If you think that electric vehicles are all the same, this article is for you. And we say more: here, you will not only see that there is a difference between electric motorcycles, electric scooters and electric bicycles, as the title suggests.
But you will, above all, understand what must be done in each case to avoid problems, such as fines, vehicle seizure and even the immediate suspension of your driver’s license.
So no wasting time. Let’s stay on top of all the specifications and requirements?
Difference between electric motorcycle, electric scooter and electric bicycle
There is no doubt that the two-wheel market has grown a lot in recent years and that the world of electric mobility has been gaining more and more notoriety.
And not just because it is considered a more economical option, as many already know.
But also for ensuring ease of driving, low maintenance and for being an eco friendly alternative, among many other advantages.
The problem is that with so much newness and variety, it’s not always easy to understand how each option works.
That is why, in this article, we will cover the difference between electric motorcycle, electric scooter and electric bicycle.
How is the issue of registration, driver’s license and personal protective equipment in each case?
Is there a certain place for each vehicle to circulate? That’s what you’ll discover below.
Electric motorcycle
Despite being visually similar, combustion motorcycles and electric motorcycles work differently.
To explain the difference between an electric motorcycle, an electric scooter and an electric bicycle, it is only fair that we start with the first one, which is the most popular among the three.
Visually, the conventional motorcycle and the electric motorcycle may even be similar, but in practice, they work differently.
The electric motorcycle is, as the name implies, one that has an electric motor and battery instead of the combustion engine.
This means that, instead of stopping at the gas station, you just need to charge it from your own home socket to ensure it works.
Furthermore, while on a conventional motorcycle, driving requires changing gears, on an electric motorcycle, acceleration is sufficient.
Electric motorcycle X conventional motorcycle: different, but with some similarities
What maybe not everyone knows is that the electric motorcycle follows the same rules as the combustion motorcycle.
Starting with the need for registration and licensing for circulation on public roads.
Furthermore, to ride an electric motorcycle, the driver must be at least 18 years of age and wear a safety helmet with a visor or protective glasses.
The Authorization to Drive Mopeds (ACC) is also required for two- or three-wheel vehicles whose cylinder capacity does not exceed 50 cm³ (3.05 in³) and whose maximum manufacturing speed does not exceed 50 km/h.
As for vehicles that exceed such specifications and, consequently, reach the status of motorcycle, only a CNH in Category A is accepted for driving.
It is still necessary to hold the handlebars with both hands; wear protective clothing, in accordance with Contran specifications; and transporting passengers using a safety helmet.
electric scooter
Despite having less power and speed than the electric motorcycle, the electric scooter has similar rules to such a model.
The electric scooter has a different design, although it also has an electric motor and battery.
In this case, the electric motor is usually coupled to the rear wheel, while the batteries are on the platform, thus resulting in a model without a central frame.
The electric scooter is also classified as an electric cycle, a term used to designate any vehicle with two or three wheels equipped with an electric propulsion engine with a maximum power of 4 KW or 4,000 W.
Furthermore, its maximum weight, including driver, passenger and cargo, must not exceed 140 kg and its speed must not exceed 50 km/h.
This is the case, for example, of the electric moped, which has an accelerator.
To drive the electric scooter, registration, personal protective equipment and category A license are also required.
The difference here is that the Authorization to Drive a Moped, the so-called ACC, is also accepted.
Electric Bicycle
Finally, an electric bicycle is understood to be a two-wheel vehicle that originally had an auxiliary electric motor on one of them in order to minimize the cyclist’s effort when pedaling.
It is a model without accelerator or any device for changing speed and power, which means that its engine only works when the driver pedals.
In this case, the maximum power is up to 350 watts, while the speed is no more than 25 km/h.
Such vehicles do not need registration and licensing, and the driver does not even need to be qualified to ride an electric bicycle, preferably on bike paths and lanes.
On the other hand, the use of a helmet and protective equipment is mandatory, as well as a speed indicator, a bell, front, rear and side night signals, rear-view mirrors on both sides and tires in good condition.
It is worth noting that, if the electric bicycle does not meet any of the requirements indicated above, it is now considered a moped and the rule becomes different.
This is the case, for example, of the bicycle originally equipped with an electric motor or that has this driving device subsequently added to its structure.
In this situation, the vehicle is classified as a moped, demanding, in addition to registration and licensing, the driver’s majority and qualification in category A or ACC.
Difference between electric motorcycle, electric scooter and electric bicycle
Briefly speaking, despite having some differences between them, the electric motorcycle and the electric scooter basically have the same driving rules.
Among the main requirements are: licensing, registration, age of majority, qualification and protective equipment.
On the other hand, practically none of this is necessary for anyone who wants to invest in an electric bicycle, with the exception of a helmet and protective equipment.
But be sure to read the article and better understand which vehicles are classified as electric motorcycles, electric scooters and electric bicycles, as this is an extremely important detail.
Now tell us: did you finally understand the difference between an electric motorcycle, an electric scooter and an electric bicycle? Did you already know all of them or was it new to you?