by Daniel Coffman

Created on: November 05, 2011   Last Updated: November 08, 2011

Purchasing a motorized scooter, although not of the same caliber as buying a car, can be a daunting prospect. The first and arguably most important decision to make is which of the two types of scooter to buy: gasoline or electric. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Such a decision is based on the potential owner’s needs and preferences. Below, both kinds will be compared and contrasted.

Being a vehicle normally utilized for recreation, speed is most likely a factor in one’s scooter purchasing decision. In this respect, gas-driven scooters have the advantage. Depending on the size of the engine, a gas scooter can reach speeds up to engine, 50-60mph with a 150cc, and up to 75mph on a 250cc. While there are electric scooters capable of reaching 70mph, these are quite rare and expensive. The average electric is only capable of around 15-20mph for the better models.

Mileage: Of course, the electric scooter has the advantage of not requiring gasoline to run. With gas prices increasing on a regular basis, this may very well be the deciding factor for some. On average, an electric scooter –which is easily recharged via an ordinary wall outlet- is capable of travelling around miles on a single charge, which usually takes 4-6 hours. Gasoline scooters can travel anywhere from miles on a full tank, depending on tank and engine size. While the gas engine holds the advantage in distance, the electric is more economical.

If basic cost is the issue, then electric scooters are the clear choice. Electric scooters are priced between $35 and $900, on average. Gasoline-driven run from $250 to $2000.

For the environmentally aware, the electric scooter is the wisest choice. They emit no harmful gasses, other than what is used to produce the electricity to power them. Of course, a gasoline-powered scooter will create harmful emissions, although they are far less than a passenger car would produce.

Some people do not like the noise a gasoline engine produces. The average gas scooter can sound like a vacuum or lawnmower, perhaps even louder. Most electric scooters produce only a low whine, and some are virtually silent.

Electric scooters tend to be more user-friendly, as they require nothing more than a recharge cord and an outlet to “fuel up”. Gas scooters need to be refueled with, of course, gasoline, and require all the maintenance of a liquid fuel-driven vehicle, including, oil changes, tune-ups, etc. Despite this more intensive maintenance schedule, gas scooters tend to be more durable, as they must be built to maintain higher speeds and accept greater strain than electric.

As has been stated, whether an electric or gas-powered scooter is the best choice for a consumer depends mostly on the purchaser and his or her needs.

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