power.
2. Weight Distribution
The weight distribution on an electric scooter may catch you by surprise. They are heavier than kick scooters, and the acceleration is pretty powerful. It will take you longer to adjust to the weight distribution on an e-scooter than on a kick-scooter.
Also, it’s easier to lift a kick scooter into a car than an electric scooter. This makes them more portable, a priority for some scooter riders.
3. Throttle
Speed control is an important factor to consider. With a regular kick scooter, you can control how fast it goes by pushing on the ground with your foot. But when it comes to electric scooters, you’ll need to learn how to use the throttle to control your speed.
It can take some time to get used to this adjustment as you figure out the correct amount of pressure to apply.
4. Speed Range
Speed range is one of the biggest pros when it comes to e-scooters. Electric scooters can reach much higher speeds than regular kick scooters. It makes sense because kick scooters are propelled solely by human power.
With motorized or electric scooters, you can expect speed ranges of more than 20 miles per hour (32 km per hour). On the other hand, kick scooters will max out at around 5 to 7 miles per hour (8 to 11 km per hour).
Also, as far as terrain is concerned, electric scooters go up hills much more easily, whereas kick scooters are easier to ride on flat ground.
Just a quick mention that I wrote this article about how electric scooters compare to electric skateboards.
5. Battery Life
With a kick scooter, you won’t have to worry about battery issues. On the other hand, the battery life of an electric scooter varies depending on how you use it.
The battery will drain more quickly if you are constantly accelerating and going at high speeds. However, if you coast and only use the throttle when necessary, the battery will last longer.
The specific battery life will depend on the model of the scooter. Some electric scooters have a longer range than others. But if you’re planning on commuting long distances, you’ll find it easier to travel via electric scooter.
6. Price
It’s difficult to make blanket statements about price, considering the wide variety of models available for both types of scooters.
That said, kick scooters tend to cost less than electric scooters. That’s because they don’t come with components like batteries or motors. These electrical features add to the price of an electric scooter.
With more advanced models, you’ll get a wider range of features, immediately driving the price up. So if you’re on a strict budget and don’t mind the leg work, you may consider getting a kick scooter.
7. Portability
Electric scooters require more maintenance and accessories to keep them running properly. To use your e-scooter every day, you need to have access to a charging port and all the required cables.
Since kick scooters don’t need to be plugged in to recharge, they’re much more portable.
Electric scooters are also much heavier and more cumbersome than most kick scooters, and carrying them requires much more effort and strength than carrying a kick scooter.
8. Durability
Kick scooters win out in durability. The body is generally made of high-quality steel or plastic, which can withstand intense wear and tear.
Plus, they have no motors, batteries, or balance system, so there are a lot fewer things that can go wrong. Invest in a high-quality kick scooter with pneumatic tires, and you’ll never have to worry about repairs.
9. Exercise
A plus side to using a kick scooter is that while travelling from A to B, you will get some exercise in at the same time. This is something you won’t find with the electric counterpart, on which you will remain stationary throughout your journey.
10. Comfort
Although a kick scooter beats an electric scooter for exercise, the option of buying an electric scooter with seat doesn’t exist for a kick scooter. A seated electric scooter offers an additional level of comfort for your journeys.
FAQs
Is Using a Scooter (Electric or Kick) Easier Than Walking?
This is a question a lot of people ask before deciding to buy a scooter at all. The answer may seem obvious, however there is more to this than meets the eye, that’s why I wrote an in-depth article on whether travelling by scooter is easier than walking.
Is An Electric Scooter Better Than A Kick Scooter?
In terms of speed and convenience, electric scooters are definitely the superior option. Since they use electric motors and are battery-powered, e-scooters are technologically superior to kick-scooters.
Can I Use An Electric Scooter As A Kick Scooter?
Some electric scooters come with a manual backup that allows users to push them like a kick scooter. This function can be helpful in emergencies when your e-scooter runs out of charge. However, most electric scooters cannot be used efficiently without a charged battery, so if this is a feature you’re looking for, find a scooter model that specifically offers a manual backup.
Verdict.
Speed and Convenience: e-Scooter Wins.
If you’re looking for speed and convenience, an electric scooter is your best bet! These battery-powered devices require minimal physical effort and are incredibly easy to use, making them ideal for getting around town.
That said, you will need to learn how to use the throttle to control speed on an electric scooter, and these vehicles can have a user learning curve.
Cost and Durability: Kick Scooter Wins.
When it comes to cost, kick scooters are definitely the more affordable option. Since there’s no electronic technology involved, you can get a high-quality kick scooter at a much lower price point. Also, these vehicles are more durable than e-scooters, which require far more battery and motor maintenance.
If you’re looking for more of an unrestricted ride or want to save some battery power, a kick scooter may be better.
I hope this article has helped you pick the scooter that best suits your needs!
He made this website to help answer people’s questions about new technologies, green vehicles, and as the title suggests, really anything to do with zero emission vehicles.
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