As city centers worldwide shift toward greener, cleaner modes of transportation, micro-mobility alternatives, such as electric trikes and e-scooters, are becoming increasingly popular.
Both are lightweight, battery-powered, and are much kinder to the environment than conventional petrol-guzzling vehicles.
But environmentally, especially on the subject of carbon footprint, how do electric-powered trikes compare to e-scooters?
In this blog, we’ll discover how those two modes of transport evaluate in terms of lifecycle emissions, production, power intake, and real-world sustainability.
Understanding Carbon Footprint in Micro-Mobility
A carbon footprint refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions, specifically carbon dioxide (CO₂), produced immediately or indirectly by using a product or service.
For electric micro-mobility vehicles, the principal contributors to the carbon footprint are:
Manufacturing emissions (materials, battery production, assembly)
Energy consumption during use
Maintenance and repair
End-of-life disposal and recycling
The comparison between electric trikes and e-scooters should involve a full lifecycle analysis to determine their overall environmental effect.
1. Manufacturing Emissions
Electric Trikes
Electric trikes tend to be bigger, stronger, and heavier than e-scooters. They additionally tend to require more substances, including aluminium for the body production, and large batteries to sustain longer distances and support weight. These aspects lead to higher emissions during production.
For instance, the typical electric trike will be around 88–132 lbs. (40–60 kg) and have a battery of 500–1200Wh. The production emissions for such a vehicle can be as much as 100–120 kg of CO₂e, which is mainly because of the battery and metal frame.
E-Scooters
E-scooters are made to be light and transportable, usually weighing 10–20 kg with smaller batteries (250–350Wh). Therefore, their manufacturing emissions tend to be lower, averaging 50–70 kg of CO₂e.
Verdict: E-scooters tend to have a smaller carbon footprint at the manufacturing level.
2. Battery Size and Energy Consumption
Electric Trikes
The larger battery on electric trikes requires more electricity per kilometre. However, their energy efficiency depends on terrain, the rider's weight, and driving behavior.
Electric trikes, on average, utilize 25–30Wh per kilometre, which results in increased usage of electricity but with enhanced range and a smoother ride.
E-Scooters
E-scooters are more energy efficient, using 10–15Wh per kilometre. They are ideal for short journeys or urban mobility.
Verdict: E-scooters are more efficient and have a lower carbon footprint when used on a regular basis.
3. Lifespan and Durability
Electric Trikes
Electric trikes tend to be constructed with longevity in mind. Their stronger frames and better-quality parts provide a longer life span, 5–10 years or more, with regular maintenance. Moreover, their components stand a better chance of being repairable or replaceable, cutting down on waste.
E-Scooters
Mass-market e-scooters have a typical life span of 1–3 years, particularly if ridden frequently. Rental fleet e-scooters used for sharing can have a shorter life span, sometimes less than a year, owing to vandalism, neglect, and excessive use.
Verdict: Electric trikes have a longer lifespan, so their carbon footprint is spread out over more years, making them more sustainable in the long run.
4. Usage Patterns and Real-World Impact
Electric Trikes
Electric trikes are extensively used for longer commutes, errands, or even the transport of light cargo. Their capacity to substitute short car journeys gives them a huge advantage as a source of overall emissions reduction. One electric trike substituting for 5 km of car travel each day can save more than 300 kg of CO₂ annually.
E-Scooters
E-scooters are best suited for last-mile connectivity and short rides of less than 5 km. Convenient as they are, research has indicated that shared e-scooter rides substitute walking or cycling more than car travel, tying their hands behind their backs in terms of overall emission reduction.
Verdict: Electric trikes could be more carbon offset if used as a real car substitute.
5. End-of-Life Factors
Recycling and battery disposal, and electronic components have a considerable influence on the overall carbon footprint of a vehicle.
Electric trikes usually employ larger batteries that are more lucrative to recycle and can be reused in other applications, such as solar storage.
E-scooters, particularly low-end or shared, typically end up in landfills when broken because they have poor repairability and weak recycling motives.
Verdict: Electric trikes gain the advantage because of improved repairability and end-of-life opportunities.
Conclusion: Which One is More Sustainable?
If you look at emissions per kilometre alone, e-scooters win out because of their reduced energy use and lower weight.
However, when considering lifecycle footprint, durability, and usage, smart electric trikes tend to be the more sustainable option, particularly if they replace car use for everyday journeys.
Electric trikes could be more sustainable in the long term for citizens or companies looking to minimize their carbon footprint while still having the convenience, comfort, and stability of a motor vehicle.
Nevertheless, both forms of transport are a giant improvement over traditional fuel-guzzling cars and a step toward cleaner cities and purer air.
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Brenda Elliott