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A sense of competition always simmers under the surface of similar modes of transport. Whether it's mountain bikers vs roadies or skateboarders vs BMXers, but one of the biggest considerations for people living in the cities nowadays is - bikes vs scooters!
When it comes to commuters, a folding vehicle is ideal. To take your chosen wheels onto the train with you during rush hour, and to quickly unfold and whizz onwards, leaving your fellow train passengers queueing for the bus, can bring on a sense of winning even while the day has barely begun.
But why compare the cycle-commute and the scoot-commute? Bikes are the more efficient form of transport, they are fast and easy to use, so how could a scooter possibly compete?
Looking for the ideal Commuting transport read our thoughts on folding bikes vs folding scooters?
The number one reason most people are put off cycling in cities is road danger. If the cycle infrastructure is lacking, many people aren’t willing to risk their lives on their way to work. Those that cycle already will know the dangers all too well but a quick look on twitter for 'cycle safety' never fails to show up a litany of dangerous situations riders are facing every day.
The use of a kick scooter offers you a whole new network of opportunities, it's easy to hop up and safely ride on the pavement. This means you can easily cut through different routes to get to your destination and most important of all means you can avoid sharing your route with motorists!
The stand-up posture of a kick-scooter not only gives a certain thrill factor when freewheeling down a hill but is also kind to your back and neck. Maybe not the most aerodynamic riding position, but an upright scooting position is comfortable for miles. Modern jobs are increasingly sedentary, so scooting gives you a rare opportunity to open up your posture and riding position to directly counteract this.
It stands to reason, no saddle = no saddle sores. Anyone who has spent a long time in the saddle could tell you it’s not always kind to your behind. This is not a worry on a scooter though, in fact, it's the opposite! Scooting is a fantastic exercise for your glutes
Learn all about the glute benefits of kick scooter in our blog guest post - Your Bottom Needs A Scooter!
You can, of course, go a lot further on a bike when compared to a scooter. But, the standard cycling position on a normal bike can be quite uncomfortable for a lot of people. If you're getting into road biking and you're locking your feet into pedals it can be quite an intimidating position to find yourself in with cars racing past you. This is something that isn't an issue for a lot of people but is enough to put some off cycling altogether.
Scooters, by comparison, are very accessible; the riding position is extremely natural, the footplate is low to the ground if you need to hop off, the speeds you get up to on flat land are never too dangerous and the movement to propel yourself is low impact.
There is not just a risk factor associated with cycling on the road, there is also a stress factor. Admittedly exercise is a proven tool to unwind, why ruin this with lorries hurtling past, and buses tailgating, taxis cutting you up, and pot-holes to dodge.
In contrast, by scooting, you can leisurely scoot down the pavement, finding the freedom to alter your route, down backstreets, tow-paths, finding broad pedestrianised sections. Taking in the sights, exploring while exercising, now that sounds like a more enriching commute!
A scooter has less moving parts and therefore requires less maintenance than a bike. Just a quick check of tyres and brakes and off you go!
Naturally, most of the time bikes will have no problems either, but the fact is there are so many more things that could go wrong with your city bicycle.
For the more style-conscious among us, wearing lycra into the office is a no. But chancing getting your best jeans caught in the chain is also a no. A scooter has no chain, so you can pretty much scoot in whatever you like – no room for lycra-clad warriors here folks!
A SwiftyONE is around half the price and half the weight of a folding bike of comparable quality, with significantly less maintenance involved in its upkeep, who could argue with that?
The folding mechanism of SwiftyONE has one clear advantage, that it can be rolled on its front wheel while folded. Its slim profile when folded is also particularly convenient for storage, both these factors are unrivalled by a folding bike.
The bicycle wins on speed – sure enough, the bicycle has a mechanical advantage. To that we say, take note the words of Mahatma Gandhi,
“There is more to life than increasing its speed”
Bikes had their time to shine when people decided to become more eco-friendly and use them for commuting. For many coastal cities, biking is a way of life and the vehicle of choice compared to an automobile. Now, that same enthusiasm has carried over to scooters. On some level, you can look to pro scooters as the smaller sibling to the bike. They both have two wheels, are sleek and fun to ride, and almost anyone of any age can steer one. However, there are some key differentiating factors if you’re trying to decide between the two.
Scooters and bikes alike are environmentally-friendly. If you’re entertaining either of these options for transportation – go you! Bicycles are still a great option if you want to be more eco-conscious. However, scooters trump bikes in energy savings. According to a recent study, electric scooters are more efficient than bicycles or eco-friendly cars based on the energy required to run them, but a kick scooter is manually operated. It’s you and the scooter both that determine the speed.
The bike used to be the answer for those who couldn’t afford a car, but now, the scooter is the answer for anyone who is unsure of investing in a bike. The average bike costs around $500, according to a 2018 report from the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association, while the average scooter costs closer to $300. Even more affordable, the most basic type of kick scooter hovers right around $100, which is doable by most budget standards. Also, there’s usually more maintenance when it comes to a bike—from tires to riding gear to regular maintenance. With a scooter, just strap on a helmet and go! Check out this article for a full breakdown of electric scooter cost ranges.
When shopping for a bike, you have to make sure you get a seat that’s comfortable and adjustable to your height, otherwise, you may suffer back and neck pain from slumped posture. There’s also the height and grip of the handlebars to consider and the gear shifts. Are they easy to use and change? Is it the right kind of bike for both recreational trails and the commute to work? Many bicycle enthusiasts have more than one bike, which can really add up cost-wise. Do you have the space to store a bike when it’s not in use?
With a scooter, it’s a one-size-fits-all situation. The same scooter you take to work can be used to get out for some exercise in your neighborhood. Be sure and know your local laws before you ride. For starters, you stand on the scooter, so your posture is likely upright rather than hunched over. There’s also an easy-to-use handlebar with everything you need to start, speed up, and stop. Plus, it’s much easier to store a scooter than a bike for your commute. Many new models allow you to fold them for easy storage when not in use.
The bike you had when you were a kid isn’t likely the same bike you had as a teen and definitely, not the same one you have as an adult. Features go out of style, and as you get older, you need more bang for your buck. With scooters, you can have the same style in high school, college, and beyond if you choose the right model. This is because scooters aren’t meant to be over-the-top fancy—at least most aren’t.
You don’t have to trade in your old, beloved scooter for a new model in a couple of years, because it will be ready for you to ride and fit right in with the rest of the scooters gliding down the street. In short, when properly cared for, scooters have more lifetime longevity than bikes.
Yep, you heard it here first! You have to admit that there’s a certain carefree feeling you have when riding a scooter or even watching someone pass by on one. With the wind in your hair, cruising down the road, what’s not to love about the feeling of being on a scooter? Plus, they’re the trend right now. People can’t get enough of scooters, regardless of if they are kick scooters or electric-powered. When riding where permitted, it’s easier and more efficient (if you choose a scooter with an electric motor) to get places without having to worry about parking, sitting in traffic, or waiting for a shared ride.
When you compare the two, the benefits of a scooter override (pun intended) that of a bike. They’re more cost-friendly, eco-friendly, more comfortable, and achieve a greater coolness factor. If any of those things matter to you, then a commuter scooter is a perfect choice. It’s a fad that’s not fading anytime soon. If anything, they’re only becoming more popular by the minute. It’s not bye-bye forever to bikes, but there’s a new set of wheels in town. Are you ready to get (kick) started?
Sources:
https://www.bicycleretailer.com/studies-reports/2019/01/28/2018-wholesale-bike-sales-down-10-units-4-units#.XI67tIFKizw
https://www.wired.com/story/e-scooter-micromobility-infographics-cost-emissions/
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