| Rising gasoline prices and concern about the | | | | or in an attachable storage case. Ebikes, however, |
| environmental impact of auto emissions have spiked | | | | have accessories, such as attachable trailers. This |
| interest in "greener," less-costly forms of transportation. | | | | accessory is popular with many riders of electric |
| Over the years, light electric vehicles, such as | | | | bicycles, as it enables trips to the grocery store (one |
| electricity-driven bicycles and scooters, have | | | | of many short trips for which an electric vehicle can |
| proliferated. | | | | save gas). |
| The varieties of electric bicycles and scooters may | | | | Electric bicycles may have an edge over scooters in |
| cause some people who are interested in such a | | | | terms of where they can go. The rider of a full-size |
| vehicle to stop and wonder which type is best suited | | | | electric scooter is usually limited to the same streets |
| to their needs and lifestyle. Electricity-powered | | | | used by cars and trucks, which also carries rider |
| scooters and bicycles share some common | | | | safety implications. Electric bicycles can travel not only |
| characteristics - both are propelled by electric motors | | | | on city streets, but also on sidewalks, bicycle trails, and |
| with rechargeable batteries - but have some key | | | | dedicated bike lanes. |
| differences as well that consumers should consider | | | | Although electric scooters, like their bicycle |
| before making a purchase. | | | | counterparts, save money on gasoline, they may be |
| Electric scooters range in size and features from | | | | subject to licensing and insurance requirements. Laws |
| models with bicycle-like frames to larger models that | | | | governing licensing and insurance for scooters vary |
| closely resemble the popular gasoline-powered motor | | | | among jurisdictions. |
| scooters. Many electric scooters, however, are heavier | | | | Electric bicycles and scooters differ in terms of safety |
| than many electric bicycles that have the same range | | | | features. Many electric scooters are equipped with |
| and speed. Many ebikes reach speeds of 20 mph and | | | | horns and mirrors, while the bicycles are not. Electric |
| have ranges as high as 50 miles before requiring a | | | | bicycles, however, have larger wheels and weigh less. |
| recharge. | | | | Because of the difference in wheel size, a tire blowout |
| Some people may prefer a full-size electric scooter | | | | on an electric scooter has the potential to be more |
| because of its storage capacity, either under the seat | | | | dangerous than a similar incident on an electric bicycle. |