Electric scooter vs folding bikes

[Gazza]

We've had a couple of folding bikes on board for a few years but I'm now wondering if a couple of electric scooters might be more an idea worth pursuing - not as versatile as bikes I know, but possibly more convenient. Has anyone taken the plunge with this as yet?

 

[johnalison]

Bikes are certainly more versatile. You can even use them legally on roads.

 

[pcatterall]

No, we use bikes but, of course, scooters fold away so well. Unless you want to carry loads of shopping then I suspect that many yachties will go for scooters.

 

[peteK]

Folding scooter are illegal to use in the uk.

 

[davidpbo]

Folding scooter are illegal to use in the uk.

I not aware that folding scooters are illegal, however electric ones are I believe except in areas where they are trying hired ones.

 

[peteK]

Yes folding electric scooter is not legal to use on public roads or pavements,the scooter that looks like a traditional vespa scooter but is electric is as you say being tried for hire only.
The electric bike is legal to use as long it has maximum speed of no more than 15.5mph.

 

[[3889]]

Yes, I've swapped my bike for one of these. I like cycling but it could be such a faff loading and unloading I ended up walking or getting a bus. The scooter is far less effort on a boat.

 

[Kelpie]

Yes, I've swapped my bike for one of these. I like cycling but it could be such a faff loading and unloading I ended up walking or getting a bus. The scooter is far less effort on a boat.

Looks fantastic, but are these the type that people are saying can't be used in the UK on roads or pavements?

 

[Catalina36]

Yes, I've swapped my bike for one of these. I like cycling but it could be such a faff loading and unloading I ended up walking or getting a bus. The scooter is far less effort on a boat.

It says "do not ride in the rain". Might be a small drawback in the UK.

 

[[3889]]

It says "do not ride in the rain". Might be a small drawback in the UK.

Luckily, I'm not in the UK. Not sure about the rain thing, it's IPX6. Ridden in the rain and survived.

 

[ryanroberts]

I'd wait until the trial legislation period is over, as they are probably going to do something lame like limit them to 12mph. I would have an electric scooter / unicycle over a folding bike though, much more stowable in a boat my size and the unicycles at least can be very robust with 18" wheel. Had a Brompton for a while and it was useless on anything but flat surfaces.

Also

 

[peteK]

Looks fantastic, but are these the type that people are saying can't be used in the UK on roads or pavements?

Look on the bottom right under disclaimer says cant be used in uk.

 

[Kelpie]

Look on the bottom right under disclaimer says cant be used in uk.

Thanks. Seems a shame. How are they viewed in other parts of the world?

 

[LadyInBed]

Thanks. Seems a shame. How are they viewed in other parts of the world?

No problem on Spanish or French coast, I think that there are some restrictions in Paris.
I bought one to use on the boat (not literally ) as my fold up bike was such a faff to pack and unpack.
Yes, they are illegal in UK but you wouldn't think so around London, even a Policeman who lives near my Daughter in Wapping uses one!

 

[coopec]

I ride a bicycle for exercise so I wouldn't dream of having anything battery powered.
But why wouldn't you get a battery powered folding bicycle? Wouldn't they be street legal in the UK?

 

[coopec]

AND......Brompton Electric folding bike has launched in the UK and is available to buy ... fast acceleration from red lights and increased mobility through busy streets.


Brompton launches first battery-powered version of its folding bike

 

[Kelpie]

I ride a bicycle for exercise so I wouldn't dream of having anything battery powered.
But why wouldn't you get a battery powered folding bicycle? Wouldn't they be street legal in the UK?

The difference in size between a bike and a scooter looks very significant.
We're a family of three and I don't think we could all fit in the dinghy with a bike each.

 

[HissyFit]

Yes folding electric scooter is not legal to use on public roads or pavements,the scooter that looks like a traditional vespa scooter but is electric is as you say being tried for hire only.
The electric bike is legal to use as long it has maximum speed of no more than 15.5mph.

I think you're getting confused, Pete. The Vespa type electric scooter has been available for sale for years. An Indian techie friend of mine had one, fully legal, with licence plate, the works. The recent debate has been about electrified kids' toy type scooters and the hiring thereof.

If it gets someone out of their car, or enables them to avoid public transport in these covid times, then I say they're a good thing. However, just like cycling on the pavement, you know that a good number of people using them will go with no consideration for others. They will weave on and off the pavements and claim total innocence when they get knocked of or, worse still, when they run into someone else.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Folding scooter are illegal to use in the uk.

Unless they're hired.

 

[ghostlymoron]

No, we use bikes but, of course, scooters fold away so well. Unless you want to carry loads of shopping then I suspect that many yachties will go for scooters.

I remember sharing a cabin with your two bikes from Lyon to Cagliari! We saw some electric Vespa type scooters in Sicily last year - they looked great but a bit bulky to stow on a boat.