As full-time RVers, we’ve been caught in the middle of the electric bike vs electric scooter debate that’s sweeping through campgrounds across the country. We’re Barry and Darlene from Like There’s No Tomorrow, and we’ve put both options through their paces in our RV adventures. Spoiler alert: we were surprised by what we discovered! Join us as we break down the pros and cons of each, and share our hands-on experience with the unexpected contender that’s shaking up the RV transportation game.
Why Are RVers Facing the E-Bike vs. Electric Scooter Dilemma?
As full-time RVers, we’ve seen firsthand the explosion of e-bikes at campgrounds across the country. It seems like everyone’s got one! But lately, we’ve been noticing a new trend: electric scooters. This shift has many RVers, including us, wondering which option is truly best for the mobile lifestyle.
The dilemma boils down to a few key factors:
- Space: RVs have limited storage, and every inch counts.
- Weight: Many RVs have strict weight limits to consider.
- Versatility: How well does each option handle various terrains?
- Cost: E-bikes can be a significant investment, while e-scooters are often more budget-friendly.
- Convenience: Which is easier to transport and use on a whim?
E-Bikes for RV Life: Are They Worth the Hype and Hassle?
We love our Rad Power Bikes, but we’ll be honest – they come with some challenges. These aren’t your average bicycles; they’re hefty machines weighing around 70 pounds each. While they offer great range (about 16-17 miles per charge) and can handle off-road terrain, storing them can be a real headache.
Here’s what we’ve experienced:
Storage struggles: We keep ours in our toy hauler section, but it’s not ideal.
Transportation woes: We invested in a $500 bike rack, which is another item to store and set up.
Weight concerns: At 70 pounds each, they’re not easy to maneuver.
Cost consideration: We spent about $3,000 on the bikes, plus the rack.
Despite these challenges, e-bikes offer unparalleled versatility and the option for exercise. They’re great for exploring towns or tackling rough terrain. But are they the best choice for every RVer? That’s where e-scooters enter the picture.
Electric Scooters: The Unexpected Game-Changer for RV Enthusiasts?
When TurboAnt sent us their X7 Max folding electric scooter to try out, we were skeptical. But after giving it a spin, we were pleasantly surprised. This compact dynamo packs a punch and solves many of the issues we face with our e-bikes.
Key advantages we discovered:
- Portability: At 35 pounds, it’s half the weight of our e-bikes.
- Compact storage: It folds down and fits in our truck’s backseat or RV storage bay.
- Quick setup: We can have it ready to ride in minutes.
- Fun factor: It’s surprisingly enjoyable to ride, even for those initially intimidated.
TurboAnt X7 Max: A Budget-Friendly Alternative to E-Bikes?
The TurboAnt X7 Max has impressed us with its quality and features. At about a third of the price of our e-bikes, it offers significant value. Here’s what stood out to us:
Pros:
- Speed: It can reach up to 20 mph (maybe even a bit more downhill).
- Range: The company claims a 35-mile range, which seems plausible from our testing.
- Cruise control: A handy feature for long, straight rides.
- Solid construction: The wide footprint feels stable and secure.
Cons:
- Rough ride off-road: The honeycomb tires, while durable, don’t absorb shock well.
- Limited hill-climbing ability: Despite claims of a 13% grade capacity, steep hills require some manual assistance.
- Harsh hand grips: We found ourselves wearing gloves for longer rides.
For those interested in trying out the TurboAnt X7 Max, [you can check it out here with a special $180 discount] https://bit.ly/4elN2XI
Space, Weight, and Convenience: How Do E-Bikes and E-Scooters Stack Up?
After extensively using both e-bikes and the TurboAnt scooter, we’ve found that each has its place in RV life. Here’s how they compare:
Space and Storage:
- E-bikes: Require significant storage space, often needing external racks.
- E-scooter: Folds compact, easily fitting in truck beds, RV storage bays, or even car trunks.
Weight and Portability:
- E-bikes: Heavy (around 70 lbs each), challenging to move and transport.
- E-scooter: Lighter (35 lbs), can be carried short distances if needed.
Convenience:
- E-bikes: Require more setup time, but offer greater range and off-road capability.
- E-scooter: Quick to deploy, ideal for short trips and urban exploration.
Cost:
- E-bikes: More expensive, often $1,000-$3,000 plus accessories.
- E-scooter: More budget-friendly, with options like the TurboAnt X7 Max at a fraction of the cost (especially with our discount! https://bit.ly/4elN2XI
Ultimately, the choice between an e-bike and an e-scooter depends on your specific RV lifestyle, budget, and adventure preferences. For us, having both options has enhanced our travel experiences, allowing us to choose the best tool for each situation.
One Response
We will begin our full time RV adventure in November, and have already purchased e-scooters. For us, it came down to storage. The other things you mention are also points to consider. We choose a different brand, one with seats that can be removed. Folding down and opening up are slower with the seat, but for now, that’s what works for us. I do hope to build my confidence to ride standing up with more experience to open up that great potential of portability. Maybe I’ll wave as I zip by on my little whizzer.