People ride electric scooters and motorcycles for many different reasons. They enjoy the way it feels, it saves time and money and has the added advantage of helping to protect the environment. Electric scooters and motorcycles are a convenient way of getting from A to B. Parking is easier and getting to and from your destination is a snap. There are some real advantages to choosing a motorcycle or scooter as your mode of transport.

Electric scooters and motorcycles are allowed on public transit unlike their gas-powered counterparts. The use of this mode of transport also means that there is no noise and air pollution. For those who prefer making use of renewable energy an electric vehicle is the ideal way to tread lightly on the earth.

But that’s not all. When it comes to performance electric motors start quickly and climb hills without any delay. Some people buy electric scooters and motorcycles for their novelty value but many people use them as daily transportation. They are perfect for running errands and to get to college and back. It’s true that gas-powered vehicles can go faster and further than electric models but battery operated vehicles are ideal for short trips.

Electric scooters and motorcycles have a motor and battery as well as a switch to control speed. Bicycle hand brakes are mounted on the handlebar and the batteries are fitted beneath your feet. There are models of varying speeds based on legislation. Some cheaper models have speeds of under 10 mph while the Badsey EMX Racer can travel at up to 30mph.

But how far can you go on one of these little gems? There is a variable range from a couple of miles to around 20 miles. Electric scooters and motorcycles use rechargeable batteries to run. These are typically sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries. Charging your scooter will cost under 5¢ of electricity from standard 110 VAC wall outlets! It will probably take under 8 hours with a standard charger but quick chargers are also available.

The main factors that influence the performance of electric scooters and motorcycles are the terrain, the size of your battery (bigger is better) and the speed of the vehicle. You will also be impacted by wind conditions and tire inflation. If you’re heavy you will go slower than a lighter rider. The efficiency of your motor / controller / drive will also affect your performance.

If you’re in the market for a scooter of motorcycle get one that offers twice the range you intend traveling. There are a number of different styles of electric scooters and motorcycles. Popular models include the Zappy, the Flyer, and the eGO. The Zappy will get you a 4-5 mile trip at 10-12 mph. The Phat Flyer, from Currie Technologies will take you a bit further at a 5-8 mile range and 15 mph speeds. The EGO is closer to a moped in style and lacks the portability of the Zappy.