ebike or scooter?

Dec 25, 2017
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I’m debating whether to purchase an Ebike or a scooter for my approx 11km trip (one way) to work each day. I’m aware of the pros and cons of each- ie bike- no insurance or gas and can go in the bike lane etc.

I’m leaning to a gas scooter, under 50cc so no motorcycle license (I don’t need to use the highway to get to work). I’ve also looked at the new Yamaha scooters, which is what I am interested in buying. No Vespa for me. New or used? Ebikes are nearly the same price as a new scooter!

Do any of you have experience with ebikes or scooters and have any advice or recommendations for me? Thank you!
 

johnnydepth

Average Sized Member
Nov 14, 2015
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winnipeg
I also have a question about the under 50cc scooters. Are you allowed to ride these on bike paths and/or sidewalks? I say this because with the highway restrictions there is no way to travel from one side of Winnipeg to the other on one of these scooters without either using a major highway or bike path.
 

nstar

New member
Feb 20, 2006
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ebikes

My understanding is that here in British Columbia you cannot ride a scooter on a bike lane or sidewalk.
I have been riding an electric assist bicycle for many years. Top assisted speed is 32km/hr. I pedal all the time while riding but at an easy pace. I find it a most enjoyable exercise and can arrive at work with no sweat. Hills are no problem and he best of all they are quiet. Before investing in a bicycle make sure it fits your body and is comfortable to ride.
 

poonerboi

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2014
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If your commute is only 11 km, I would get a folding e-bike. That way you can bring it right in to work with you. Scooters, be they gas or electric, are easily stolen. If you do opt for the scooter, go with the electric one as it requires no insurance or DL as long as you don't remove the pedals( not that anyone could actually use those things ).
 

Bridge

Well-known member
Nov 11, 2014
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I'd definitely go for an ebike as the exercise value has to be taken into consideration.
 

nmjoff

Active member
Sep 9, 2005
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Curious had this discussion the other day at the pub...

Does under 50cc gas need a license?

Over 750 watt ebike need a license?
 

Doublelife

Member
Feb 21, 2018
41
6
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Victoria
I considered the very same issue and went with a used high end ebike. Retail in Canada $9000. Used price $4300. Still REALLY expensive but its awesome. Galloping goose for no car traffic. Pedal assist to 38kph all day. 5 to and from trips to work before needing a charge (but I charge back up to 80% each night).

So you have to suit up for both choices (rainwear, rain pants helmet etc), but scooters get you stuck just like a car, ebikes goes anywhere, walking paths, sidewalks (frowned upon) Galloping goose trail, cutting through fields. All in all it makes hills no concern, speed is good and if you hate the rain on a bike, a scooter is no better but you are more vulnerable due to having to run with the cars.

Stromer ST1 at MEC not a bad place to start. Brand new about $3800.

Buy TWO good locks. Leave one at work so you don't have to lug 15 lbs of metal around on your commute. Have the other one avail for non work trips.

I've only got about 3,000kms per summer on mine and....a horrible farmer tan, doesn't completely replace cars, but I really think you get more out of an ebike.
 

Doublelife

Member
Feb 21, 2018
41
6
8
Victoria
Curious had this discussion the other day at the pub...

Does under 50cc gas need a license?

Over 750 watt ebike need a license?
No licence for 50cc gas scooter
No licence needed for 750W ebike

Watts on motor are deceptive as just like car stereo speakers of old, they post the MAX power it is rated for. 500W motors with better parts can have much higher torque and top speed compared to a 750W motor when hooked up to the right controller.

Test ride the bike! Feel the torque and if the guide says not to use max assist up long hills, then the motor is being overworked even if it has a higher wattage limit. Sadly you're looking at about $4K for ebikes that have big capacity although RADPOWER BIKES make a decent one for under $2000
 

Gardener

Active member
May 9, 2017
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I considered the very same issue and went with a used high end ebike. Retail in Canada $9000. Used price $4300. Still REALLY expensive but its awesome. Galloping goose for no car traffic. Pedal assist to 38kph all day. 5 to and from trips to work before needing a charge (but I charge back up to 80% each night).

So you have to suit up for both choices (rainwear, rain pants helmet etc), but scooters get you stuck just like a car, ebikes goes anywhere, walking paths, sidewalks (frowned upon) Galloping goose trail, cutting through fields. All in all it makes hills no concern, speed is good and if you hate the rain on a bike, a scooter is no better but you are more vulnerable due to having to run with the cars.

Stromer ST1 at MEC not a bad place to start. Brand new about $3800.

Buy TWO good locks. Leave one at work so you don't have to lug 15 lbs of metal around on your commute. Have the other one avail for non work trips.

I've only got about 3,000kms per summer on mine and....a horrible farmer tan, doesn't completely replace cars, but I really think you get more out of an ebike.
Solid info. Thanks!!
 

badbadboy

Well-known member
Nov 2, 2006
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In Lust Mostly
Lots of great info in this thread.

I first looked into these years back when the Govt gave $1400 to take old cars off the road. I was interested but wanted one more like a Mtn Bike. Now they have them and wow are they impressive. $8K though so I'll keep my eyes open for used.
 

Angela Angel

Elite Companion
Jul 19, 2014
43
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Kelowna BC
I can't say much about ebikes as I have never had one, yes they can be expensive, but I have owned an electronic scooter in the past. Electric scooters are good if you cycle/charge the battery properly. They are not unhealthy for the environment and the only cost is maintenance once you purchase them. No gas no insurance and nice to ride when traffic is backed up in our city. I would get to my destination sooner than most cars in the summer congestion.
 

Doublelife

Member
Feb 21, 2018
41
6
8
Victoria
I looked at kits too....because I'm a really cheap bastard! I had to pass as my donor bike was...well....cheap! Not so much the frame etc, it was just that with the extra speed and weight of an e-drive unit and battery, the bargain brakes weren't going to be up to the job. Not to mention that I'm not exactly the most attentive guy in the world, I figured I'd get a bike with good brakes and save myself a trip to the ER. So far so good though. The earth flattening torque makes one not avoid hills or routes that are safer but harder to climb. The speed lets you get out of intersections real fast and back onto bike paths etc.

I feel guilty as F when I come up on fully suited up dudes on roadbikes at a stoplight before a hill. I have to creep up and ask if I can jump in front cause I'm gonna haul up the hill ahead. They get it, they've seen ebikes before and don't mind if you get out of their way by pulling away.

I'm kind of a tubby slob so nobody mistakes my speed on the bike as being manually powered.

If you end up on e-bike review on youtube...you'll fall into a hole of 10,000 videos. Long, but you'll get to know what you should get.
 

87112

Well-known member
Dec 13, 2004
3,622
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*&^%
I have had ebikes and scooters from 50cc, 125cc, 171cc and now ride a 278cc Forza scooter. I gave up on bicycles because I got tired of playing dodgeball with cars. If you think it survival of the fittest on the roads get at least 150cc to 200cc because they can outpace most cars under 45mph.

If you end up liking scooters, you will be amazed at what a single piston 250cc-300cc will do. I pass cars on the freeways and think to myself what a single piston is capable of.
 
Last edited:
Dec 25, 2017
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Thanks to all of you.... now I’m thinking more about an ebike. Thinking in the up to 3000$ range. I don’t need to go 50km a hour and will use it mostly on the galloping goose here in Victoria.

Anyone heard anything good or bad about the IGO brand?
 

CDNVT

Gent Who Has Your Back
Jun 19, 2019
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PQB/ CDN
techstop.invisionzone.com
This old man just bought a Honda Helix 250 scooter . It took me 100 clicks to learn a scooter over a M/C . So different . I ride dirt , Honda 250,350xl,450 CFR, 500CR , Street bikes, 3 quads also . nice quick comfy ride , need a M/C License for all my rides. 50cc gas , person = no license , BIKE needs one & insurance $$$ BC= (Bring Cash & Lots)

E-scooters If made in China , I see they are one shot , trying to find parts and the correct one is a pain .

Im a young kids instructor for boys and girls , We have had many given to the club .
Honda is my first choice in a parts view ,, Pricy , but around , Yam / kaw/ Suzuki in that order for older parts .

As with a real E-bike , I don't know , Just the battery's are needed to be looked after till Li-ion 48V as I use on my golf-cart (I don't golf) ranch transportation..

Lots of good info in the thread
V
 

Savage

Just a randy Savage
Dec 7, 2003
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Vancouver
If you get a gas scooter, look for a used one on Craigslist or such as you can get them for around $1000-$1500 usually and sometimes cheaper. Stick with a name brand like Honda or Yamaha for ease of service and parts. Also even a 50cc is legal on all highways except highway 1 as long as you can do 60kph on a flat.
 
Ashley Madison
Vancouver Escorts