Is an electric scooter better than a bike or a car?

The eternal question is still whether an electric scooter is better or worth it than all other personal vehicles. Now I'll leave public transport out of it, that's another matter. I'll look into whether a scooter can replace a bicycle and a car. We'll see.

Determining whether an electric scooter is better than a bicycle or a car depends on a number of factors, including personal preferences, specific use cases and environmental considerations. Here are some arguments to consider:

1. Efficiency and environmental impact: electric scooters are generally more energy efficient than cars, as they consume less electricity or battery power compared to car fuel. They also produce fewer emissions, contributing to a cleaner and greener environment. Bicycles, by contrast, have zero emissions and rely solely on human power.
2. Cost: Electric scooters are generally more affordable than cars, both in terms of purchase price and ongoing expenditure. They require less maintenance, have lower insurance costs and generally have fewer additional expenses such as parking fees or tolls. As bicycles are entirely human powered, they have minimal ongoing costs.
3. Comfort and mobility: electric scooters offer greater comfort and mobility compared to bicycles, especially when travelling over longer distances or uphill. With an electric motor, hobby cyclists can cover longer distances with less physical effort. In contrast, cars offer the greatest comfort, especially for longer journeys or for carrying heavy loads.
4. Traffic and parking: scooters are an advantage in congested urban areas where traffic and parking can be challenging. Their compact size makes them easy to manoeuvre in traffic and often more convenient to park than a car. Bicycles, because they are narrow and manoeuvrable, are also excellent at navigating traffic and typically have more accessible parking.
5. Health and fitness: bikes have the advantage of providing exercise and promoting physical fitness. Regular cycling can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and contribute to an active lifestyle. Electric scooters, although less physically demanding, still offer a certain level of physical activity compared to cars, as they need to maintain balance and control.
6. Infrastructure and safety: cars have a well-developed infrastructure that can accommodate them, including roads, traffic lights and parking. Electric scooters and bicycles rely to some extent on existing infrastructure, but may face limitations in terms of designated lanes and parking spaces. Safety is a crucial consideration for all modes of transport and, whatever the mode chosen, it is essential to obey traffic rules and wear appropriate protective equipment.

Summary

In short, electric scooters have an advantage over other vehicles:

• More comfortable and easier to use, especially for short journeys
• Foldable and portable, making them easier to move in tight spaces than bicycles
• They are stolen less often than bicycles
• Less environmental impact than cars

But all that glitters is not gold, so they have their drawbacks:

• They have a shorter range than bicycles
• They can be more dangerous than bicycles, especially if you are not used to riding them
• They are not as stable as bicycles, so they can be more difficult to ride on uneven ground

Overall, electric scooters are a good choice for the short term. They are more comfortable and environmentally friendly than cars, and less likely to be stolen than bicycles. However, they are not so suitable for long distance travel or for driving on uneven ground.

The choice between electric scooter, bicycle or car depends on individual preferences, distance travelled, terrain, available infrastructure and other practical considerations. Each vehicle has its own advantages and trade-offs, and choosing the most suitable option depends on a comprehensive assessment of these factors.