Ground-breaking research from Cenex found that moving to electric scooters and mopeds from petrol equivalents significantly lowers energy use and emissions.
Cenex’s first study of its type, the report shows that electric scooters use 72–91% less energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70–90% compared to a 250cc scooter of similar specifications.
Electric cars typically use 50–70% less energy than petrol/diesel models, a lower saving compared to electric scooters. This means that switching from petrol to electric scooters could deliver more environmental benefits than moving from four-wheeled petrol/diesel vehicles to electric cars, as well as reducing congestion in urban areas. This is due to the inherent inefficiencies in the small petrol engines used within scooters and mopeds.
The research tested two similar scooters – one electric, one petrol – in an emissions-testing laboratory equipped with a chassis dynamometer.
Three different test cycles were tested, including the standard World Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC) plus real-world urban and extra urban drive cycles. Multiple parameters were measured, including fuel/electricity consumption, CO2 and NOx emissions.
Steve Carroll, Head of Transport, Cenex, said, “Scooters and other light vehicles have a key role to play in creating less congested, more efficient and cleaner cities in the future.
“Unlike other vehicle types, there is not enough information on their real-world usage and performance to allow data-driven decisions to be made.
“Cenex is therefore very pleased to launch this research and continue supporting the provision of independent real-world performance information.”