Comparison 2026
Road-legal electric motorbike vs 50cc scooter: which to choose?
Both belong to the same European category, L1e-B (moped) — an EU type-approval. Here is how a 79Bike Falcon Pro L1e-B compares with a petrol 50cc scooter on cost, maintenance, noise, weight and use.
Verdict in 30 seconds
Both can be ridden with an AM licence (from age 14 in France; the minimum age depends on the country) and are limited to 45 km/h on the road. The 50cc scooter is cheaper to buy and refuels in two minutes. The L1e-B electric motorbike costs more upfront, but much less to run, makes no noise, and the 79Bike Falcon Pro L1e-B can also ride off-road on private land.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | 79Bike Falcon Pro L1e-B | Petrol 50cc scooter |
|---|---|---|
| Category | L1e-B (moped, EU type-approval) | L1e-B (moped, EU type-approval) |
| Licence | AM (minimum age depends on the country) | AM (minimum age depends on the country) |
| Road speed | 45 km/h | 45 km/h |
| Energy | Electricity, 72 V / 35 Ah battery (about 2.5 kWh) | Petrol |
| Energy cost | Under €1 / 100 km (estimate, electricity at about €0.25/kWh) | About €4 to €6 / 100 km (estimate, 2.5 to 3 L/100 km) |
| Engine maintenance | No oil change, spark plug or air filter | Oil change, spark plug, air filter, variator belt |
| Noise | Nearly silent | Engine noise |
| Weight | 59 kg | Often 80 to 100 kg |
| Off-road use | Yes, off-road mode on private land only | No |
| Price | €4,199 | Usually €1,500 to €3,000 new (ballpark) |
Energy costs are estimates and depend on your electricity and fuel prices and your riding.
Total cost: purchase vs running costs
The 50cc scooter wins on purchase price. Over time, the gap narrows: an electric motorbike uses under €1 of electricity per 100 km (estimate), against about €4 to €6 of petrol for a scooter (estimate), and it does away with engine servicing. The more you ride, the more the running costs work in favour of electric.
Maintenance: what disappears with electric
No oil change, no spark plug, no air filter, no variator belt. What remains, as on any two-wheeler: brakes (pads, fluid), tyres, transmission (chain and sprockets) and looking after the battery (charging, storage). Our workshops service these items.
Off-road mode: the edge a 50cc doesn't have
The Falcon Pro L1e-B has an off-road mode reserved for private land. It is never usable on public roads: on the road, the bike stays in its approved mode at 45 km/h. Derestricting or modifying the bike for road use voids its type-approval and is prohibited on public roads.
When a 50cc is still the right choice
If your purchase budget is tight, or if you regularly ride long distances with no way to recharge, a 50cc scooter remains a sensible choice: it costs less to buy and refuels in two minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need insurance?+
Yes. Like a 50cc scooter, an L1e-B electric motorbike must be insured to ride on public roads.
Can I ride in off-road mode on the road?+
No. The off-road mode is reserved for private land. On public roads, the bike must stay in its approved road mode, limited to 45 km/h.
How much does a charge cost?+
About €0.60 for a full 2.5 kWh charge at €0.25/kWh (estimate; it depends on your electricity price).
Where can I try one?+
In Toulouse and in Sant Cugat (Barcelona), by appointment. Contact us to book: https://www.rideondistribution.com/en/contact
See also
Ready to switch to electric?
Discover the road-legal L1e-B models, or book a test ride by appointment.