Electric Scooters for City Commuting: Are They Worth It?
Quiet, cheap to run and easy to park, electric scooters appeal to city riders. What to know before you buy.
For city trips of a few kilometres, an electric scooter ticks many boxes. But not all models are equal.
The strengths
- Very low running costs: a charge costs pennies.
- Minimal maintenance: no oil changes and few wearing parts.
- Quiet, with no tailpipe emissions.
What to compare
- 50cc or 125cc equivalent: the licence you need is not the same.
- Removable battery: essential if there is no socket near where you park.
- Real-world range: leave a margin against the advertised figure.
Remember insurance and a good lock: budget for both from the start.
Read next: Electric vs Petrol: How to Work Out the Real Cost Over 5 Years
