E-Scooter vs E-Bike: Which One Should You Buy?

E-scooters and e-bikes both make great choices for Kiwis wanting a fast, efficient commute.

But choosing between them isn’t always straightforward – there’s more to it than just looks and speed.

You’ll want to think about:

• Budget (upfront and ongoing)
• Journey Type (short sprints or longer hauls)
• Portability (how easy it is to carry or stash)
• Ride Experience (comfort and ease)
• Maintenance (DIY-friendly or hands-off?)
• Range (distance per charge)

Ultimately, even with all this in mind, it may still come down to what feels right for you.

Keep reading for expert guidance. If you’ve still got questions, reach out on our website.

Our WebChat is manned by in-store pros who know these rides inside out and can help you pick the perfect match!

Quick summary

Our two cents:

The e-scooter vs e-bike debate will inevitably run and run, helped by the fact that everyone’s needs are different.

If you ask us here at Storm Rides, though, we have to give our vote to e-scooters – particularly for urban commuting.

They’re generally cheaper, more agile, more portable, easier to maintain, and are available in a vast range of models and specifications, which helps neutralise the classic “advantages'' that e-bikes have often had over e-scooters.

Budget: entry-level or more serious?

If you’re testing the waters, entry-level prices for electric scooters tend to be much lower than e-bikes.

At Storm Rides, we offer a great range of entry-level e-scooter options under $1,500.

It's a similar story at the higher end of the spectrum. Our top-tier e-scooters are mostly priced below $7,000, with our best all-rounders around the $2,000 to $3,000 mark.

For e-bikes, however, you’re looking at $4,000 to $7,000 for entry to mid-level e-bikes from reputable brands like Vallkree.

High-end e-bikes, including electric mountain bikes, can easily reach $10,000, $15,000, or even over $20,000 for some brands.

The cost to run e-scooters vs. e-bikes will depend on the model and how much you use them.

At Storm Rides, we source high-quality e-scooter parts and can help you with repairs and maintenance questions to keep your e-scooter running optimally.

Commute length and terrain: nimble rides or longer journeys?

E-scooters are perfect for short, nimble trips around the city, zipping through traffic and making quick work of getting from A to B.

They’re compact, lightweight, and easy to park, but typically have a shorter range (20-50 km) unless you’re going for a high-end model.

E-bikes, on the other hand, are better for longer journeys, offering more comfort and stability, especially on hilly or mixed terrain, with ranges around 50-60 km per charge.

It is true that when it comes to longer journeys, electric bikes are often recommended. This has much to do with how they operate. An e-bike is essentially a bicycle with an electric motor – which means the user pedals it, aided by the power from the motor.

But you’re looking for a quicker, more agile ride for short to medium trips, go with an e-scooter; if you’re after comfort and a longer ride, an e-bike might be the way to go.

E-scooters do tend to be more agile and easy to use when the rider is navigating urban environments.

And let’s be honest – that’s probably the most common situation for most Kiwis heading to and from work on an average day.

Riding experience: Standing thrills or seated comfort?

When it comes to the ride, e-scooters are an absolute blast.
The compact design means you’re standing, but let’s be honest – that’s half the fun. You’re zipping around with the wind in your hair, taking in the sights, and enjoying the thrill.

It’s the perfect balance of speed and freedom – just what you need on the commute to the office!

Sure, if you’re carrying heavy bags or planning a long commute, an e-bike might give you more comfort with a seated ride.

But if you’re after a ride that’s all about the thrill, fun, and convenience, then an e-scooter's got you covered for a more exciting and breezy experience.

And hey, it's not all about getting from A to B – e-scooters are perfect for weekend adventures too.

Portability: need to carry or stow?

Portability is important when considering e-scooters vs. e-bikes, especially for multi-mode commuting and stowing in your car or at the office.

You can get heavy models of both, but e-scooters specifically built for portability have a slight edge over e-bikes because they can be folded up smaller.

The ET-WOW GT Sport, for example, is only 12kg! This makes it a breeze to carry and stow in the boot of your car, on the bus, or under your desk.

You’ve also got the 17kg InMotion Air Pro, and the 15kg Inmotion Air as great examples of portable e-scooters.

E-bikes, even the folding ones, are going to be a bit bulkier due to the larger wheels and other components.

Just remember that not all e-scooters are featherweights, and you’ll sacrifice portability when looking at the more powerful models like the Kaabo Wolf ranges.

Maintenance: up for regular care?

When it comes to maintenance, e-scooters are a breeze.

With their simple design, you’ll mostly be looking at basic stuff like keeping an eye on the battery, checking the brakes, and swapping out tyres when needed.

It’s low-effort, and for most models, it’s a case of just checking in on these things every now and then, especially if you've got a solid warranty backing you up.

E-bikes, on the other hand, are a bit more hands-on. While they offer a smooth ride, they require more regular care, just like any traditional bike.

You’ll need to lube the chain, adjust the gears, and clean the drivetrain. If you’re into DIY bike maintenance, you’ll be right at home with an e-bike, but if you’d rather not get your hands dirty, an e-scooter might be your stress-free option.

Bottom line: both need some TLC now and then, but e-scooters definitely keep things simpler and more hassle-free.

You can book a service with StormRides for any e-scooter repairs and, typically, be back on the road within a week.

Range: How far do you need to go?

We did mention earlier that electric scooters are generally known to have a shorter range than electric bikes. Typically, an e-scooter just won’t go as far as an e-bike on a single charge.

However, the above combination of circumstances isn’t universally the case for every single e-scooter vs e-bike comparison.

While the typical city e-bike, for example, might take you between 50km and 60km on a single charge, a range-topping e-scooter such as the Kaabo Wolf King GTR boasts a range of 180km.

That’s before you consider how the best off-road e-scooters – such as the Kaabo Wolf King GT Pro 72V – can be extremely capable over almost any terrain you throw them at.

Need help? Ask an experienced rider on our website

Ready to find the perfect electric scooter? Browse our best all-rounders and check out our reviews to see why our customers love them.

And if you’ve got any questions, just use our WebChat – our in-store team is here to help!

Answering your questions about choosing between an e-scooter or e-bike

Are e-scooters or e-bikes better?

Depends on many factors but, generally, e-scooters are more agile and great for short to medium urban trips, while e-bikes offer comfort and range for longer rides.

What is the disadvantage of e-scooter?

E-scooters tend to have a shorter range, less stability over rough terrain, and typically aren't as comfortable for longer journeys.

How fast is the e-bike compared to the e-scooter?

Depends on the model but, generally, e-scooters have a higher top speed than e-bikes.

Which is better scooter or bike?

Each has its strengths – e-scooters are compact and nimble, perfect for city commutes and weekend fun, while e-bikes are more versatile for varied terrain and longer rides.