Electric scooters and electric longboards are the most fuel-efficient, durable, and eco-friendly modes of transportation out there. But the main question is, which one should you buy- an electric scooter or an electric longboard? While both appear similar, there are a few differences that distinguish the two. Hence, we have curated this comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Factors Affecting Ride Smoothness
Multiple factors, such as suspension system, braking, shock absorption system, and tires hugely impact your ride quality. If your preferred mode of transportation has a robust suspension and shock absorption system, you are going to have a smooth and bump-free ride. This depends on the make and model of your transport. Similarly, having good quality tires also enhances the ride experience.
The better the quality, the higher the price. While vehicles with premium quality suspension systems are a bit pricey, they offer you immense safety and smoothness. Since these are a one-time investment, you should opt for e-scooters and e-longboards with advanced features.
Overview of Varla Electric Scooters
When it comes to the best electric scooters, Varla tops the list. Varla electric scooters are next-level scooters with top-notch features that deliver high performance and utility. Due to their robust quality, long battery timing, and high range, Varla e-scooters are loved by many worldwide.
One of their top-selling commuter electric scooters, Varla Pegasus foldable electric scooter, offers fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness and is ideal for daily commutes. It comes with a 500W dual hub motor, which produces an impressive power output of 1920W and a 25 Nm torque.
The 48V lithium-ion battery offers a high range of over 28 miles on a single charge and can easily traverse 99% of the urban road. The recommended height for this scooter is 4’.1” – 6’.7”, suitable for the majority of the people.
The front and rear powerful LED lights help you navigate easily at night. With a 4.6” bright LED display screen, you can easily ride Varla Pegasus in the dark. The aluminum and magnesium alloy frame ensures longevity and durability. Weighing only 66 lbs, this commuter electric scooter can be easily carried anywhere and can sustain a maximum weight of up to 280 lbs.
Moreover, the Varla Pegasus smooth electric scooter features a dual braking system, shock absorption system, dual spring suspensions, and 9″ puncture-proof tires, offering you a smooth and stable ride.
Overview of Electric Longboards
Electric longboards are motorized longboards that are powered with batteries and are maneuvered with a controller. You only have to stand on it and steer it as you zip through the neighborhood with style. Electric longboards come with different modes, and the ones on the higher range offer a top speed of up to 25 miles. They are pretty handy as you can take them anywhere, making them perfect for daily commute to the school.
Electric Scooters vs. Electric Longboards
Now, coming to the main question, are electric scooters or electric longboards? This depends on your needs and preferences. Here’s how they differ:
Performance Comparison
If we talk about performance and speed, electric scooters excel in this regard. Owing to safety concerns, electric longboards have limited speeds of up to 28 mph. Some of them also come with geofencing technology, limiting their speed in certain populated areas like parks, etc.
On the other hand, motor scooter is less regulated, meaning they can achieve higher top speeds of up to 45 mph. If you are a speed enthusiast and want thrills, go for electric scooters.
Portability and Convenience
When it comes to portability and convenience, electric scooters have a clear advantage over electric longboards. While electric longboards may offer some level of portability, electric scooters excel in this aspect.
Electric scooters are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them much easier to carry and transport. Unlike electric longboards, which can weigh between 7-15 kg due to their electrical components, electric scooters are generally lighter and more manageable. Even the lightweight and portable electric scooters available in the market are still significantly lighter than electric longboards.
Furthermore, electric scooters often come with folding mechanisms that allow for easy storage and transportation. This feature makes them ideal for commuting or navigating crowded urban areas. You can simply fold and carry the scooter when needed, whether it’s on public transportation or in a crowded space.
In summary, if portability and convenience are your top priorities, electric scooters offer a distinct advantage over electric longboards. Their lightweight design, compact size, and folding capabilities make them a more practical choice for on-the-go transportation.
Ride Comfort and Stability
Electric scooters take the cake when it comes to ride comfort and stability. While both electric scooters and electric longboards are designed to be ridden on a plain surface, e-scooters can be easily ridden on bumpy routes and all sorts of terrains. They come with a handlebar, assisting you during a bumpy route and preventing you from falling on your face.
Also, this lessens the stress on your hands and wrists during long routes. One interesting thing to note here is that most people are familiar with riding bikes, so they find it a lot easier to ride electric scooters and feel much safer on them.
Electric scooters are equipped with robust braking and shock absorption systems, providing you with a hassle-free riding experience. You can easily maneuver your scooter in case an obstacle comes your way. Since they are regulated to have limited speeds, they are much safer than electric longboards.
E-longboards do not come with a grip, and it takes time to practice them. They are mostly lightweight and are more prone to tripping, reducing your safety. Also, they are operated with a remote controller. In case the battery runs out, you need to manually maneuver it, increasing the risk of accidents. Safety should be your number one priority, so you should consider electric scooters.
Battery Life and Range
While this depends on the model and make, electric scooters offer exceptional range and battery life. This is because they feature bigger batteries compared to electric longboards. Electric longboards can travel from 10 to 50 km on a single charge, whereas electric scooters, like the Varla Pegasus commuter electric scooter can travel over 28 miles on a single charge. The long range electric scooter can easily travel up to 150 km on a single charge.
Also, electric longboards have smaller batteries, so they can only withstand a particular weight limit. The heavier the rider, the more load would be put on the batteries, and hence, the slower the speed of the e-longboard would be.
Cost and Value
You may assume electric longboards to be cheaper than electric scooters due to their size. Well, that’s not the case. Electric longboards are pretty high-priced, ranging from $300 – $1800, compared to manual longboards that cost $50. Electric scooters, on the other hand, come with similar features to electric bikes but are pretty cheap, ranging from $300 – $2,000.
Given the price tag, electric scooter costs are justified as they come with dual braking, dual motors, shock absorption systems and offer immense safety. In comparison, electric longboards come in a compact size and still cost as much as e-scooters. If we have to compare electric scooters with electric longboards, the e-scooters are true value for money.
Winner: Electric Scooters
Electric scooters are certainly safer, more durable, and cheaper than electric longboards. They prioritize safety and allow you to travel long distances without affecting your riding experience. They also offer a true value for money, compared to electric longboards, which are a bit risky owing to their design. If you want to consider electric scooters, choose Varla durable electric scooter, as it offers you innumerable features, a sleek design, and a comfortable riding experience.
