Debunking Myths: Are Electric Scooters Truly Green?

Electric scooters provide a convenient and cost-effective commute. Using electricity for power, electric scooters are paving the way for a greener future and proving a worthy alternative to e-bikes and electric cars.

Despite their popularity, some naysayers and negative press claim e-scooters aren't as green as they seem. Is it true? We're about to explore that question in this post, so stick around to find out.

The facts on e-scooter popularity

In 2017, the first electric scooter ride-sharing service became available in Santa Monica, and its success saw other cities introducing them as a convenient way to get around. Revenue from the e-scooter market is $66.38 million in 2023, but that number will rise to $154 million in 2027 (Statista).

As many countries now allow private scooter owners access to public roads, more people are choosing to save money and invest in their own scooters.

Research from EsferaSoft shows that there were 50 million e-scooter and e-bike units sold worldwide in 2020, but they expect the number to rise to 129 million in 2028, with North America being the market leader.

As you can see, the growth of electric vehicles has no risk of slowing down—but why are people so negative about electric scooters?

Negative perceptions of scooters

As with all forms of transportation, scooters get their fair share of negative publicity, with some claiming they're unsafe, but studies prove the scooters themselves aren't to blame. Many scooter accidents occur when riders use the sidewalk, and males are more likely to have accidents than females (NIH).

Furthermore, research published by The Telegraph reveals that four in ten scooter riders are under the influence of alcohol when they crash, showing us that rider error and lack of concentration are significant contributors to injuries.

Do scooters have their risks? Absolutely. But it's the same with cars, bikes, and other transportation modes.

You've probably seen plenty of articles where people claim scooters aren't as green as we'd like to think they are or that their batteries result in a lot of wastage, but we're here to debunk those rumors and give you the cold hard facts.

Let's look at the most prevalent e-scooter myths.

Myth One: E-scooters have a negative environmental impact

Some studies claim e-scooters have a negative impact on the environment, with a study from North Carolina University stating that electric scooters create higher greenhouse gas emissions than mopeds, walking, and bicycles.

The study alone leads to a worrying conclusion that scooters aren't contributing positively to the fight to save our planet. Here are the facts of this myth.

The study focused on shared scooters

Shared scooters are a good idea in theory, but they have some drawbacks. These scooters travel all over cities, with riders able to hop on and off after a journey, leaving the scooter safely away from other road users.

However, the main issue with shared models is that the company has to travel around collecting the scooters to go through the recharging process.

If they use gasoline cars, the company's carbon footprint will inevitably increase.

Shared scooters are targets for vandalism

While scooters don't produce carbon emissions, they require a manufacturing process. However, the real issues with scooter-sharing companies come from vandalism and improper usage of scooters.

For example, The Guardian published an article about sharing initiatives and how they impact the environment.

Between September and December 2018, volunteers found around 100 Bird and Lime scooters thrown into Lake Merritt, and the Scoot Network lost 200 of their scooters in just two weeks due to vandalism.

As the entire life cycle of rental scooters is relatively small, they're not an environmentally friendly solution.

Fact: Private e-scooters are eco-friendly

As with most things, riders are more likely to care for a scooter that belongs to them. It's easy for people to mistreat scooter rentals because they're usually not held responsible and don't have to pay for any repairs.

While ride-sharing scooters can be detrimental to the environment, privately owned models are a practical solution, as nobody wants to damage them or throw the scooter in lakes.

Myth Two: Electric scooters won't last long

Another popular myth surrounding e-scooters is that they won't last as long as traditional vehicles, with many people claiming the scooters need to be replaced every few months. Again, we must examine the facts to see if this myth is true.

The good news is that while there are some truths associated with it, the studies don't factor in the type of scooter and how usage impacts its life cycle.

Quality is key

There are plenty of budget e-scooters out there, offering riders on a budget the opportunity to save money and still enjoy the convenience they offer. However, any product that uses cheap materials for its construction will naturally have a shorter lifespan than premium scooters.

Aluminum and carbon fiber are sustainable materials, but the scooter's batteries will also impact the environment. That's why premium scooters often use lithium-ion batteries because they don't contain any lead and are easy to recycle.

Longevity depends on usage

Like all vehicles - including electric cars - scooters require care and maintenance. The frequent usage of rental scooters and the carelessness of riders results in a shorter lifespan, with a 2021 Warwick University study concluding the average rental scooter has a lifespan of three months.

However, their lifespan should - and could - be up to five years, which again highlights that misuse of the scooters ultimately sends them to landfills.

Fact: Scooters can last years when maintained

Scooters can be long-term electric vehicles, but shared models again pose significant sustainability issues. Investing in a premium scooter solely for your use can reduce life cycle emissions and ensure you get years of usage out of your chosen model.

If cost is a factor, Unagi offers an All-Access Subscription that gives you unlimited usage of a commuter scooter with free services and insurance.

Myth Three: E-scooters clutter the streets

Well, this one is more of a fact - but it doesn't need to be. We've all seen articles about electric scooters taking up the sidewalk and causing obstructions in the road, which can lead to more gasoline car emissions as people have to navigate around them or take longer routes.

Again, a similar pattern emerges because people are more likely to leave shared scooters in inconvenient places.

Shared scooters are easy to dump and go

The convenient nature of shared scooters often means people can get to their destination, hop off, and leave the scooter on the sidewalk or sometimes even in the middle of the road. Then we have the people who decide to throw them in lakes, causing huge issues for the environment.

Private scooters are different because people care about them more and will usually find an allocated parking space, ensuring their scooter is protected and won't cause any obstructions.

Commuter scooters are designed to be compact

Commuter scooters are a convenient solution for all your travel needs because they're designed to be compact and offer unrivaled portability. For example, the Unagi Model One Voyager weighs just 29.6 lbs and has a one-click folding mechanism.

You can also purchase a carry bag and take the scooter to your office or college, ensuring it's not at risk of vandalism.

Myth Four: Electric scooters can't replace other forms of transportation

One of the main arguments we regularly see against scooters is the belief that they can't become your primary mode of transportation. We disagree because scooters have powerful capabilities, and many models can substitute public transit.

A solid e-scooter will deliver

In some cases, scooters can't replace public transport or cars, and many people use them as last-mile solutions. However, these scooters usually have low ranges and battery capacities, impacting their ability to serve as your main commuter tool.

A scooter with up to 25 miles of range and a fast charging time can be a worthy commuting or city riding tool, helping you avoid cramped buses and trains.

Technology will improve

We've made substantial technological advances in the past decade, and the future looks bright for electric scooters. As scooters evolve, we'll likely witness affordable models with superior ranges that can remove the need for cars and public transportation altogether.

Some performance and off-road scooters already have over 60 miles of range, so commuter scooter brands can increase battery capacity in the future while still creating lightweight models.

Key facts on electric scooters:

• Gas-powered vehicles are over $700 more expensive each year than electric cars. However, charging an electric scooter costs significantly less than with an electric car.
• According to the EPA, passenger vehicles emit 4.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide yearly, while electric vehicles emit no tailpipe emissions.
• Electric bikes weigh between 44 and 66 lbs, but the Unagi Model One Classic weighs just 28.5 lbs.
• When used correctly, e-scooters can reduce traffic congestion and noise pollution.
• Climate change continues to be a significant risk for our planet, but electric vehicles can lower greenhouse gases and help out (Carbon Brief).

The bottom line

Electric scooters are changing how people commute and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, making them a worthy option for a smaller carbon footprint. Investing in a private scooter is a wise decision if you want to contribute positively to the environment and enjoy complete flexibility.

Energy efficient, durable, and built to serve your unique riding needs, using a private e-scooter is now possible in many cities. Unagi is at the forefront of commuter scooters, and our commitment to delivering supreme scooters that deliver on all bases is making micro-mobility accessible for everyone.

If you'd like to take advantage of our All Access subscription, please feel free to place your order today and get ready to enjoy a new way of life.