Electronic cigarette is as bad as cigarettes?

Unknown: We don't know yet. E cigarettes are largely unregulated and contain additives that may be hazardous.

Depends on Liquid: The risk of electronic cigarettes is related to the composition of the liquids they use. The safest will be those which use the least number of compounds. Flavorless Liquid being the safest since it's just vegetable glycerine plus or minus nicotine while tobacco smoke has 4000 to 5000 known compounds in it. Experienced vapers make their own DIY liquids to know for sure -- and to save money.