Performance Comparison: The Benzina Zero City vs 50CC Petrol Mopeds
The Benzina Zero City is a classic moped, reimagined! Celebrating vintage moped design with all the modern essentials. It is the evolution of the traditional 50cc petrol moped; paying homage to its predecessors whilst being equipped with new and modern technologies built for the transforming urban landscape. So, how does the new electric Benzina Zero City compare to its traditional 50cc counterparts? Let’s take a look, step by step.
Top Speed
When it comes to top speed, many 50cc petrol mopeds are restricted at 50 km/h to fit Australian Road Legislation. The exact same goes for the Benzina Zero City. The 50 km/h top speed on the Benzina Zero City is intentional. It’s ideal for brand new riders, urban commuters and for those looking for cheaper and smaller car alternatives. In some lucky states/territories in Australia, you can use a moped under a drivers licence making mopeds such as the Benzina Zero City a more viable option. Therefore, when it comes to top speed, both petrol and electric powered mopeds stand on equal ground. They’re not designed to go super fast but to be effective and useful in urban environments.
Acceleration
Acceleration is an important factor in urban riding, where frequent stops and starts are the norm. The Benzina Zero City excels here due to the instant torque from the electric motor, allowing for quicker and smoother acceleration from a standstill than petrol powered mopeds. 50cc petrol mopeds, reliant on combustion engines, often experience a delay in power delivery. There are more steps taking place from when the throttle is twisted to when the energy is eventually transported to the wheel in a 50cc petrol powered moped. In comparison, on the Benzina Zero City the power delivery feels instantaneous. This instantaneous response enhances the riding experience and improves safety, enabling riders to navigate through traffic more effectively.
Range (full charge vs. full tank)
Range anxiety is a common concern with electric vehicles, but the Benzina Zero City alleviates this worry with an impressive range of up to 80 km on a full charge. This is more than sufficient for daily commutes with Australia’s average daily commute being 15.6km. In comparison, a 50cc petrol moped can travel approximately 100-150 km on a full tank of fuel. On paper, that’s clearly more range, however the convenience of charging the Benzina Zero City via a standard electric outlet means that you can charge the electric moped at most stops on your daily run. Additionally, the quick release removable battery makes it even more convenient by increasing the options of where you can charge up. For example, with the Benzina Zero City, you can leave home with a fully charged battery, arrive and charge up the battery at your workplace (for free), then leave work with a fully charged battery. You could have up to 80 km of range every time you start your ride.
Carrying Capacity
In terms of carrying capacity, much is the same between the Benzina Zero City and petrol powered 50cc mopeds. Like the City, most have the capabilities to carry a second rider and some cargo. The Benzina Zero City offers a front hook to carry bags and the possibility to add a rear cargo box, making it practical for everyday errands and trips.
Grip & Handling
Handling and grip are crucial for urban manoeuvrability, especially in busy streets and variable weather conditions. The Benzina Zero City shines in this aspect due to it’s low centre of gravity, thanks to the placement of the battery pack and hub-drive motor. The heavier components being much closer to the ground combined with its smooth and responsive acceleration the handling is precise, making nimble turns is much easier. This design feature in the Benzina Zero city provides enhanced stability, control and positive feedback compared to a petrol 50 cc moped. Traditional 50cc petrol mopeds, though generally stable, often struggle to match the agility of their electric counterparts such as the City, particularly in tight spaces or when making quick manoeuvres.
Brakes & Safety
Safety is paramount for any vehicle, and the Benzina Zero City excels. Much is the same here as petrol alternatives with large front and rear standard drum brakes, full LED lighting and an anti-theft alarm system. Although unlike petrol mopeds, the Benzina Zero City’s much quieter operation enhances the riders ability to hear and notice much more around them.
Environmental Impact and Cost Efficiency
Beyond the performance metrics, the Benzina Zero City stands out for its environmental and economic advantages. Compared to petrol powered cars, petrol mopeds contribute less towards greenhouse emissions. However, the Benzina Zero City produces zero running emissions. With most local and national governments setting targets to lower emissions, each old internal combustion engine that the City replaces contributes towards those goals towards creating a more sustainable future.
Then there is the infamous tinny noise that spikes as riders accelerate petrol mopeds. On the Benzina Zero City you only hear the tyre meeting the road and the slight burr of the electric motor. Much of the noise pollution is reduced allowing the rider to hear other motorists, riders and pedestrians more effectively and lessening the sensory fatigue. Now you can hear new sounds of the city on the City.
Additionally, the lower operating costs of electric vehicles—due to reduced fuel and maintenance expenses—make the Benzina Zero City a cost-effective alternative in the long term. With an electric moped, every year you could save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars compared to a 50 cc petrol powered alternative.
Conclusion
In the comparison of the Benzina Zero City and the traditional 50cc petrol moped, the Benzina Zero City emerges as the clear winner for urban commuting in Australia. While traditional petrol mopeds have served well in the past, the Benzina Zero City represents the future of urban mobility. As urban environments continue to evolve, so will consumer mindsets and the need to embrace electric solutions like the Benzina Zero City, not only to enhance individual convenience and safety but also to contribute to broader environmental and societal benefits. For Australian riders looking to navigate the city with ease and responsibility, the choice is clear: the Benzina Zero City is the smarter, greener, effective and more efficient way forward.