Fewer numbers of moving components. Electric motors do not have a high number of parts such as crankshafts or pistons, etc. They also do not have any carburetor to regulate the gasoline flow. A brush less electric motor is a sealed unit and it requires only a battery to be connected to it. A gasoline motor on the other hand will require valve setting after some hours of flying. It also requires lubrication in the form of oil to be mixed along with the gasoline to lubricate all the inner parts. This results in smoke coming out of the engine and it also leaves an oily residue on the body of the plane. An electric motor is also steady and does not vibrate like a gasoline motor. Electric motors can also be easily fitted to a big propeller, but a gasoline engine would need a complex clutch system to attach it to a big propeller.

Higher efficiency. An electric motor has almost double the efficiency as compared to an equivalent gasoline engine. This means that electric motors convert power into energy in a much better way than gasoline engines convert fuel into energy. Cold or humid climates do not have any effect on electric motors, but gasoline engines might need to have their settings changed to make it work efficiently in different weather conditions.

Higher reliability. Electric motors are also very reliable as compared to gasoline engines. The brush-less electric motor is virtually bullet proof and hardly ever breaks down. Gasoline motors can have reliability problems due to the sheer number of parts required to run it.

Electric motors are silent. Electric motors make no noise, vibration or give out harmful emission. 2-Stroke engines emit a lot of smoke and also emit a high-pitched whine, which could get you into trouble if you are flying your plane in a residential area. Electric planes can be flown almost anywhere because they are noiseless and smoke free.

Just plug and fly. Electric motors do not have any idling jets or airscrews to be set before any flight. All you have to do is to connect it to the battery and it is ready to fly. However, in the case of a gasoline engine, some expertise is required to set the idling rpm and the flying rpm.

Ease in re-charging. An electric motor can be charged at home, in your car or in your boat. Whereas, a gasoline motor will require the proper fuel mixed with the right percentage of lubricants to make it run properly.

It is these above factors, which make electric motors the first and better choice for not only model planes, but also model helicopters, cars, boats and trains.