An electric scooter works on the same basic principals as a gas moped, only they do not run on gas. They are light weight, easy to use and reasonably safe, if ridden properly.

Electric mopeds are not an entirely new concept. They have been around almost ever since the manufacture of the first mopeds, which ran on both electricity and gas. They were pedaled to start the electric motor, and as the motor started, the gas would start to run the engine.

The electric mopeds, also known as gopeds, because they do not usually have pedals, are almost 100% environmentally friendly, and there is almost no CO2 emissions. They cost almost nothing to run, even over a long period of time, in fact, the only high running costs are for maintenance. They are even more environmentally friendly than most, if not all, hybrid cars. They still run on a less than 50cc engine, sometimes even as low as 25cc.

Electric mopeds could be seen as being slightly less powerful than a standard gas powered moped, although they do carry the same top speeds, simply because gas fuel is a more powerful catalyst. In actual fact, electric mopeds and scooters are very slightly more powerful as they do not need refueling, therefore the engine stays ‘healthy’ for much longer, because refueling a gas engine adds to the general wear and tear.

You can purchase electric mopeds with two or three wheels. The ‘motor-trikes’ have a slightly more powerful engine, but usually run on a combination of gas and electric power supplies. Whilst motor-trikes have an extra degree of stability, they take up far more storage space, because they have extra seating for pillion passengers, whereas pillion passengers on a standard electric moped share the main driver’s seat.

The first electric mopeds were manufactured, although not widely distributed, around the year 1911. At this time, the technology was in it’s early stages, and a bike could not hold it’s charge for very long. Nowadays, an electric moped can hold onto minimal battery charge for upwards of ten hours. As the motor keeps ticking over, the battery charges further, so in actual fact, the engine could potentially never lose it’s power.

Electric mopeds are best suited to small town and minor road driving, as with all types of low speed motorcycles, some are not allowed onto the freeways. They are cheaper, and sometimes even safer than a car, with very low insurance costs (around $100 for one year). Electric mopeds are practical, and affordable for almost anyone.