So you are considering an electric moped purchase, but you don’t know how to choose an electric moped in 2021.

Now, there are more electric mopeds on the street than ever before, which also means more options. The good news is you have more choice as the rider, but the decision may seem overwhelming for some.

So, what is the best electric moped in 2021?

The answer depends on your riding habits and needs. The most important questions to consider are:

• Size: Do I need a smaller or larger moped? Will I ride with a passenger?
• Durability: Where will I ride my moped? What conditions will I ride in?
• Range: How often will I ride my electric moped? How far will I travel in an average week?
• Performance: Do I need a fast moped?
• Design: Do I prefer eye-catching or functional design?
• Experience: Will I need extra accessories for my moped riding habits? How will I get service and support?

Maybe you plan to replace a car as your daily commute vehicle. Or perhaps you plan to use it for short distances to run errands or visit friends around the city.

Regardless, you can follow these tips to find an electric moped that meets all of your needs.

Choose an electric moped that best fits you

Feeling comfortable on your moped is a crucial factor in choosing an electric moped.

You want your moped to be easy for you to handle. Your feet should touch the ground comfortably without any strain, so you can maneuver the moped in and out of parking spaces, or rest when at a stop.

But don’t worry! You can find an electric moped that suits someone with any build or stature. Be aware of these details when you are researching electric mopeds:

• Seat height: mopeds offer quite a range of seat heights, so make sure to schedule a test drive before you buy. Some mopeds may have a seat height as low as 27.5 inches or as high as 32.1 inches.
• Seat length: It’s important to consider whether you plan to ride with a passenger or not. Some electric mopeds may only offer space for one person, while others like the NIU MQi GT are specifically built for extra passenger space.
• Vehicle weight: You don’t want to be embarrassed with a heavy moped that may fall over, but you can’t lift it up again. You will have much more fun with a moped you can easily drive and manage. There are plenty different models of electric moped, from 158 lbs for the NIU MQi+ Sport to 606 lbs for the BMW C Evolution.
• Maximum passenger weight: Every moped supports a maximum weight. Make sure the electric moped you choose has a sufficient max weight for you and any potential passengers.

Consider the durability of the moped

For many owners, urban mobility is the main consideration when choosing an electric moped.

However, you still want to make sure your electric moped will hold up over time in your regular riding environment. Most electric mopeds are built with urban trips in mind. You should consider whether you plan to ride outside the city, on uneven roads, or in conditions that require extra durability.

Some electric mopeds are built especially for these types of riding conditions. If you need this extra durability, then keep an eye out for mopeds with larger 14″ wheels, which provide extra stability during your ride. This is especially helpful if you ride on roads with bumps or potholes.

Similarly, ground clearance is also important to protect your moped in the long term in more rugged riding situations. Choosing a moped with larger wheels may mean it already has higher ground clearance, but you should still confirm this before you buy. Approximately 7 inches should be sufficient for most riding conditions, if this is important for you.

Other mopeds offer optional steel bumpers so you can protect your vehicle further. This is a nice add-on to give you extra peace of mind about your vehicle’s durability.

Pick a quality battery with enough range

Battery quality

The battery inside an electric moped is one of the most essential components, because it is the heart of the vehicle. In 2021, most electric mopeds are equipped with a lithium-ion battery (Li-ion) but some are still using lead, acid, or nickel. Lithium-ion technology is preferred for a vehicle because it is lighter with a higher energy density in the same package.

Removable battery

A small but very significant feature to pay attention to is whether or not the battery is removable. If you live in an apartment complex or a home without a location to park and charge, make sure you choose an electric moped with a battery you can remove and recharge separately.

Battery capacity and range

Can an electric moped travel far?

The answer to that question largely depends upon the battery capacity. Some electric mopeds, like the NIU NQi GT, can travel over 130km before they need to be recharged. This is thanks to a dual 35Ah battery system. Other mopeds may only have a single battery system or a different capacity (measured in amp-hours), which will affect the distance you can travel.

You also want to pay attention to the battery recharge time. You don’t want to feel that charging is a burden. If you plan to use your electric moped for your daily commutes, you are probably looking for a battery that can be recharged in one night or one morning.

In 2021, you can find electric moped batteries that can be fully recharged in only 5.5 hours, and will last for a range of 43 miles. That offers plenty of range for most daily commuters.

Check the moped’s power and performance

When you choose an electric moped, you want to be confident in the ride and how it will perform on the road. That’s why the power output is important.

The power output of an electric moped is measured in watts. This will determine the top speed and general performance of the vehicle.

Although the measurement of power is very different from their gas-powered counterparts, electric mopeds are sometimes still classified in the same way. Most electric mopeds fall in one of two categories related to gas-powered mopeds: 50cc or 125cc equivalent.

This classification depends on the power of the motor and the maximum speed. If the power is between 1000 and 4000 watts and the speed does not exceed 28 mph, the electric moped should be a 50cc equivalent. In some countries, this type of electric moped may not require a license or may be permitted for younger riders.

For the 125cc equivalent, if the motor power is above 4000 watts or the speed exceeds 28 mph, the electric moped requires a driving license.

But which electric moped is fastest? In 2021, many mopeds are capable of speeds up to 43 mph, like the NIU MQi GT.

Choose an electric moped with smart features

In 2021, the best electric mopeds have an app you can use to manage the vehicle.

Often, the app will provide information about your moped’s battery status or the GPS location of the vehicle. This will allow you to easily locate your moped in a large parking lot, or get an overview of how far you can travel.

The app may also provide notifications about your vehicle, including anti-theft movement notifications.

Find an electric moped design you like

Technical features are essential, but design matters, too.

There are plenty of different styles of electric mopeds in 2021, and you will certainly find one that suits your personality and tastes.

Some electric mopeds look similar to bicycles, while others may have a design like a moped or motorcycle.

Whether you are looking for something modern or just need a functional commute vehicle, you can ask yourself: what is the best electric moped design for me?

Consider the user experience

When choosing an electric moped, there are also other factors besides the vehicle specifications or design that may impact your user experience.

For example, you may want to choose an electric moped brand that offers a wide variety of additional accessories. If you purchase an electric moped but cannot customize it to your liking, then you may not enjoy the riding experience. Consider extra storage you may need, like a topcase, or other necessities for your trips, like a phone holder.

Furthermore, you want to choose a moped brand that offers a large dealer network in your state. You should feel supported with your new moped purchase, and you want to make sure you can ride with no worries, in the event you need service or support.

And last, but certainly not least: you want a moped that feels comfortable to ride!

Of course, the best way to know if a moped is the perfect for you is to try it! The good news is that there are NIU test drive locations around the world.

What are you waiting for? Find the store closest to you and book a test drive!

No matter what type of electric moped you are looking for, we are certain you can choose an electric moped that meets your needs by following these simple steps.

Do you know someone who is considering an electric moped? Feel free to share this article with them so they can make an informed decision!