E-bikes vs e-scooters
E-bikes vs e-scooters: These two types of vehicles are not the same, and in debates about regulation the Bicycle Association believes it is important that they be considered separately. In terms of their product safety, stability, and heath benefit for the user, they are very significantly different.
| Item | E-bike (EAPC) | E-scooter | Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel size | 16″ to 28″ | 8″ to 12″ | Stability over obstacles, potholes |
| Ground clearance | 6″-10″ (pedal clearance is also specified in standards) | 2″-4″ | Grounding on obstacles, potholes |
| Riding position | Seated | Standing | Stability |
| Speed/control | Pedalling required, motor assist up to 15.5 mph | Throttle control up to 15.5 mph (for rental trial models. Some privately owned models may be faster) | Speed differential with other cycles. Actual average speed of EAPCs only around 11 mph |
| Power | 250 W | 500 W (for rental trial models. Some privately owned models may be higher power) | Acceleration |
| Weight | Typically ca. 22 kg | Rental trial models up to 55 kg. Privately owned usually lower. | Impact damage in any collision |
| Brakes | Detailed requirements in law, braking performance set in the harmonised standard | No clear requirements except for rental trial units. | Stopping distance, ‘over the front’ risk |
| Lighting | Front and rear lighting at similar levels above road to most road vehicles by law. Pedal, wheel reflectors give extra visibility. | Rear light can only be very low down. Wheels so small that side reflectors show little movement | Visibility to other road users |
| Signalling | Stable enough for riders to use clear hand signals | Often not stable enough to use hand signals. Most have no turn indicators. If fitted, indicators often poorly positioned, small. | Signalling intentions clearly to other road users while maintaining control. |
| Product safety/construction regulations | CE marking, harmonised standard (BS EN 15194) in place | CE marking or type approval (TBC) – no standard available | Consumer safety |
| Age limit | 14+ | TBC | Safety |
| Training | Bikeability available widely in schools, national training standards. | Only vendor-supplied training or in-app instructions | User skill and competence for safe use in traffic |
| Third party insurance | Not required but many riders insured anyway | Unclear – none possible while illegal to use privately owned e-scooters | Impact on third parties or MIB |
| Environmental impact | Long lifespan – ca. 10 years Removeable battery | Short lifespan (1-3 years?) Usually non-removable battery | CO2 cost and recyclability |
| Health impact | Significant benefits, many studies confirm | No benefits or minimal at best | Public health |
| Estimated current UK ownership | 350,000 | 200,000 | |
| Item | E-bike (EAPC) | E-scooter | Issue |