ELEC-TRICKY DECISION

E-scooters have made a lot of headlines recently, both good and bad. They offer an environmentally sound way to get around towns and cities, helped by a number of official trials. However, you can only legally use one on public streets if you live, work or visit an area where these trials are being conducted. In almost every way, a petrol or electric moped is a much better choice. Here’s why!

E-SCOOTER

✓ Low cost to buy

✓ Quick to re-charge

✓ Easy to carry and store

✗ You can only legally ride one in public if it’s part of an official trial

✗ Ride your own e-scooter in public and you face a £300 fixed penalty and six points on your licence

✗ Almost impossible to insure

✗ Restricted to 15.5mph maximum

✗ No lights or indicators

✗ Smaller wheels mean they are more at risk from potholes and road debris

✗ Less powerful brakes and smaller tyre contact patch on the road, so don’t stop as well as a moped, especially in the wet

✗ No legal requirement for safety gear

VERDICT: Bad idea, unless you live where there’s an official trial

Moped

✓ More comfortable to ride, thanks to suspension and bigger tyres

✓ 28mph top speed means a moped is quicker than an e-scooter

✓ If storage and practicality are important to you, a moped is streets ahead

✓ More secure, particularly when you tether it with a good quality lock or store it in a garage or shed

✓ Cheap insurance

✓ Legal lights make a moped much safer at night

✓ Low running costs

✓ Must wear a helmet, which is vital for safety

✓ Electric mopeds qualify for plug-in vehicle grant up to £150

✗ Can’t carry a pillion passenger before A1 pass

VERDICT: Legal, better to ride –we’d choose a moped every time