E-bike vs electric motorcycle for delivery riders 

In the last couple of years, the majority of food delivery workers have turned toward green transportation. Electric bikes are the first that come to mind, but how could they compare with e-mopeds?

Which one is better when it comes to food delivery driving - e-bike vs electric motorcycle?

They are quite similar in many ways, so much so that many people don’t know the differences between them.

However, there are a few differences that are worth mentioning, especially if you are chasing more orders.

We’ve talked to numerous workers and done some research, and here is what we’ve found out:

E-bike vs electric motorcycle

Quick overall comparison

Type	E-bike	E-motocycle
Top speed	28mph	45mph
Power	250-750W	3kW-100kW
Range per charge	20-90 miles	50-200 miles
Charging time	4-8 hours	8-10 hours
Average cargo capasity	220-350lbs	350-500lbs
Licence requirment (NYC)	No	Yes

Performance and power

Probably the main and the most significant difference in e-bikes vs electric motorcycles lies in their power and performance.

While they look quite similar, e-motorcycles are equipped with robust engines that are designed for raw power. They are strong and mighty, and are perfect for delivery riders looking for a powerful eco-friendly vehicle.

E-bikes, on the other hand, have electric motors that assist your pedaling. The level of assistance depends on the model itself.

Some models might even allow you to ride without pedaling for a certain amount of time with the throttle mode, although this isn’t what they were made for.

Our Whizz e-bikes are the most modern class 3 e-bikes, running with powerful 500W Bosch electric motors.

While both are quite efficient, e-motorcycles are more powerful, especially as they ride on their own, without any assistance.

Speed

The speed at which e-motorcycles and e-bikes can operate depends not only on their engines but also on local laws and regulations.

For example, some of the fastest e-bikes can reach speeds of up to 28 mph.

Most e-motorcycles, on the other hand, reach a speed of up to 45 mph, but some can go even faster.

However, the mere speed shouldn’t make too much difference for delivery riders, as they are bound by local laws.

In NYC, the speed limit for both e-bikes and e-motorcycles is 25 mph. Anything faster than that is illegal, even if the vehicle itself can reach higher speeds.

Some major roads and highways can have a higher speed limit, typically ranging from 30 mph to 55 mph.

However, you cannot legally ride e-bikes on such roads, and most delivery riders don’t have the need to go on highways to complete deliveries.

Eco-friendliness

One of the main reasons many delivery riders opt for electric vehicles is because they want to keep their deliveries eco-friendly. Environmental concerns are quite important today, and they play a role in choosing a means of transportation.

While both e-bikes and electric motorcycles are greener compared to traditional motorcycles or cars, e-bikes take the lead here.

16% of harmful GHG emissions in the US are created by passenger vehicles, including cars often used by delivery riders. By switching to e-bikes, people can help reduce these numbers.

This is especially a good choice for delivery riders, as e-bikes are perfect for short commutes and urban environments. They are also useful in densely populated areas with common traffic jams.

While electric motorcycles are more eco-friendly than most other vehicles, they still need fuel. In other words, they are contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, despite working on electricity.

Convenience and practicality

Considering how delivery riders sometimes have to spend a better part of the day on their vehicles, making a convenient choice is pretty important.

However, when it comes to this trait, the decision on e-bike vs electric motorcycle is quite personal.

Electric motorcycles generally have large storage capacities. If you’re delivering large orders or wish to complete many orders in a single trip, storage is very important.

Also, e-motorcycles don’t require any pedaling. You can just sit on them and deliver orders without any hassle.

On the other hand, e-bikes are much more compact and might be more suited for urban areas and narrow streets.

You can park them with ease or even take them inside which can make navigating busy city streets much easier.

Generally, this is why more delivery riders prefer e-bikes to e-scooters.

Still, this might depend on the situation and the type of orders you’re making. If you’re delivering food, chances are an e-bike will be more than enough for you.

Cost and maintenance

Lastly, cost and maintenance fees are also very important when choosing a vehicle you’ll work on. This one is quite easy to guess, though.

Motorcycles have a fairly high initial cost. Not only that, but they have some ongoing expenses, such as insurance and fuel.

They also require more maintenance, which can include chain adjustments and oil changes.

Opposite of that, e-bikes have lower upfront costs.

For example, you can rent Storm-2, one of the best e-bikes for delivery riders, at an affordable price of just $199 a month!

Their maintenance is also much more affordable.

Many sellers, such as Whizz, even offer Protection Plans that include insurance and partial coverage of damages, reducing the maintenance to the lowest possible numbers.

If delivery riders are looking for a vehicle that will cost them as little as possible, e-bikes are the way to go.

E-bike Pros and Cons

As you can see, e-bikes have many good traits for delivery riders. These include:

• They are one of the most eco-friendly ways for delivery riders to get from one location to another.
• They are small and compact, and you can take them indoors throughout the night.
• They are just as fast as the speed limit, so you won’t easily make the mistake of riding too fast.
• They are affordable.
• They are maneuverable during traffic jams.
• They keep you healthy and physically active without too much fatigue.
• They don’t require a drivers license in most states, although make sure to check local regulations.
• Quiet operation.

However, compared to motorcycles, they also have a few cons, such as:

• They have a lower cargo capacity.
• They are more fragile.
• Despite having a motor, they still require pedaling.
• You cannot ride them on certain roads and highways.

Electric Motorcycle Pros and Cons

Electric motorcycles have numerous good sides, which include:

• They are fast and powerful.
• They can hold a bigger weight than e-bikes.
• They have a bigger range.
• They are more suited for longer distances.
• You can use them to ride on highways.
• They don’t require any pedaling.

Still, they do have several flaws. This includes:

• They are larger and heavier than e-bikes, so you have to park them outside.
• They require a driver's license.
• Higher upright and ongoing expenses.

Read Also: 50cc scooter vs electric bike comparison

The Verdict

In large cities such as NYC, delivery riders can greatly benefit from riding e-bikes. They are extremely handy when it comes to riding on busy streets, and you can take them inside during the night so you don’t worry about theft.

Not to mention, they’re quite affordable, and they shouldn’t have any extensive malfunctions and repairs.

On the other hand, electric motorcycles are a better option in more rural areas, where delivery riders would have to travel greater distances and bad roads to complete their orders.