The best electric mopeds and scooters. all you need to know
First things first, let’s clear up a few details. There’s often a bit of confusion when talking about electric scooters, so here’s a short guide to the typical naming conventions so you know what we’re talking about.
An electric scooter or electric moped is a two-wheeled vehicle which resembles a typical pizza delivery bike with a top speed of 28 mph or less. In contrast, an electric kick scooter is a small easy-to-carry device with handlebars and a deck to stand on, powered either by using one foot to push off or by using the on-board electric motor. Currently, it’s not legal in the UK to use a privately owned electric kick scooter on public roads, pavements, or cycle lanes.
In this article, we’re going to have a look at some of the best electric scooters and mopeds on the market right now. Over the last couple of years, there’s been big growth in the number of choices available for electric scooters. There’s plenty of variety in styles and a very broad range of budgets catered for – with starting from little over £1,500.
Most electric scooters give you a choice of charging options: either while parked up with the battery in the bike, or by removing the battery and taking it to 3-pin socket. It’s the flexibility of the removable battery packs that make these options really appealing for commuters.
The range from most is more than enough for most peoples’ journey to work, and portable batteries will allow employers to offer workplace charging without the need for a car park full of dedicated charge points – all vehicles in this list are charged from normal 3-pin sockets.
Laws and Licences
Before we get into our list of some of the best electric mopeds and scooters, it’s worth taking a look at the (slightly complicated) licensing rules that affect them.
Mopeds
These fall into the AM licence category and can be ridden, with L-plates (or D-plates in Wales), by anyone from 16 years old with a provisional driving licence and a valid compulsory basic training (CBT) certificate. To get a CBT you will need to attend a day long course run by a local training school to prove you can handle the bike. It’s a useful exercise which will keep you safe. it can be organised through your bike dealer.
CBT certificates are valid for two years – unless you have a car driving licence. If you passed your car driving test on or after 1st February 2001 then you’ll get a full moped licence if you either take a CBT course after passing your car driving test, or if you passed your driving test within two years of completing a CBT course. This entitles you to ride a moped without L-plates, and the entitlement lasts for as long as your car driving licence does.
Things are a little more straightforward if you passed your driving test before 1st February 2001. In which case, you can ride a moped without having to take a CBT course and you won’t need to display L-plates.
Scooters and Light Motorcycles
Scooters and light motorcycles with up to 11 kW power output fall into the A1 licence category. If you’re 17 or over and have completed a CBT course then you can ride one of these without having to take a full motorcycle test, as long as you display L-plates. Unlike with mopeds, however, a CBT will only qualify you to ride an A1 category bike or scooter for two years, regardless of if you have a car driving licence or not. Simple, eh?
Grants
Recent changes to the OLEV grant shook things up a little in the world of electric cars, and it’s the same case for the two-wheeled electric world.
Previously, the OLEV grant knocked 20% off the value of a new electric motorbike (or scooter) – up to a maximum discount of £1,500. The rules changed on 15th December 2021, with new eligibility requirements and new discount amounts.
For an electric moped, the grant will now pay for 35% off the purchase price (up to a maximum of £150), as long as it costs less than £10,000 and can travel at least 30 km (19 miles) between charges. For electric scooters (and motorbikes), the grant will pay for 35% of the purchase price (up to a maximum of £500), as long as it has an RRP of less than £10,000 and can travel at least 50 km (31 miles) between charges.
The new rules have brought a big reduction in the maximum grant amounts, especially for mopeds. It’s worth checking with dealers, though, as some manufacturers are offering temporary discounts to offset the sudden grant reduction.
The Mopeds and Scooters
Now that we’ve covered licensing and grants, let’s have a look at some of the electric scooters and mopeds that should be on your shortlist:
Seat MÓ 125 (scooter)
Good: removable battery, reverse mode, impressive Seat MÓ app, great range
Not so good: expensive, heavy batteries (40 kg)
Everyone’s favourite Spanish car maker, Seat, is now selling an electric scooter – through a partnership with the (also Spanish) electric scooter brand, Silence.
The 9-kW motor provides comparable power to a 125cc petrol scooter, but with far more torque – a whopping 240 Nm! That’s enough to achieve a 0-31mph time of just 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 59mph.
The scooter can comfortably carry two people – and there’s space for two helmets under the seat. Three selectable driving modes (Eco, City, and Sport) allow you to adjust its characteristics to suit your riding style. There’s also a reverse mode to help you manoeuvre out of tight spaces on a slope.
A range of 87 miles is supplemented by regenerative braking, and a full charge from empty will take around 6-8 hours using a 240V 3-pin socket. One of the MÓ’s big selling points is the removable, wheeled battery pack with retractable handle for wheeling the pack to a power socket for charging. Alternatively, you can leave the battery in the scooter while you charge it.
Peugeot E-Ludix (moped)
Recharge time: 3 hours to 80%, 4 hours full charge
Good: well-known scooter brand, 4 riding modes, reverse mode, removable battery for charging indoors, quick charging
Not so good: shorter range than similarly priced scooters, not the best looking
Peugeot has been a big player in the scooter market for a long time. The E-Ludix has been around a bit longer than most of its competitors, so it perhaps falls a tad short when compared in terms of looks, tech, and range. But it will undoubtedly be a reliable little scooter and is supported with a 2-year unlimited mile warranty (and a 3-year, 30,000 km battery warranty).
The 11 kg battery pack being removeable does provide some charging versatility to offset the relatively low range of around 26 miles. The scooter itself is based on the petrol-powered Ludix but with an electric drivetrain supplied by Bosch, who have gained a reputation as experts in electric drive systems for mopeds.
Overall, the E-Ludix is a decent mid-range option with more power than the average electric moped and a relatively short charging time.
Vespa Elettrica (moped or scooter)
Price: £6,300 for 45 km/h model or £6,600 for 70 km/h model (pre-grant)
Power: 3.5 kW (45 km/h) 3.6 kW (70 km/h)
Good: impressive infotainment system, decent range, reasonable recharge time, powerful motor, adjustable regenerative braking, it’s a Vespa
Not so good: no removable battery for charging, only one body colour option, expensive
Vespa has long held icon status and is one of most famous scooter brands in the world. Now you can have “the look” without a noisy 2-stroke motor compromising style and elegance.
The Elettrica is available in two models: 45 km/h (moped) and 70 km/h (scooter). Both offer the same range, recharge time and similar power. The Vespa’s batteries aren’t removable, unfortunately, and charging is done with the built-in charging cable that lives neatly coiled into its own little housing under the seat.
A stand-out feature of the Vespa is its comprehensive infotainment system packed with functionality. The Elettrica is based on the body of the Vespa Primavera, with some subtle styling differences – one of which being the trim colour options. Sadly, though, there is no choice of body colours, only the standard silver.
Overall, the Elettrica is a well-equipped and well-built scooter that rides well with great performance. Although, it is let down a little by the price and lack of removable batteries for charging convenience.
Super Soco CUx (moped)
Price: £2,609 or £3,049 for Ducati edition (pre-grant)
Power: 1.6 kW continuous, 2.8 kW peak
Good: built-in forward-facing camera (option), charge level indicator on removable battery pack, lightweight (74 kg), impressive app capabilities
Not so good: standard (non-Ducati) colours make it look a bit dull, charger doesn’t fit under the seat
Super Soco are fast becoming a very popular brand of electric motorcycle and scooter. The Super Soco CUx is competitively priced, and the build quality and on-board tech makes the CUx feel like an absolute bargain. There’s a USB charging port under the dash and an optional extra (£170) forward-facing camera. The Super Soco app also lets you track and review your journeys, view vehicle status (like state of charge and remaining range), and access diagnostic info.
The CUx is pretty small, but still manages to comfortably accommodate riders over 6 feet tall. The top speed is 28 mph, which can be derestricted to around 35 mph for riders over 16. Cruise control and 3 selectable riding modes aid usability and allow you to switch between eking out the range and riding full power.
Niu UQi (moped)
Price: £2,049 (Pro), £2,549 (GT Pro) – pre-grant
Range: 22 miles (Pro), 37 miles (GT Pro)
Power: 1.2 kW (Pro), 1.5 kW (GT Pro)
Battery size: 1 kWh (Pro), 2 kWh (GT Pro)
Recharge time: 3.5 hours (Pro), 9 hours (GT Pro)
Good: tech and app capabilities, lightweight, built-in tracker, keyless ignition
Not so good: huge charging time for GT Pro version, lack of storage space
Niu (pronounced “new”) is one of the largest manufacturers of electric scooters globally, and the UQi series is the entry-level in their range. The base model, UQi Pro, is priced at around £2,049 (excluding grants). It’s 1 kWh battery gives a range of 19 – 25 miles, with a recharge time of 3.5 hours. Its rugged design style with an exposed tubular steel chassis is reminiscent of the popular Honda Ruckus, albeit with softer edges. Due to the lightweight design, however, there isn’t a great deal of storage space.
The GT Pro version of the UQi gets double the battery size (2 kWh) and an increased range of around 37 miles for £500 more. The huge downfall of the more expensive version, however, is the charging time – 9 hours! While the base model comes with “fast charging” capability, this hasn’t been extended to the GT Pro edition.
Both models are well equipped, with keyless ignition, self-cancelling indicators, and regenerative braking.
Piaggio 1 (moped) Piaggio 1 Active (scooter)
Price: £2,500 or £3,000 for 1 Active model – pre-grant
Range: 34 miles (1), 53 miles (1 Active)
Power: 1.2 kW (1), 2 kW (1 Active)
Battery size: 1.4 kWh (1), 2.3 kWh (1 Active)
Good: large storage space under seat, removable battery, large display screen (5.5”)
Not so good: Longer recharge time than some of its rivals, no storage next to USB socket on front, 1 Active carries two but too cramped and underpowered for frequent pillion rides
The Piaggio 1 is the second offering from the Piaggio group in this list. The Vespa Elettrica is an electrified icon, while the Piaggio 1 is a more budget-friendly option with modern styling. There are two versions to choose from, the 1 is a 30-mph moped and the 1 Active is a scooter capable of 40 mph. Both have removable batteries and charge from zero to full in around 6 hours, although the 1 Active model gets a much larger battery than its moped counterpart resulting in a much longer range.
The build quality is excellent, and Piaggio have clearly taken great care to remove any sources of unwanted squeaks and rattles that would be masked by internal combustion on a traditional scooter. Under-seat storage is another strong point, with enough space to fit a crash helmet, and there’s a USB charging port under the dash. The impressive 5.5” LCD display screen automatically adjusts its brightness and colour depending on ambient light levels.
The Piaggio 1 is a great option in both moped and scooter form. It’s a solid contender in a market that is becoming increasingly dominated by new brands.
There are many great options when it comes to choosing an electric scooter or moped, but many of them also have unique features that simply don’t exist on petrol-powered bikes – like reversing capability and locking rear wheels (for security). Tech-lovers will also enjoy the app connectivity and Smart features that a lot of electric scooters offer. Given that you don’t need to take a test to ride them (just a provisional licence and a one-day CBT course), electric scooters and mopeds are a really accessible and affordable way into eco-conscious motoring. With summer just around the corner, it could be a perfect time to delve into 2-wheeled electric motoring!
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Dutch electric motorcycle manufacturer SOLID launches new electric moped SOLID MX
SOLID EV Rides (The Netherlands) was initially established in 2016 as NXT Motors and has been triggering us with several concepts over the past years. Since my first visit at their pop-up workshop in Herenveen in August 2017, the company launched several electric motorbike prototypes after multiple successful financing campaigns.
Guy Salens – THE PACK: “NXT ONE was a mix between a fully electric naked bike and café racer concept – still one of the nicest electric cafe racers I have ever seen. In February 2019, they presented a redesigned full carbon fibre prototype, named NXT RAGE, at the Motorbeurs in Utrecht.
The team from SOLID has ever since been working on the development of electric motorbikes under the supervision of Harm Besseling, SOLID’s co-founder and head of technical development. In 2021, the company brought a bold and extravagant design to market, a concept of a self-carrying – so called monocoque – frame. This premium level electric motorbike was achieved through in-house development and collaborations, as well as premium material selection. It was clear that SOLID was targeting a specific audience for their new creation.”
SOLID MX – 2023
In order to stay ahead of the ever-evolving two-wheeled electric vehicle industry, SOLID shifted its FOCUS and released their very first production model: the SOLID MX electric moped. This new addition follows the “less is more” principle while packing a powerful punch with a top speed of 45 km/h and the use of advanced in-house engineering solutions.
David Backx – Marketing Manager SOLID: “We’re convinced that this uniquely designed LEV will create a whole new clientele — SOLID seeks to engage an audience that desires something different from the norm. Speaking of design, its elements perfectly reflect the company’s name. It was crafted with heavy-duty materials, such as steel for its frame and artificial leather for its resistant saddle that can hold up against any weather condition.”
The future of our mobility is electric. Let’s not make it boring.
David Backx – Marketing Manager SOLID
Dealer network
The SOLID MX electric moped can be obtained directly from their website, with a price tag of €5,850 incl. VAT. However, they also plan to set up a dealer network with a first stop in The Netherlands, where they have partnered with Electric Motorbikes Nederland. An event is being planned for the Automotive Campus in Helmond (not far from Eindhoven) – more information will follow soon.
B2B fleet
SOLID is not only interested in individual consumers; the company also want to provide their electric vehicles and services to fleets and larger companies. Accessories can be added to the vehicles, making them ideal for last-mile delivery and courier service. Companies or organizations can reach out regarding offering their employees an alternative mobility solution. As a bonus, the side panels of the SOLID MX can be customized with logos, colours or other personalized flair.
For clients wanting daily mobility options, the SOLID MX is a perfect solution: its battery allows for a range of 80-140 km depending on terrain, driving style, and weather conditions.
Test review SOLID MX
Guy Salens – THE PACK: “We have one of the first production models that was produced in The Netherlands. We will publish our test review about this new Dutch moped in a few weeks.”
All pictures SOLID MX ©THE PACK
Long Range Moped-Style Electric Bike Escape Pro
E-bike assembly from 112.7 with Check availability
All Himiway bikes are covered under our manufacturer‘s 2-year all-inclusive warranty for the original owner against all manufacturing defects (All free Accessories are not covered by warranty service). Himiway has over 300 dealerships in the United States. All dealerships provide free diagnosis and free maintenance services to customers.
For non-quality issues, customer may ask for product replacement or return within 15 days after received it. A 10% processing fee will be applied but we can prevent it for the customer if a replacement order is received. The customer is also responsible for the return shipping cost of 150. Himiway will provide a return shipping label, and the designated carrier will collect the return package. The customer may also choose self-return or arrange the return shipment by himself.
Currently, we only provide FREE shipping to the lower 48 states in the US. And we DO NOT ship to PO BOXES or APO.
The top speed of all Himiway bikes is up to 15.5 MPH, which is legally required in the US.
Upgraded 48V 17.5Ah Samsung/LG Lithium-ion Battery
With the 48V 17.5Ah Samsung/LG Lithium-ion Battery, the Himiway Escape Pro can range for up to 60 miles per charge (with pedal assist). The 840Wh capacity provides a 45-mile range on pure electric power.
New Mechanical Protection Design
Fully Integrated Battery Design
The wires are built inside the frame, which reduces mechanical failure in extreme weather conditions by up to 95%. The Himiway Escape Pro maintains 80% capacity even after 1000 charges.
Updated 6061 Aluminum Frame
Himiway uses higher-quality materials for the frames, which brings stronger triangle stability, 3 times thicker and sturdier than other competing frames on the market. The load capacity is greatly enhanced, and we promise a 10-year frame damage replacement service.
Fun never goes out of functional
Himiway Escape Pro
Best selling moped style E-Bike equipped with 48V Samsung battery and 20 x 4 inches fat tires. The multifunctional LCD display can be precisely set and displayed every detailed parameter you expect. Dual Suspension and fat tires provide incredible braking performance and stability. 750W motor power and 7 gear shift system make your riding easier under any cycling conditions. Want a moped-style E-bike with longer range, better performance and stronger power? Himiway Escape Pro will always be your best choice.
750W
Geared Hub Motor (continuous)
30-50 miles
Miles per Charge (estimate)
Specification
Components
- A.- Total Length 69″
- B.- Handlebar Height 46.5″
- C.- Wheelbase 43.7″
- D.- Seat Height 28″
- E.- Top Tube Length 22.5″
- F.- Chain Stay Length 19″
- G.- Standover Height 31″
- H.- Wheel Diameter 23″
- I.- Head Tube Length 6″
- J.- Handlebar Length 28″
- Battery 48V 17.5Ah Samsung/LG lithium battery
- Range 30-50 Miles
- Hub Motor 750W brushless gear motor
- Total Payload Capacity 330 lb.
- Recommended Rider Heights 5’1″ ~ 6’1″
- Charger US standard 2.0 A Smart charger
- Controller 48V / 22A
- Display LCD display with USB charging
- Weight 92lb.
- Pedal Assist Intelligent 0~5 level pedal assist
- Tires 20″ x 4″ Kenda fat tires
- Brake lever Aluminum alloy comfort grip levers with motor cutoff switch
- Rear Light Taillight
- Freewheel Shimano 7 speed gear shift system
- Brake180MM Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Chain KMC chain
- Stem MA-5040 28.631.8MM
- Crank 46T170MM 4-jaw L/R forged alloy
- Gearing Shimano- 14-28T BROWN/BK
- Front Fork Front Suspension Hydraulic Lockout
- Throttle Half twist throttle
- Pedal Alloy pedal with reflectors
- Bike Frame 6061 Aluminum frame
- Front Light 48V LED light
- Saddle Velo soft saddle
- Full fenders Rear rack Included
- Kickstand Heavy duty aluminum
- Wheels Alloy wheels
Updated 6061 Aluminum Frame Fully Integrated Battery Design
Himiway uses high-quality 6061 aluminum for the frame to give the bike unparalleled durability. The moped frame design is friendly to heavier riders and riders with physical limitations, making it easier for everyone to get on and off their bikes. The integrated design gives you protection from inclement weather, eliminating up to 98% of common mechanical failures.
Updated Motor : Fast accelerationGood gradeabilityLonger Lifespan
750W Upgraded Brushless Geared Hub Motor Use the latest updated inner ring specialized in high temperature resistance and better heat dissipation, which can reduce the motor magnets’ attenuation speed to guarantee a longer life expectancy. The 750W brushless gear hub motor can help you conquer even the most rugged terrain easily.
Why HIMIWAY can be the long range expert ? Here is the reason
Himiway Escape Pro combines the new 48V 17.5AH Samsung/LG Lithium-ion Battery to ensure a long life expectancy and distinguished performance. The single range can be up to 60 miles per charge on pedal-assist mode and around 35 miles on pure electric power mode.
The range can be affected by several factors like rider weight, incline, and pedal-assist levels, etc.
Multifunctional LCD Display
Backlight display provides the information of speed, mileage, power, etc.
Battery Capacity
A fuel gauge for your electrons.
Odometer
Calculate how many miles you have ridden
Pedal Assist Level
Pedal assistance power adjustment.
Speedometer
Can be set to current speed, max speed, or average speed.
USB Charging
It can charge your dying cell phone.
Wattmeter
Displays motor power output in real-time.
Better control and traction
Himiway Escape Pro boasts a Dual Suspension Hydraulic Lockout which ensures comfort of riding under any complex cycling conditions. Push your rides to an advanced level while enjoying better control and traction of your E-bike. Go smoother, go longer, and rule the road.
20″X4″ Kenda Fat Tires
20″x4″ Kenda K-shield fat tires provide upgraded grip and traction on rugged roads. Even on the most challenging terrains and weather conditions, these fat tires can guarantee your safety and offer you an easy and smooth riding experience.
Shimano 7 Speed Gear Shift System
The Shimano 7 speed freewheel means you can shift to a larger cog for uphill riding and downshift to a smaller cog for high speed riding. In combination with the pedal-assist system, you can adjust the most suitable speed to complete your journey.
180mm Mechanical Disc Brakes
Sensitive Aries 180mm mechanical disc brakes provide ample braking force even in the harshest conditions efficiently.
Integrated Brake Light
The automatic brake light will be activated whenever you use the brake, which can prevent rear-end collisions while riding at night.
48V LUMINOSITY SPOTLIGHT
The Himiway independent RD luminosity spotlight is 20% brighter than LED light. Visibility is improved to guarantee your safety while riding at night.
Full suspension
The dual suspension effectively absorbs most of the jarring bumps and shocks, especially on complicated and rugged routes, reducing your tiredness and allowing you to ride faster.
Durable Aluminum Crankset
Durable aluminum crankset guards to provide further protections to the chainring and help the chainstay to travel over rough terrain.
Half Twist Throttle
Customer Reviews
I love this e-bike. It’s so fun to ride, I’m learning how to use and it’s a lot of fun. I’m not a young person so I just take my time. Would recommend this e-bike Rhonda R.
I’ve rode this bike with the model with the battery on the bottom and the bike is amazing the only complaint I have with this bike is there swing arm it wiggles alot after 2000miles and it makes the whole back end feel loose but other than that my bike has many upgrades and just a overall great bike to buy for the price my tiktok is BUZZBIKEMASON you can see the upgrades ive put on it and what this bike is really capable of.
Can’t get the front lights to come on
I have 700 miles on my Himiway Escape now. I’ve driven it all over Chicago for over a year now (it even goes through sand). The battery will last for 20 miles full speed (no pedaling) when it’s new. But now I only get 16 miles. It goes 22 MPH constantly with no pedaling at all. The one thing that sucks is the screechy brakes. They were really loud, but I rub grease on the disks every couple months and it’s quiet. ALL E-Bikes exaggerate their miles of range. Always look at “AH” (Amp Hours) when shopping. The Escape is 16AH, which ends up being 16 miles of range (full speed, no pedaling). I test drove the Pedego brand E-bike. It’s seat was uncomfortable, only went 18 MPH, and the motor made a slight screeching noise. 22 MPH is so much more fun than 18 MPH, it’s a big difference when you’re on the bike. Also very important is Himiway’s customer service. If you E-mail them, they WILL respond and send you parts fast.
All I need is this bike. Retired a couple years ago and have my family close. I’ll ride to go see my grandkids instead of driving. Wanted a Harley but the hemi will do.
I think the bikes are really nice so far only have 15 miles but so far everything is great. Still waiting for broken plastic front fender connector on front fork
It’s been great except that it arriv3d with two minor pieces that were broken. I reported it right away and am just waiting to receive the parts so 8 can finish putting the from fender on.
Quality is better than my last Harley! Easy to assemble, the only improvement I would recommend is a better connection for the front light wiring. Good job Folks!
Love the matte black finish. The seat is comfortable. I enjoy the step through on the escape pro. The headlight is solid in my opinion. The display is user friendly. I would definitely purchase another one. only complaint is the brakes could be a little better.
Still making adjustments for how much power assist in each gear to my liking, but so far so good.
Himiway Escape Pro FAQS
Which class of E-bike does Himiway Escape belong to?
Himiway Escape belongs to class 2 E-bike with pedal assist.
Generally, how long will it take to assemble?
Our customers generally need 45 to 70 minutes to assemble the bike. Does it take too long? Check out the Himiway’s official instruction video or find a pro on Voletooler for help.
Why moped-frames and fat tires can bring a better riding experience?
The moped-frame makes commuting much easier and faster. The design of the moped-frame can effectively improve battery durability and is very friendly to cycling beginners. The fat tire provides massive grip and mechanical stability in any complex riding conditions, which can protect the riding safety of cyclists, especially the elderly.
What are the effects and functions of dual suspension?
The dual suspension can efficiently soak up most of the jarring bumps, especially on complex and bumpy roads, which helps you to reduce fatigue and ride faster.
I want more Himi points to get more discounts. How to redeem Himi points?
There are several ways to acquire Himi points. We will also hold some special events regularly, such as Ride Earn. Here are the ways to redeem Himi points.
What is the top speed of Himiway Escape?
For the U.S market, the top speed of Himiway Escape is around 23mph without pedaling, which is absolutely legal.
Does Himiway have any dealers and test riding spots through offline channels?
Currently, Himiway doesn’t have and accept any dealership. Purchasing on Himiway official website is the only option. For test riding spots, please reserve click here to reserve a test ride.
There are more answers and solutions in the FAQ section. Or you can email to support@himiwaybike.com or submit a request.If you would like to purchase Himiway E-bikes in Europe. Please click Himiway City Pedelec.
The best electric mopeds and scooters. all you need to know
First things first, let’s clear up a few details. There’s often a bit of confusion when talking about electric scooters, so here’s a short guide to the typical naming conventions so you know what we’re talking about.
An electric scooter or electric moped is a two-wheeled vehicle which resembles a typical pizza delivery bike with a top speed of 28 mph or less. In contrast, an electric kick scooter is a small easy-to-carry device with handlebars and a deck to stand on, powered either by using one foot to push off or by using the on-board electric motor. Currently, it’s not legal in the UK to use a privately owned electric kick scooter on public roads, pavements, or cycle lanes.
In this article, we’re going to have a look at some of the best electric scooters and mopeds on the market right now. Over the last couple of years, there’s been big growth in the number of choices available for electric scooters. There’s plenty of variety in styles and a very broad range of budgets catered for – with starting from little over £1,500.
Most electric scooters give you a choice of charging options: either while parked up with the battery in the bike, or by removing the battery and taking it to 3-pin socket. It’s the flexibility of the removable battery packs that make these options really appealing for commuters.
The range from most is more than enough for most peoples’ journey to work, and portable batteries will allow employers to offer workplace charging without the need for a car park full of dedicated charge points – all vehicles in this list are charged from normal 3-pin sockets.
Laws and Licences
Before we get into our list of some of the best electric mopeds and scooters, it’s worth taking a look at the (slightly complicated) licensing rules that affect them.
Mopeds
These fall into the AM licence category and can be ridden, with L-plates (or D-plates in Wales), by anyone from 16 years old with a provisional driving licence and a valid compulsory basic training (CBT) certificate. To get a CBT you will need to attend a day long course run by a local training school to prove you can handle the bike. It’s a useful exercise which will keep you safe. it can be organised through your bike dealer.
CBT certificates are valid for two years – unless you have a car driving licence. If you passed your car driving test on or after 1st February 2001 then you’ll get a full moped licence if you either take a CBT course after passing your car driving test, or if you passed your driving test within two years of completing a CBT course. This entitles you to ride a moped without L-plates, and the entitlement lasts for as long as your car driving licence does.
Things are a little more straightforward if you passed your driving test before 1st February 2001. In which case, you can ride a moped without having to take a CBT course and you won’t need to display L-plates.
Scooters and Light Motorcycles
Scooters and light motorcycles with up to 11 kW power output fall into the A1 licence category. If you’re 17 or over and have completed a CBT course then you can ride one of these without having to take a full motorcycle test, as long as you display L-plates. Unlike with mopeds, however, a CBT will only qualify you to ride an A1 category bike or scooter for two years, regardless of if you have a car driving licence or not. Simple, eh?
Grants
Recent changes to the OLEV grant shook things up a little in the world of electric cars, and it’s the same case for the two-wheeled electric world.
Previously, the OLEV grant knocked 20% off the value of a new electric motorbike (or scooter) – up to a maximum discount of £1,500. The rules changed on 15th December 2021, with new eligibility requirements and new discount amounts.
For an electric moped, the grant will now pay for 35% off the purchase price (up to a maximum of £150), as long as it costs less than £10,000 and can travel at least 30 km (19 miles) between charges. For electric scooters (and motorbikes), the grant will pay for 35% of the purchase price (up to a maximum of £500), as long as it has an RRP of less than £10,000 and can travel at least 50 km (31 miles) between charges.
The new rules have brought a big reduction in the maximum grant amounts, especially for mopeds. It’s worth checking with dealers, though, as some manufacturers are offering temporary discounts to offset the sudden grant reduction.
The Mopeds and Scooters
Now that we’ve covered licensing and grants, let’s have a look at some of the electric scooters and mopeds that should be on your shortlist:
Seat MÓ 125 (scooter)
Good: removable battery, reverse mode, impressive Seat MÓ app, great range
Not so good: expensive, heavy batteries (40 kg)
Everyone’s favourite Spanish car maker, Seat, is now selling an electric scooter – through a partnership with the (also Spanish) electric scooter brand, Silence.
The 9-kW motor provides comparable power to a 125cc petrol scooter, but with far more torque – a whopping 240 Nm! That’s enough to achieve a 0-31mph time of just 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 59mph.
The scooter can comfortably carry two people – and there’s space for two helmets under the seat. Three selectable driving modes (Eco, City, and Sport) allow you to adjust its characteristics to suit your riding style. There’s also a reverse mode to help you manoeuvre out of tight spaces on a slope.
A range of 87 miles is supplemented by regenerative braking, and a full charge from empty will take around 6-8 hours using a 240V 3-pin socket. One of the MÓ’s big selling points is the removable, wheeled battery pack with retractable handle for wheeling the pack to a power socket for charging. Alternatively, you can leave the battery in the scooter while you charge it.
Peugeot E-Ludix (moped)
Recharge time: 3 hours to 80%, 4 hours full charge
Good: well-known scooter brand, 4 riding modes, reverse mode, removable battery for charging indoors, quick charging
Not so good: shorter range than similarly priced scooters, not the best looking
Peugeot has been a big player in the scooter market for a long time. The E-Ludix has been around a bit longer than most of its competitors, so it perhaps falls a tad short when compared in terms of looks, tech, and range. But it will undoubtedly be a reliable little scooter and is supported with a 2-year unlimited mile warranty (and a 3-year, 30,000 km battery warranty).
The 11 kg battery pack being removeable does provide some charging versatility to offset the relatively low range of around 26 miles. The scooter itself is based on the petrol-powered Ludix but with an electric drivetrain supplied by Bosch, who have gained a reputation as experts in electric drive systems for mopeds.
Overall, the E-Ludix is a decent mid-range option with more power than the average electric moped and a relatively short charging time.
Vespa Elettrica (moped or scooter)
Price: £6,300 for 45 km/h model or £6,600 for 70 km/h model (pre-grant)
Power: 3.5 kW (45 km/h) 3.6 kW (70 km/h)
Good: impressive infotainment system, decent range, reasonable recharge time, powerful motor, adjustable regenerative braking, it’s a Vespa
Not so good: no removable battery for charging, only one body colour option, expensive
Vespa has long held icon status and is one of most famous scooter brands in the world. Now you can have “the look” without a noisy 2-stroke motor compromising style and elegance.
The Elettrica is available in two models: 45 km/h (moped) and 70 km/h (scooter). Both offer the same range, recharge time and similar power. The Vespa’s batteries aren’t removable, unfortunately, and charging is done with the built-in charging cable that lives neatly coiled into its own little housing under the seat.
A stand-out feature of the Vespa is its comprehensive infotainment system packed with functionality. The Elettrica is based on the body of the Vespa Primavera, with some subtle styling differences – one of which being the trim colour options. Sadly, though, there is no choice of body colours, only the standard silver.
Overall, the Elettrica is a well-equipped and well-built scooter that rides well with great performance. Although, it is let down a little by the price and lack of removable batteries for charging convenience.
Super Soco CUx (moped)
Price: £2,609 or £3,049 for Ducati edition (pre-grant)
Power: 1.6 kW continuous, 2.8 kW peak
Good: built-in forward-facing camera (option), charge level indicator on removable battery pack, lightweight (74 kg), impressive app capabilities
Not so good: standard (non-Ducati) colours make it look a bit dull, charger doesn’t fit under the seat
Super Soco are fast becoming a very popular brand of electric motorcycle and scooter. The Super Soco CUx is competitively priced, and the build quality and on-board tech makes the CUx feel like an absolute bargain. There’s a USB charging port under the dash and an optional extra (£170) forward-facing camera. The Super Soco app also lets you track and review your journeys, view vehicle status (like state of charge and remaining range), and access diagnostic info.
The CUx is pretty small, but still manages to comfortably accommodate riders over 6 feet tall. The top speed is 28 mph, which can be derestricted to around 35 mph for riders over 16. Cruise control and 3 selectable riding modes aid usability and allow you to switch between eking out the range and riding full power.
Niu UQi (moped)
Price: £2,049 (Pro), £2,549 (GT Pro) – pre-grant
Range: 22 miles (Pro), 37 miles (GT Pro)
Power: 1.2 kW (Pro), 1.5 kW (GT Pro)
Battery size: 1 kWh (Pro), 2 kWh (GT Pro)
Recharge time: 3.5 hours (Pro), 9 hours (GT Pro)
Good: tech and app capabilities, lightweight, built-in tracker, keyless ignition
Not so good: huge charging time for GT Pro version, lack of storage space
Niu (pronounced “new”) is one of the largest manufacturers of electric scooters globally, and the UQi series is the entry-level in their range. The base model, UQi Pro, is priced at around £2,049 (excluding grants). It’s 1 kWh battery gives a range of 19 – 25 miles, with a recharge time of 3.5 hours. Its rugged design style with an exposed tubular steel chassis is reminiscent of the popular Honda Ruckus, albeit with softer edges. Due to the lightweight design, however, there isn’t a great deal of storage space.
The GT Pro version of the UQi gets double the battery size (2 kWh) and an increased range of around 37 miles for £500 more. The huge downfall of the more expensive version, however, is the charging time – 9 hours! While the base model comes with “fast charging” capability, this hasn’t been extended to the GT Pro edition.
Both models are well equipped, with keyless ignition, self-cancelling indicators, and regenerative braking.
Piaggio 1 (moped) Piaggio 1 Active (scooter)
Price: £2,500 or £3,000 for 1 Active model – pre-grant
Range: 34 miles (1), 53 miles (1 Active)
Power: 1.2 kW (1), 2 kW (1 Active)
Battery size: 1.4 kWh (1), 2.3 kWh (1 Active)
Good: large storage space under seat, removable battery, large display screen (5.5”)
Not so good: Longer recharge time than some of its rivals, no storage next to USB socket on front, 1 Active carries two but too cramped and underpowered for frequent pillion rides
The Piaggio 1 is the second offering from the Piaggio group in this list. The Vespa Elettrica is an electrified icon, while the Piaggio 1 is a more budget-friendly option with modern styling. There are two versions to choose from, the 1 is a 30-mph moped and the 1 Active is a scooter capable of 40 mph. Both have removable batteries and charge from zero to full in around 6 hours, although the 1 Active model gets a much larger battery than its moped counterpart resulting in a much longer range.
The build quality is excellent, and Piaggio have clearly taken great care to remove any sources of unwanted squeaks and rattles that would be masked by internal combustion on a traditional scooter. Under-seat storage is another strong point, with enough space to fit a crash helmet, and there’s a USB charging port under the dash. The impressive 5.5” LCD display screen automatically adjusts its brightness and colour depending on ambient light levels.
The Piaggio 1 is a great option in both moped and scooter form. It’s a solid contender in a market that is becoming increasingly dominated by new brands.
There are many great options when it comes to choosing an electric scooter or moped, but many of them also have unique features that simply don’t exist on petrol-powered bikes – like reversing capability and locking rear wheels (for security). Tech-lovers will also enjoy the app connectivity and Smart features that a lot of electric scooters offer. Given that you don’t need to take a test to ride them (just a provisional licence and a one-day CBT course), electric scooters and mopeds are a really accessible and affordable way into eco-conscious motoring. With summer just around the corner, it could be a perfect time to delve into 2-wheeled electric motoring!
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