So which are the best electric moped uk? As the rise of electric vehicles continues to gain momentum, electric mopeds have carved out their own space, especially in the UK. While electric motorcycles are still making gradual progress, electric mopeds and scooters have surged in popularity, with the majority of new registrations being electric vehicles under 15 brake horsepower (bhp). This shift comes as electric mopeds offer a more practical and efficient solution for urban commuters. For those seeking eco-friendly, cost-effective transportation in busy cities, electric mopeds are quickly becoming a go-to option.
Why Electric Mopeds Make Sense for Urban Commuting
Electric mopeds have several strong advantages over their combustion-engine scooters, making them an excellent option for a city dweller on the move. Arguably one of the most salient selling points is the instantaneous torque these vehicles provide, hurtling the rider from a cold start with rapid acceleration. This is a considerable boon in heavy street and traffic light conditions. Unlike traditional scooters, electric mopeds will not rely on a CVT; there’s no lag in power delivery.
A second major advantage of electric mopeds is that they are much more energy-efficient. For example, when a vehicle is at an idle, such as at a stoplight, no energy whatsoever is wasted. This, combined with the fact that there would be no engine or exhaust system, could make a hot summer commute much more comfortable by ridding the moped of hot running components.
Perhaps the biggest advantage for commuters of the city is that electric mopeds simply do not need such massive battery capacities. Most journeys in cities seldom cover more than 15 miles, with typical journeys in central London being much less. Because of that, it becomes possible to safely use smaller, much lighter, and cheaper batteries. This further reduces the overall weight and cost of the electric mopeds compared to their brethren running on gas.
Switching to an electric moped for those weaned on a diet of petrol-powered scooters is relatively seamless. The absence of gears and a clutch does not feel out of place, particularly since most modern petrol scooters have embraced twist-and-go designs themselves.
Everyday Convenience: Charging and Costs
One of the major conveniences of owning an electric moped is the ease of charging. For most riders, charging can be done overnight, ensuring a full battery by the time morning arrives. Once home from work, the moped can simply be plugged in and will be ready for the next day’s journey.
For individuals without access to a dedicated power outlet in their parking area, removable batteries offer a flexible solution. These batteries can be detached from the moped and charged indoors, providing much more convenience than relying on public charging stations. The cost of “fueling” an electric moped is also significantly lower compared to even the most efficient four-stroke scooters, making these vehicles an economical choice.
Government Incentives: best electric moped uk Becomes Easy To Own
To further encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, the UK government offers financial support for electric moped purchases. The Plug-In Motorcycle Grant (PiMG) provides up to £500 for electric motorcycles and £150 for electric mopeds, as long as the vehicle is priced below £10,000. Most electric mopeds on the market are already priced well below this threshold, making them even more accessible.
Six best electric moped UK
Now that you understand the benefits, let’s take a look at some of the best electric moped UK for 2024. Each model offers unique features, performance capabilities, and price points, making it easier to find the one that suits your needs.
1. Super Soco CPx – £3299
As one of the best-selling electric mopeds in the UK, the Super Soco CPx has made a significant impact since its launch. The CPx features a 6bhp motor housed within the rear wheel, providing a top speed of 56mph. What makes it especially popular is the option to choose between one or two removable 2.7kWh batteries, giving riders flexibility in terms of range. With two batteries, the CPx can travel up to 80 miles at lower speeds.
The moped’s large windscreen offers great weather protection, making it ideal for year-round commuting. Currently priced at £3199 for the dual-battery version, it’s an excellent option for both short and long-distance urban travel.
- Top Speed: 56mph
- Range: Up to 80 miles
- Battery: 2.7kWh (single) / 5.4kWh (dual)
- Licence Requirement: A1
2. Yadea G5S – £2980
Yadea, the world’s largest electric two-wheeler brand, offers the G5S, which is priced under £3000, making it one of the most affordable electric mopeds available. Powered by a 5bhp mid-mounted motor, the G5S reaches speeds of up to 50mph. It comes equipped with two removable batteries that collectively store 2.88kWh, offering a range of up to 72 miles, although real-world conditions may reduce this to around 40-50 miles.
The G5S is also one of the lightest mopeds on the market, with a weight of just 81kg (excluding batteries), making it an agile option for city navigation.
- Top Speed: 50mph
- Range: Up to 72 miles
- Battery: 2.88kWh
- Licence Requirement: A1
3. Horwin EK3 – £3399
The Horwin EK3 combines retro styling with modern technology. Its 8bhp motor allows for a top speed of nearly 60mph, making it one of the faster electric mopeds on the list. It comes with a 2.6kWh removable battery that offers a range of around 40 to 50 miles on slower urban routes. If needed, riders can opt for a dual-battery version that doubles the range.
The EK3 also features keyless ignition, cruise control, and LED lighting, making it a well-rounded, stylish option for urban commuters.
- Top Speed: 59mph
- Range: Up to 50 miles
- Battery: 2.6kWh (single) / 5.2kWh (dual)
- Licence Requirement: A1
4. Niu MQi GT Evo – £3999
The Niu MQi GT Evo stands out as one of the fastest electric mopeds available. With a 9bhp motor and a top speed of 60mph, it’s perfect for commuters looking for extra power. It comes with two 1.87kWh removable batteries, providing a range of up to 70 miles under optimal conditions.
The lightweight batteries (each weighing just 11kg) make it easy to remove and charge indoors, making this moped ideal for individuals without access to an outdoor power source.
- Top Speed: 60mph
- Range: Up to 70 miles
- Battery: 3.7kWh
- Licence Requirement: A1
5. Silence S01 – £4995
Made in Spain, the Silence S01 offers a trolley-style removable battery that can be wheeled around like a suitcase. This practical feature is especially helpful given the battery weighs over 40kg. The S01 is powered by a 12bhp motor, making it one of the more powerful options on the list, with a top speed of 62mph.
It has a range of approximately 70 miles on a full charge, and while the recharge time is around eight hours, the battery’s capacity is large enough to handle long daily commutes without frequent charging.
- Top Speed: 62mph
- Range: Up to 70 miles
- Battery: 5.6kWh
- Licence Requirement: A1
6. Segway E300SE – £3999
The Segway E300SE offers impressive acceleration thanks to its 13bhp hub motor, reaching speeds of up to 65mph. What sets this moped apart from the competition is the inclusion of advanced safety features, such as ABS and traction control, which are rarely found in this class.
The E300SE has two removable 2kWh batteries that provide a range of up to 70 miles, making it an excellent choice for both urban and suburban commuters.
- Top Speed: 65mph
- Range: Up to 70 miles
- Battery: 4.0kWh
- Licence Requirement: A1
Conclusion
Electric mopeds are becoming increasingly popular in the UK due to their convenience, affordability, and environmental benefits. With government incentives and a wide range of models available, there’s never been a better time to make the switch to electric. Each of the options listed above caters to different needs and budgets, making it easy to find the best electric moped for your urban commute. Whether you value speed, range, or practicality, there’s an electric moped on this list to suit your needs.