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The Electric Vehicle Guide

Basics | Benefits | Recharging | Bikes | Scooters | Cars & Vans

EV scooters

Electric motorcycles and scooters can have two or three-wheels. Those with a top speed of 45km/h (28 mph) and a maximum electric motor power of 4kW are classed as electric 'mopeds', with others being classed as electric 'motorcycles'/'motor tricycles'.

While many EV scooters are conversions of conventional models using lead-acid battery technology, newer models tend to be dedicated designs constructed from lightweight materials and use high-performance batteries (eg Ni-MH and Li-Ion). As a result, the latest electric scooters offer better acceleration and increased range. Performance can range from the equivalent to a 50cc moped to a high performance motorbike - the Vectrix Electric Scooter is considered equivalent to a 400cc four-stroke bike and is capable of 0-50 mph in 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 62 mph.

Driving performance, recharging time and vehicle range are key considerations for electric scooters; and depend on battery type, battery capacity, motor efficiency and vehicle weight. While, lower-priced, older designs based on a conventional model can feel underpowered in some situations (overtaking, going uphill), the latest dedicated models offer a driving performance to rival any two-stroke or petrol equivalent. Typically, EV scooter recharge times range from 4-6 hours for a full recharge and vehicle ranges can vary from 40 miles to 60 miles (depending on driving conditions).

Purchase costs for electric scooters are generally higher than for their conventionally fuelled equivalents. Batteries may also need to be replaced every 3-5 years, the costs of which need to be considered. On the plus side, all electric vehicles are exempt vehicle excise duty ('road tax') and fuel costs are significantly lower than for conventional scooters - due to the fact that fuel duty on electricity is zero-rated and to the high efficiency of the vehicles themselves. Typical fuel costs for an EV scooter are around 0.5-1.0p/mile (depending on tariff).

The legal requirements pertaining to the use of electric mopeds are those that apply to 50cc mopeds. For use on the public highway they must be insured, road taxed (zero cost), have an MOT and the rider must be 16 years of age or over and hold either a full or provisional license allowing the riding of a moped. Electric motorcycles are considered equivalent to 125cc motorbikes. To ride a an electric motorcycle on the road you must be at least 17 years old and have a driving license that allows you to ride motorcycles (category A) or have completed Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).

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