50cc
Why not an eBike? I’d always prefer that over a moped personally.
I’m thinking of getting an e-bike. Any suggestions on where I should start researching e-bikes?
If you have a decent bike shop nearby, I’d recommend going there and asking for advice on what to get. You should also be able to go for short test rides there on any bikes that interest you. Before buying, also research the bike online to see if there are any common issues or complaints with it.
Fat bikes are basically that
As someone who picked up an eFat last summer, I really regret not going for moped or shelling out for eMoto like surron.
The main thing that bother me is that I thought bicycle parts would be largely commodified and interchangeable, but what I’ve met instead was a lot of gatekeeping and ridiculously overpriced parts. For example, rear suspension is still somehow a luxury on bicycles while being an essential piece on pretty much every motor vehicle and even modern electric scooters and EUC’s out there.
Another is that all that extra weight makes it a terrible as a bicycle, to the point I don’t really want to pedal like ever.
This combined makes the pro of being able to ride the sidewalks pointless - I’d be much better off driving the road.
But then, from a motorcycle perspective, I got a fraction of range and speed for the same price, for the pro of being able to store it in my apartment… But I kind of have to, because unlike motorcycle, there’s no alarm, no ignition key, zero security features, and the battery dies in the cold so I can’t even keep it in my garage.
There is another pro that I don’t need a driving license… well, technically I do because the power rating falls into moped range, but nobody ever checks that, so people commonly get away with 5kV+ eMoto’s and supercharged mopeds just as well.
At 50cc an e-bike isn’t much slower. I’ve been eyeing some electric unicycles and although they’re expensive the range and speed can be quite good. As someone else mentioned though be aware of the insurance implications.
At 50cc I would get an e-bike, mine can travel at similar speeds and it’s a fun ride, very maneuverable. I consider a scooter only if I could afford one that was reliable, preferably stylish and could hit 45 mph easily because then it could comfortably run on the 35 mph streets around here.
But sure, if you want one and it fits your transportation needs, why not?
At 50cc I would get an e-bike
Agreed. The e-bikes have reached around the same performance, maybe more.
Keep in mind the battery lifespan tho. They degrade drastically overtime. This is one thing that keeps me on ICE.
I have a moped, but it’s 110cc instead, can travel 80 km/h easily, max out at around 100 km/h.
Keep in mind the battery lifespan tho. They degrade drastically overtime.
For most people the batteries will outlast the bikes. After 30,000km or so, you may have to exchange the battery. My 2020 eBike’s battery hasn’t noticably gotten worse.
They must’ve improved while I wasn’t looking, then. I’m glad to know that.
This is social media, not a magic 8-ball simulator. 😄
With zero context of you and your circumstances, you’re only going to get responses equal in value to rolling a die or flipping a coin.
Any reason you can’t use a regular bike?
Not universal advice but most people could use more exercise.
If you’re in a city sure. Those tiny scooters have been pretty popular it seems. Out in the corn fields less so, when every little hub of a few small shops is at least 5 miles apart that might get a bit annoying.
What speeds are normally done on the roads you would be riding it on? Up to 50-60km/h you would be ok with 50cc, if traffic normally flows faster than that then get a larger displacement bike/scooter. Bikes are a more enjoyable method of transport than your average car but it’s noticeably less fun (and more dangerous) if you can’t at least keep up with traffic.
Make sure to allocate some money for protective gear as well as a bike. If you’re sensible bikes are nowhere near as dangerous as some people like to make out but if something does go wrong some proper bike gear does make a big difference.
I just got back from thailand and i definitely want to get one for getting around my city
Depends on your location. Some cities are downright hostile to vehicles with fewer than 4 wheels and you put your life on the line every time you go out. Make sure your city has adequate road infrastructure and driving laws that take 2-wheel vehicles into account.
Only if you get a Rickenbacker 4001 and start hitting kids with it.
An ice cream sandwich would be substantially less expensive, and you’d look a lot cooler riding that than a moped.
Mopeds are like fat chicks, really fun to ride as long as no one sees you.
we call them mopeds here, too
Where you are makes a huge difference. The last city I lived in was actively hostile to bikes of any kind. The medium-sized city I live in now has over 200 miles of dedicated bike paths, many of them completely separate from roadways. The community matches the infrastructure and is quite friendly to bicyclists.
Depending where you live and your financial situation. It’s good for picking up girls at that age, or impress the boys. Don’t get one if don’t need one. Don’t get one if you can’t afford one. And if you get one, take 49cc because the insurance is cheaper.
I call them mopeds too, and I’m in California. A scooter, to me, is a two wheel vehicle with a flat platform you stand on and handlebars sticking up in the front. A moped has a seat.
There is a local perception that people only ride these things when they can’t get a license for whatever reason. The common term is “liquorcycle” (with cycle pronounced like sickle).
And don’t worry. If an American war-rig mangles your body because the driver was going a little too fast, or not paying attention, they’ll probably get a ticket.
Wait do you not need a license to drive a moped in the US?