Electric Scooters vs Public Transport

Fact check: An average commuter in major cities spends over 54 hours a year stuck in traffic (losing more than two full days each year just sitting behind the wheel). No doubt, public transport has been a well-established, trusted commuting option over the centuries, zero hassles of driving or parking. But, as cities grow, so do the crowd on buses and trains, pushing commuters to vouch for a quicker, personal ride option… 

 

Yes, we are talking about electric scooters, the nimble underdogs of urban transport. Growing rapidly due to their cost-effectiveness, environmental benefits, and power to bypass traffic locks, making them a strong contender against public transport.

Their rise has been meteoric. In 2022 alone, around 77 million people hopped on board, and with the pandemic nudging more commuters toward this option, the numbers are expected to soar to over 110 million by 2025. Commuters continue choosing them as their daily go-to ride because they’re quick to use, offer doorstep convenience, provide greater flexibility in route choices, and reduce commute times.

As we’re almost into 2025, the debate about electric scooters vs public transport is heating up. Which one gets more votes as a cheaper way to commute? Let’s take a closer look and find out!

 

Why Public Transport?

Public transport has some big advantages over electric scooters. It can handle large groups of people, reliable for cities with heavy traffic. You don’t have to worry about bad weather or finding a safe route since buses and trains keep you sheltered and on track. Public transport is also better for long distances, and everyone can use it, from kids to seniors, without needing any special skills. Overall, it’s dependable, more inclusive, and a great option for both daily commuters and occasional travellers.

 

Why Electric Scooters?

Electric scooters offer a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional transportation for those living close to work or school, who dislike crowded commutes, or who value flexibility and convenience. They provide a quick and easy way to get around, avoid the hustle and bustle of public transportation, and reduce your carbon footprint. However, whether an electric scooter is the right choice for you depends on your individual needs and lifestyle.

 

Advantages Of Electric Scooters Over Public Transport

When it comes to getting around, electric scooters offer some exciting benefits for city dwellers compared to public transport. Here’s why you might want to consider swapping your bus or train ride for an entertaining electric scooter!

 

Freedom to Go Anywhere

With an electric scooter, you’re not tied to bus or train schedules. Want to stop by the café for a quick coffee? No problem! Need to take a break to avoid traffic? Go for it! Your scooter gives you the freedom to travel wherever you want, whenever you want.

 

No More Crowded Commutes

Public transport can be a packed, stressful experience with those loaded trains or buses during rush hour. On an electric scooter, you get your own space and can rush through traffic without rubbing elbows with strangers. Plus, you don’t have to wait for the next bus or train.

 

Save Time With Dependable Ride

Traffic jams and delays are common with public transport. The flexibility of electric scooters in traffic helps you take shortcuts that buses and trains can’t. As long as it’s charged, it’s ready to go whenever you want providing you a dependable solution for getting around. This reliability means you can stick to your schedule without unexpected interruptions.

 

Cost-Effective Travel

Switching to an electric scooter is an exciting way to save money while going green! Saving your fuel costs, saying goodbye to expensive parking fees, and skipping those annoying car repairs. Also, Electric scooters are affordable to maintain and insure & plus some places even give you tax breaks for making the switch. It's a win for your wallet and the mother earth! 

 

Eco-Friendly Choice

Electric scooters are eco-friendly. They run almost silently, reducing noise pollution, and use smaller lights, cutting light pollution compared to cars. They don’t need as much infrastructure like roads or parking lots, playing their part in making cities greener. Swapping just one car trip for an e-scooter ride cuts 400 grams of CO2 per mile. Cities adopting e-scooters have seen quick drops in carbon monoxide levels. Plus, they use minimal electricity, especially when charged with renewable energy​. 

 

Easy Parking and Storage

Cars often require circling the block for a spot, and bikes need to be secured to a rack, but electric scooters can be folded and stored in small spaces, even indoors, reducing the risk of theft. With an electric scooter, you can easily park it almost anywhere, whether at your office, home, or a local shop. This flexibility is invaluable in densely populated areas where parking is a premium.

 

Fun and Enjoyable Rides

To be straightforward — riding a scooter can be a lot more fun than sitting in a stuffy bus or train. It turns the mundane task of getting to work or school into an exciting part of your day. A rider from Queensland mentioned the excitement of testing out new routes, saying it made them feel like a "modern-day explorer" discovering hidden corners of their city that they’d never noticed before. The agility of e-scooters also adds to the fun—navigating tight spaces, making quick turns, and the overall sense of freedom are what keep riders coming back

 

Cons Of Electric Scooters

Electric scooters have their own set of drawbacks that are worth considering. Here’s a closer look at some of the limitations you might encounter:

 

Limited Range

Electric scooters often have a limited battery life, which can be a challenge for longer trips. You may need to find charging stations or carry a spare battery to keep your scooter running. This makes them less suitable for extended commutes.

 

Safety Concerns

Safety is a significant issue with e-scooters. Why? They can be risky in busy traffic or on uneven roads. Riders need to be extra cautious and wear protective gear to minimise the risk of accidents.

 

Weather Dependency

Weather conditions can impact your ride on a scooter. Rain or snow makes roads slippery, making e-scooters less reliable and more dangerous in adverse weather. This limits their use in less favourable conditions.

 

Best Electric Scooter For Public Transport

When it comes to finding the best electric scooter for complementing your public transport routine, you'll want to consider a few key features. 

 

1. Compact and Foldable Design

A compact, foldable design allows you to take it on buses or trains without taking up too much space. It also makes it easier to store in small areas.

 

2. Adequate Range

Opt for one with a battery life ranging from 50-60 km that covers your journey between public transport stations and your final destination, reducing the need for frequent recharging.

 

3. Lightweight and Portable

A lightweight scooter is more convenient to lift onto public transport and carry with you during your commute. Also, it should be easy to fold and carry.

 

4. Reliable Performance

For durability and ease of transport, choose an electric scooter with an alloy or aluminium frame. Both materials are strong and lightweight, ideal for daily use and easy to carry. The scooter must offer a good balance of speed (around 25-30 km/h) and range of atleast (40-60 km per charge) to cover long routes efficiently without losing time or power.

 

5. Safety Features

Features like disc brakes, lights, and reflectors will help keep you safe during your commutes, whether you're on the scooter or integrating it with public transport.

 

Considering these factors will help you choose an electric scooter that fits seamlessly into your public transport routine. Now, let’s explore some electric scooters that meet these criteria and could be perfect for your needs.

 

1. Dragon GTR V2 Dual Motor 

If you need power and speed, the Dragon GTR V2 Dual Motor is a top choice. It features a dual motor system for a robust ride, excellent battery life, and a durable design ideal for longer commutes.

 

Specifications

Price: $1999.0 $1699.0

Weight: 26 kg

Battery: 21 Ah Li-ion

Power: 2 X 900W 

Range: 65 km

Speed: 50 km/h

Suspension: Dual Suspension

Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes

Frame: Aluminum alloy

Tyres: 10-inch tubeless

Charging Time: 8-10 hours

Loading Capacity: 150 kg

For more details and to purchase, visit the product page here

 

2. Dragon GTS 

For a more budget-friendly option, the Dragon GTS delivers solid performance with an 800W motor, making it perfect for city trips. Its lightweight design is easy to carry on the go.

 

Specifications

Price: $1149.0

Weight: 19 kg

Battery: 15.6Ah Li-ion

Power: 800W 

Range: 65 km

Speed: 45 km/h

Suspension: Dual Suspension

Brakes: Electric disc brakes

Frame: Aviation grade alloy

Tyres: 10-inch pneumatic

Charging Time: 6-7 hours

Loading Capacity: 120 kg

For more details and to purchase, visit the product page here

 

3. Veloz V1 Electric Scooter

The Veloz V1 offers key-lock security, puncture-proof tyres, and all-terrain capability. With a powerful 1200W motor and convenient app integration, it's a reliable choice for everyone.

 

Specifications

Price: $1999.0 $1399.0

Weight: 26 kg

Battery: 15Ah Li-ion

Power: 1200W 

Range: 60 km

Speed: 45 km/h

Suspension: Dual Suspension

Brakes: Electric disc brakes

Frame: Aviation grade alloy

Tyres: 10-inch tubeless

Charging Time: 8-10 hours

Loading Capacity: 150 kg

For more details and to purchase, visit the product page here

 

4. Velox X10 Pro

The Veloz X10 Pro is equipped with dual motors for powerful 2000W performance, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 70 km/h. It features 10-inch off-road tyres and dual suspension, making it perfect for tough terrains. With a high-capacity 21Ah battery, it offers an impressive range and robust build quality. 

 

Specifications

Price: $2099.0

Weight: 29 kg  

Battery: 18Ah Li-ion  

Power: 2000W  

Range: 80 km  

Speed: 70 km/h  

Suspension: Dual Suspension  

Brakes: Electric disc brakes  

Frame: Aviation-grade alloy  

Tyres: 10-inch off-road  

Charging Time: 8-10 hours  

Loading Capacity: 150 kg  

For more details and to purchase, visit the product page here

 

5. Veloz V2 Electric Scooter

The Veloz V2 combines power and practicality with its 800W motor and 10-inch puncture-proof tyres, making it ideal for urban rides. Its dual suspension ensures a smooth ride, and the key-lock security adds an extra layer of protection. With an extended range and efficient charging time, it's a great choice for daily commutes. 

 

Specifications

Price: $1799.0  $1699.0  

Weight: 23 kg  

Battery: 20Ah Li-ion  

Power: 800W  

Range: 55 km  

Speed: 50 km/h  

Suspension: Dual Suspension  

Brakes: Electric Disc brakes  

Frame: Aviation-grade alloy  

Tyres: 10-inch puncture-proof  

Charging Time: 8-10 hours  

Loading Capacity: 150 kg  

For more details and to purchase, visit the product page here

 

Over To You

While electric scooters come with a few challenges like battery range and weather dependency, they offer plenty of benefits over public transport. They give you more freedom, are a cheaper alternative to public transport, and make commuting more enjoyable.

Electric scooters make commuters skip crowded buses and reduce their carbon footprint. The flexibility and fun they bring to everyday travel are worth considering. If you're thinking about switching from public transport, why not try an electric scooter and feel the difference? You will save money and your planet.

 

Ready to find your perfect electric scooter? Find your match at E-Ozzie and explore how these awesome rides can transform your daily commute into an exciting trip!