Thinking about going electric? Electric mopeds and scooters have increased on UK roads in the past few years and due to their affordability they have become a viable way for riders to lower their emissions.
Here we take a look at 11 of the best electric scooters and mopeds and suggest which bikes could be great options for riders looking to join the electric revolution.
Electric motorcycles have increasingly become real contenders as an economical, environmentally-friendly option. Mopeds are increasingly being seen as a viable option for commuter riders, particularly as most commuters’ round trips are, on average, 23 miles, which is usually covered by a single charge of most electric scooters and mopeds.
The Government extended its grants towards purchasing electric mopeds and scooters in June 2022. This was to help bridge the price gap between the cost of zero emission motorcycles and petrol motorcycles. The maximum discount available on some scooters is £500 while it is £150 on mopeds. A regularly updated list of eligible models is available.
The Vmoto Super Soco CUx is a stylish bike. The design of the LED lights in the front and back are particularly eye-catching, and the scooter also has plenty of handy features, including keyless start and locking, a motion-activated alarm, and cruise control. Many reviews suggest the CUx is best for smaller riders, though it can still hold average-sized adults too.
The CUx is powered by a 1,300W Bosch engine, which makes it a fun electric moped to ride. It boasts a 40-mile range, making it ideal for short city runs or commuting. Super Soco suggests its battery can be recharged in three to four hours when charged at home or work thanks to its portable 3-pin UK mains plug-powered super-charger, which isn’t too bad if you’re mainly using your moped for short runs.
Super Soco have also created the CUx’s scooter counterpart, the CPx. This bike is a little more expensive, at £3,299, and you can buy a dual-battery model for £1,000 extra, which will get you a range of up to 87 miles (137km) and a max speed of 56mph (90kph) – not too shabby if you’ve got an A1 licence and the extra money to spare.
The Vespa Elettrica is one of the more expensive options on the list, but its iconic retro Vespa styling with a modern twist might be tempting for die-hard fans. The Elettrica comes in two different models depending on if you have an AM or A1 licence, or how fast you want to go. Sadly, its battery can’t be removed and taken inside to charge, but Vespa claims the battery can be charged in around four hours.
If you’ve ridden the petrol Primavera, the riding experience for the Elettrica is extremely similar. The electric version is a great bike for urban areas and either of the models’ 62-mile range is probably more than enough for commuting and city riding.
The Elettrica also has two different riding modes: power-saving Eco or full-throttle Power. Eco mode will help you travel further while limiting your speed, and Power mode will likely reduce the bike’s range but allow you to travel more quickly.
Designed with a removable battery that can be taken in and charged without the bike itself, the Piaggio 1 and Piaggio 1 Active are great options for city commuters who live in smaller flats or don’t have access to a shared outdoor space or garage. Although the models have a longer charge time than all the bikes on the list so far, the removable aspect of the battery still makes it a great option for many people.
The electric Piaggio models are affordable options. The battery isn’t stored in the under-seat compartment, meaning you can store your spare helmet and a number of other items when the bike is in use.
The Piaggio 1 and Piaggio 1 Active have used the brand’s hexagonal logo design to create a refreshing new look, especially in the scooter’s headlights. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more modern and stylish electric scooter.
NIU electric scooters are something of a commuting sensation across Europe and they’ve been available in the UK since autumn 2018. Developed from a Kickstarter crowdfunding scheme and co-founded by Li Yi Nan and Token Hu – formerly of Microsoft – NIU’s models have received rave reviews. In fact, Forbes dubbed the brand “very likely to become the new Vespa”.
The range on offer has grown since the company’s entrance into the UK; the NQi GTS ER was released in 2022 with the same features as the original, popular GTS model but with an extended range. If you’re looking for an electric scooter, you can’t go wrong with the NIU NQi GTS ER, though you should note, as the battery is stored underneath the seat, storage can be limited. The scooter has three different modes: e-save, dynamic and sport, depending on how fast you want to go and how far you need to travel.
If you’re in the market for an electric moped, you can’t really go wrong with the MQi GT SR 50cc either. The moped has a decently sized frame that will allow you to ride with a pillion passenger, while its 14 inch wheels provide improved grip and handling on the roads.
The SEAT MÓ is one of the pricier scooters on this list, but it is one of the electric motorcycles with the biggest range, making it a contender even for out-of-city riding. Its battery is removable, allowing you to charge it in the comfort of your own home, which probably makes up for its long charge time. The scooter offers ample under-seat storage, which is often a concern for electric scooters.
Granted, the SEAT MÓ has a hefty price tag, but you can tell SEAT haven’t spared any expense on the build, which is high quality and answers many of the concerns that riders have with switching to electric. Like many other e-scooters, the SEAT MÓ has three different riding modes: eco, city and sport, the first two of which can help improve battery life.
The Lexmoto Echo 50 is one the cheapest scooter options on this list and is perfect for riders looking for a lightweight bike to travel around their town or city, weighing just 78kg.
Chinese manufacturers Lexmoto offer riders the choice of two different colours, the grey and blue edition or the black and red option.
If you’re an inexperienced rider, or have a teenager looking for their first scooter, this is the best option for you, thanks to its generous price tag and with a 60-mile range, you’ll be able to commute to work/school all week without having to constantly charge the battery.
If the Silence S01 Connected stats look strangely familiar, it’s because you’ve seen very similar stats before with the SEAT MÓ. This is because the SEAT MÓ was developed in partnership with the Silence team and SEAT’s R&D team improved the battery slightly over the Silence S01 Connected. That being said, unlike the SEAT MÓ, the Silence models come in a range of different options, making it easier for individuals to pick the best bike for their needs.
The S02 Urban is one of the models available and is a road legal 30mph electric moped. This is an agile little electric moped that’s ideal for city riding. Like the S01 Connected, the S02 Urban still benefits from a removable battery, which can be removed and wheeled into your house for easy charging. Its city and eco driving modes allow you to take control of your speed and monitor the battery.
Lexmoto teamed up with electric bike manufacturer Yadea for this one, and it’s a great option for moped riders, especially around a town or city. The Yadea G5 2300 can be used by 16-year-olds, making it ideal for young riders who haven’t yet earned the luxury of riding something a little speedier. That being said, if you’re used to stop-and-start city traffic, it’s also a great electric moped for adults who don’t feel the need for speed.
Lexmoto claims the battery can last 55 miles, but many report this is unrealistic when riding normally and it probably does between 35 and 40 miles. Still, that range isn’t too bad for urban riding, such as commuting and shopping.
The battery lives under the floor of the electric moped and can easily be pulled out and charged inside, making it a versatile option for those needing to park on the street. The bike can seat two comfortably, which is actually quite a rarity for most mopeds.
With its bold look, the BMW CE 04 definitely stands out from the crowd and can be seen as a solid alternative to a petrol bike. It accelerates quickly – and will certainly turn heads when it does so. The CE 04 is about 50kg lighter than the original C Evolution model – which first came out in 2014 – but it’s still quite hefty at 231kg. Its slightly narrower design makes it perfect for weaving in and out of city traffic.
Saying that, the BMW CE 04 comes with a big price tag. It is by far the most expensive option in our roundup – but then again, you just have to look at it to see why. The CE 04 can reach a speed of 75mph and has a range of 80 miles, which makes it ideal if you have a long commute, or you live in a rural area. If you like the modern design of the scooter and you have the money to spare, this is a great option.
You can also get a fast charger, which will charge the e-scooter to 80% in around 65 minutes. The battery also can’t be removed, making it ideal for those with garage space.
Drawing inspiration from classics like the Vespa, the EV2000R is a stylish electric moped with a top speed reported of 28mph, making it a great option for young riders and commuters.
The bike has a range of customisable options, including various seat options, an optional power cell, and more.
Artisan was perhaps the first electric scooter company to produce a retro-styled moped with modern features, making it a new kind of classic electric moped. And they’ve certainly delivered on the style, which is sure to catch people’s attention wherever you go.
With its removable batteries, the moped can be charged inside if necessary, making it ideal for city living. The extra power cell costs around £500 but doubles the moped’s range from 25 to 50 miles, making it a cost-effective choice for those who have a long commute or would prefer not to keep having to check the battery on journeys.
This colourful little electric moped is a great option for those looking for a cleanly designed bike with personality. Its rear lights are unique and will certainly gain looks from other motorcycle riders on the road.
The EK1 has a 28mph speed limit, which makes it a great commuter bike for the city, while its approximate 66 mile range will help to soothe the range anxieties that often come with going electric.
With the moped’s twin hydraulic shock absorbers at the front and rear, the Horwin EK1 allows you to ride in comfort as well as style. Its USB charger will also keep your phone charged while on the go, and the bike can be equipped with a number of optional extras, such as an extended range battery, mobile phone holder and windshield.
As with their petrol-powered siblings, the restrictions on who can ride electric mopeds and scooters are determined by their speed.
As a general rule, electric mopeds are limited to a speed of 28mph and are powered between 1000W (1kW) and 4000W (4kW). These can be ridden by any rider who is 16-years-old and above, has passed a CBT course and has a category A1 or A2 on their existing driving licence. Note that electric mopeds can’t be used on motorways.
Anything with power over 4,000W and a speed higher than 28mph is likely to be a scooter or motorcycle classed as an L3E-A1 bike. Riders must be 17 years and older, should have passed a CBT course and have an A1, A2 or Cat A motorcycle licence.
In both cases, riders will need number plates, registration documents, electric scooter insurance, and the scooter or moped must be MOT’d after three years. Riders must wear helmets. Note that electric scooters are road tax exempt! For more information, read our guide to electric scooters and the law.
It’s important to know the difference between true electric motorcycles and electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs). EAPCs are classed as electric bicycles, limited to a maximum speed of 15mph and must have pedals. This means that they can be ridden without a driving licence and do not require road tax, insurance or an MOT.
If you’re ready to switch to electric, make sure you have the right insurance to cover you. At Bikesure, we offer affordable electric scooter insurance – call 0800 369 8580 for a swift no-hassle quote or book a callback at a time that suits you.
Electric Mopeds: An electric moped is a two-wheeled vehicle powered by an electric motor and a rechargeable battery, they follow a moped-style similar to the shape of a Vespa. They are lightweight, easy to manoeuvre, and produce zero emissions during operation.
50cc equivalent Electric mopeds have a top speed of around 28 mph (45 km/h) and a range of 30-60 miles (50-100 km) per charge, depending on the model.
125cc equivalent Electric mopeds typically have a top speed of around 60 mph and a range of 40-60 miles per charge, depending on the model.
Traditional Scooters: Traditional scooters, on the other hand, are powered by internal combustion engines that run on gasoline. They are similar in size and appearance to electric mopeds but produce emissions and require more maintenance due to their fuel-based engines. Traditional scooters typically have a top speed of 30-50 mph (50-80 km/h) and can cover longer distances before refuelling, depending on the model and fuel efficiency.
While electric mopeds generally have a lower top speed compared to traditional scooters, their instant torque from the electric motor allows them to accelerate faster. This makes electric mopeds more suitable for city use, where quick acceleration is essential for navigating through traffic.
Traditional scooters have the advantage when it comes to range, as they can cover longer distances before needing to refuel. However, electric mopeds offer the convenience of charging at home or at public charging stations, eliminating the need for trips to the gas station. Horwin and NIU e-mopeds charge off standard wall plugs, so you can charge them anywhere, like a coffee shop for example.
Electric mopeds have fewer moving parts compared to traditional scooters, resulting in lower maintenance requirements. With no need for oil changes or tune-ups, electric mopeds are easier and more affordable to maintain in the long run.
The initial cost of an electric moped can be higher than that of a traditional scooter, especially for high-end models. However, prices for electric mopeds have been decreasing, making them more affordable for a wider range of consumers.
In the UK bikes are sold with the OZEF grant applied which often reduces the cost by as much as £500.
Electric mopeds are significantly more cost-effective when it comes to fuel. The cost of electricity for charging is generally much lower than the cost of gasoline, resulting in considerable savings over time.
Insurance and registration costs can vary depending on the specific model and location. In some cases, electric mopeds may be classified differently than traditional scooters, leading to differences in insurance rates and registration requirements. Be sure to research local regulations and insurance options before making your decision.
One of the primary advantages of electric mopeds over traditional scooters is their zero-emission operation. By using electric power instead of gasoline, electric mopeds help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner and greener urban environment.
The environmental benefits of electric mopeds extend beyond emissions. Electric mopeds can be charged using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power, further reducing their carbon footprint. Additionally, advancements in battery technology are leading to longer-lasting and more recyclable batteries, enhancing the sustainability of electric mopeds even further.
Most rough estimates put it at about 60p to charge a standard electric moped battery for a 50-mile range.
Even with petrol scooters achieving 90 – 120mpg, at £1.65 a litre a 50-mile journey would cost you over £4 to complete!
(£1.60 * 4.54 = £7.26 for 1 gallon, or £7.26 for 90 miles range, or 8p a mile)
Comparatively, to charge a NIU batteries which are around 2100Wh, will take 2.1kWh of energy to charge.
For the UK, the average price per kWh in 2022 is around 28p. To fill an electric battery is 28*2.1 = 59p, or under 1p a mile.
And if you’re commuting, you can recharge your electric moped at work for free!
Range Per Mile
£1.60 per Litre £7.26 per Gallon 90mpg £0.08 Petrol
28p per kWh 2100Wh 50 Miles £0.01 Electric
Electric vs Petrol Mopeds & Scooters – Costs
Most rough estimates put it at about 60p to charge a standard electric moped battery for a 50 mile range.
Even with petrol scooters achieving 90 – 120mpg, at £1.65 a litre a 50 mile journey would cost you over £4 to complete!
(£1.60 * 4.54 = £7.26 for 1 gallon, or £7.26 for 90 miles range, or 8p a mile)
Comparatively, to charge a NIU batteries which are around 2100Wh, will take 2.1kWh of energy to charge.
For the UK, the average price per kWh in 2022 is around 28p. To fill an electric battery is 28*2.1 = 59p, or under 1p a mile.
And if you’re commuting, you can recharge your electric moped at work for free!
When it comes to city commuting, both electric mopeds and traditional scooters have their pros and cons. Electric mopeds offer quick acceleration, lower maintenance and fuel costs, and significant environmental benefits, making them an increasingly popular choice for urban dwellers. Traditional scooters, on the other hand, may have higher top speeds and longer ranges, but come with higher fuel and maintenance costs, as well as emissions that contribute to pollution.
Ultimately, the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and priorities. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision that best suits your city commuting needs.
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