Electric scooters, motorcycles and moped are becoming an increasingly popular mode of transport, especially due to the 2030 ban on petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles is drawing closer.
If you’re looking for more information before you take the plunge and buy an electric scooter, look no further than our blog. Here, we’ve covered your most frequently asked questions, from what counts as an electric scooter, to how to charge them, and everything in between.
What is an e-scooter?
For the purpose of this feature, when we talk about electric scooters, we mean the ones you sit on with a step-through frame and a platform to rest your feet. Please note that this shouldn’t be confused with kick electric scooters, or PLEVs.
An electric scooter is much like any other scooter that you’ll find, except it’s powered by a rechargeable battery. You’ll find that you’ll likely get the same experience with an electric scooter as with the petrol or diesel varieties, though tests suggest that the performance of electric scooters and motorcycles is usually a little better than their gasoline-powered counterparts.
What are the best electric scooters?
We recently updated our list of the best electric scooters on the market – take a look here.
Are e-scooters legal in the UK?
Yes, so long as you have the right licence for your scooter, you’ve got insurance, tax, and your vehicle is road worthy.
Can you buy an e-scooter online?
Yes, there are plenty of retailers that allow you to buy electric scooters, mopeds and motorcycles online. You can also buy directly from the manufacturer’s websites if you’d prefer. Read our ultimate guide to electric scooters and mopeds to find out what our favourite electric scooters and mopeds are.
How do e-scooters work?
The e-scooter has a rechargeable battery that stores electricity. This drives the motor – or motors – to power the vehicle.
How do you charge an e-scooter?
There are many different ways you can charge an electric scooter. You don’t actually need any fancy equipment to charge an EV scooter or motorcycle; most vehicles we’ve come across allow you to charge it via a regular power socket, whether this is at home or at work.
However, this can take a while, and for some, the additional costs of charging your scooter at public charge points or setting up your own charging point on your property are the best way to keep up with a busy lifestyle where time is a luxury.
How long does it take to charge an electric step-through scooter?
This depends on the type of charger you use. Most standard mains plug-points will take around 7-8 hours for a full charge, depending on the bike and plug point. However, you can get devices to reduce this amount of time, such as the Charge Tank or the Quick Charge.
On the other hand, a high-speed charger you’ve installed on your property or one you’re using in public tends to take half this amount of time.
Won’t I struggle to find charge points when I’m out?
There is actually a surprising number of charge points in the UK; you can use Zap-Map’s live map to see just how many there actually are in the country. In fact, there are now twice as many EV charging points as there are petrol stations in the UK, though for electric scooter drivers you won’t be able to use all the different charging points available; most only work with level 2 charging points.
How fast do e-scooters go?
This is really dependent on the electric scooter itself. Most e-scooters tend to have a range between 30 and 60mph. However, the BMW C Evolution Scooter has a top speed of 75mph, which is by far the fastest e-scooter we’ve seen on the market. From £14,330, though, this is definitely not an option for everyone.
Is it expensive to own an electric scooter?
No, whilst the upfront costs for buying an electric scooter can be quite high, the running costs tend to be lower than their petrol or diesel-fueled counterparts. In fact, we’ve recently published a moped and scooter Commuting Index for London, which uses data to show just how affordable buying an electric moped or scooter could be.
How long do e-scooters last on a single charge?
The range for e-scooters varies depending on your bike and speed. Whilst some have a range of 50 miles, others, such as the Vespa Elettrica X, can reach a range of up to 124 miles. However, this is sadly the exception to the rule.
A good option is the ZEV 10 LRC, which so far has the largest range on the market. At 55mph, this scooter can travel 185 miles, but this falls significantly at higher speeds. It should also be noted that this is an American e-scooter, so it might be a little hard to get your hands on in the UK.
Is electric scooter insurance expensive?
E-scooter insurance doesn’t have to be expensive with the right type of cover. At Bikesure, we offer electric scooter insurance that can be tailored to your needs and budget. Speak to us on 0808 506 2913 from a mobile or 0808 506 2913 from a landline for more information.
