Which is more expensive on fuel: Gas or electric scooters?

Question

I'm looking into buying a new electric scooter or a used gas scooter, and I'm torn between the two. I'm going to be commuting daily so I'm not really concerned with the price of the actual scooter/moped, but what I am concerned with is what the cost of gas @ about $3.90 VS. the cost of charging an electric scooter would be. Any help would be great.

Answer 1

Based on Dana's answer, gas may be more expensive in fuel, but it depends how much you ride it. If you're thinking about what is better for the environment, it's great that you're thinking about using a scooter, but it really depends on how much you ride and if your electricity is coming from coal or something else.

If you go 5000 miles a year on a scooter, that's 50 gallons of gas, or $200. An electric scooter will cost around $50/year in electricity cost.

After 3 years, that's $600 in gas, or $150 in electricity, and then you have to buy a battery for several hundred, so say $450. If you only go 2000 miles a year, it's $240 in gas, and $320 for the electric over 3 years.

A lot of energy went into making that battery, which you're paying for. You're probably also burning a lot of coal in order to get the electricity to run the electric scooter.

I would say gas is more efficient the less you ride it. The electric battery will need to be replaced after a few years no matter how much you ride it, and if you leave the electric bike plugged in, you're always using electricity just to keep it charged.

Answer 2

Charging the scooter costs about a nickel a day.

BUT the batteries have to be replaced about every 300 trips.  so figure that cost into it.

Answer 3

Gas scooters are definitely more expensive.  A gas moped will usually get around 80-100 mpg.  With gas at $4/gallon, that's about 4 cents per mile to refuel.  An electric moped costs closer to 1 cent per mile.  My current electric moped costs 1.2 cents per mile and my previous one cost 0.8 cents per mile.

You do eventually have to replace the battery which costs a few hundred dollars, but not for a few years.  And there are essentially no maintenance costs, which is not the case for gas scooters.

Answer 4

gas

Answer 5

I think electric scooters are cheaper to operate and run as well as better for the environment.

they're not as powerful though. But if you can live without the extra power its not a problem.

Answer 6

Hi Kyph,

The cost for fuel will almost always be higher with a gas scooter.  Charging up on an electric scooter is far cheaper.  In addition, because of an electric scooter is put together, it is likely to have a cheaper repair bill.  Gas scooters in comparison tend to have more problems with their engine.  Since you are looking into buying a used one, this would be more of a concern for you than a new driver.  

An additional factor you should consider is how fast you will need to go for your commuting.  If you can get buy going under 30mph, you will find a lot of electric scooters that can deliver.  

However, going beyond this threshold there is a small list of electric scooters that can really go.  If you need to go faster than this, expect the price tag to jump up.  This area is the area where gas scooters really win out as they often go 10 to 20mph faster than their electric scooter counterparts.  

Also, if you provide some additional information, I may be able to recommend some brands whether you decide to go with a gas or electric scooter.

Welcome to the Scooter Nation,

Kyle Park