The pandemic has brought upon a seismic shift in how we travel and where we travel to. Our regular routines have been disrupted and as we’re still emerging and finding our feet (and wheels) we’re looking at alternative modes of travel.
The meteoric rise (and success) of the pedal electric bike is now trickling over to consumer mopeds and scooters: zero emissions bikes for modern consumers keen to avoid the petrol pump, road tax and inner city congestion charges.
WIRED has selected a set of electric mopeds across the spectrum, all suited to commuting and city riding in general. All come in under the 50cc (equivalent) engine size, and all share a modest top speed (up to 28mph) and range. Prospective riders only need a pre 2001 car licence to pilot one without L plates, and can take a pillion passenger. Riders with a post 2001 licence or only holding a provisional licence will need to take a one day motorbike CBT (compulsory basic training) course before slinging a leg over one. WIRED took the course and would heartily recommend all riders take it regardless.
WIRED tested the bikes on varying journeys around central London, and on a regular 5 mile (8km) commute from East London into the busy West End, with and without a pillion passenger. All batteries were charged in a home environment.
Electric mopeds are exempt from UK road tax (VED), London ULEZ and Congestion charge so after the initial cost of the bike, insurance will be riders' biggest outlay - at least for the first year (when a no claim will reduce the following premiums). From there on, running costs should be modest, depending on the energy provider. WIRED secured the bikes using a Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit chain and angle-grinder proof HipLock D1000.
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Piaggio 1
WIRED Recommends: The cut price, lightweight runabout by the Italian bike giant sets a new standard for modern city travel.
It’s so plastic. It’s so small... It only costs that much? Whatever our first impressions, the Piaggio 1 (£2,500) looks like a real game changer for both Europe’s biggest bike manufacturer and the entire e-bike market. It's a diminutive Electric Moped with removable battery that comes in at just over £2K. Yes, that’s less of an outlay than many regular e-pedal bikes - and pretty much all of the bikes in WIRED’s best electric bikes for commuting edit. The 1 is available in three models: 1 (a 50cc moped equivalent), 1+ (with increased battery capacity) and beefier 1 Active (a 125cc scooter equivalent).