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Useful information about e-scooters
With an electric scooter you can quickly get from A to B. Since the electric scooters have been approved in public traffic under the so-called Electric Small Vehicle Regulation, they are available for rental via app in many places. Find out more about the practical means of transport in our guide.
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Electric scooter – the most important information at a glance
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Drive safely with the electric scooter – you should pay attention to this!
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The most important purchase criteria for e-scooters
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Our practical tip: Load electric scooters correctly
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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Electric Scooters
Electric scooter – the most important information in the
Overview
E-Scooter are compact, flexible and can quickly get you to your desired destination. Since June 2019, the trollers with electric drive have also been approved for road use in Germany under certain conditions. The small electric vehicles regulation covers means of transport with electric drive and speeds of between 6 and 20 km/h as a result of the design, as well as a steering or holding rod. This also includes the corresponding E-trollers, which must also have the following features:
- Total width of max. 700 mm
- Total height of maximum 1,400 mm
- Total length of max. 2,000 mm
- Maximum weight of 55 kg (without driver)
In order to be able to use an electric scooter on public roads at all, the means of transport must have either the general operating permit or a single license. In addition, an insurance sticker, an identification number and a rating plate are mandatory, as opposed to a helmet. This is not mandatory, but should be borne for your own protection. Two independant brakes, headlights, taillights, side reflectors and reflectors, and a light-emitting bell must also be provided.
If you are traveling with an electric driven troller, you must comply with the relevant rules in road traffic, just like all other road users. This includes, for example, the traffic areas on which an electric scooter may be used: Cycling paths, bicycle lanes and bicycle roads are permitted. Trams are also legitimate, at least as long as there are no cycle paths or bicycle lanes.
By the way: E-scooters approved under the regulation for small electric vehicles are not suitable for small children! Driving is only allowed for 14 years and over.
A driving license is not required for e-trollers covered by this regulation.
However, attention: In addition, numerous electric scooters with road approval are available in accordance with StVO, with which significantly higher speeds are achieved and which are therefore not covered by the regulation for small electric vehicles. Other rules apply to such models (such as higher minimum age, driving license requirement, and so on).
In addition to being able to move quickly from one place to another, the electric scooters also bring a number of other advantages. They are considered an environmentally friendly alternative to the car. You can safely leave traffic jams behind with this vehicle, the search for parking space is also conveniently saved. By the way, you can also take some folding electric scooters with you free of charge. But be careful: There are differences here that the respective transport company determines independantly. You may not be allowed to take the bike with you, or you may only be allowed to take it with an extra ticket, such as a bicycle ticket.
Drive safely with the electric scooter – you should pay attention to this!
If you are climbing onto an electric-powered treadmill for the first time, you should turn a few hours of trial – as far away as possible from other road users. Whether in traffic-restricted roads (observe the step speed here!) Or on the private grounds: Familiarize yourself with the mobile base without any hectic, so that you can later be sure of rolling on cycle paths and roads. You will quickly get used to driving and cornering, braking and accelerating. Once you have completed the first laps and feel relatively safe on the electric scooter, you can go further and further. Planning your route beforehand will save you from going out on the road if you don't have a bike path on your route.
Despite the lack of helmet light, you should never drive electric scooters without head protection, after all, unexpected and risky situations can always occur. Also, avoid sudden changes of direction when driving! You should inform other road users in good time that you want to turn left or right. By the way, it is not allowed to take other persons on an electric scooter, even if there is theoretically room for another person on your mobile base.
The most important purchase criteria for e-scooters
For example, before you buy an electric-powered treadmill, you can try out the many models available for rental to find the right model for you. If you love purchasing an E-Scooter, we recommend that you pay particular attention to the following features:
Motor power output:
Pay attention to the motor power when you buy it. With a solid motor, you can achieve faster speeds quickly and easily.
"Radio in range",
Manufacturers specify a maximum range for your models. The better the installed battery, the higher the range is usually. However, if you want to travel very short distances with the electric scooter, you can choose models with a shorter range – and often with a lower price. In order to drive longer distances without constantly charging the battery, you should pay special attention to the manufacturer's specifications.
Battery charging time:
If you use the electric scooter day after day, you often have to recharge the battery. When purchasing, consider the maximum range as well as the charging time.
Top speed:
With a maximum speed of 20 km/h, your vehicle will fall under the regulation of small electric vehicles under certain conditions. Some models achieve lower speeds, while others achieve higher speeds. Pay attention to the separate regulations.
Weight:
Lightweight scooters are better suited for transport and also offer a more comfortable handling.
Road approval / operating approval:
Not all available electric scooters may be used on roads or cycle paths. Models without a road permit or type approval can only be used on private premises. If you wish to participate in the traffic, please pay attention to the general operating permit, a single license and, if necessary, further information on the road registration.
Space-saving storage:
Although an electric scooter takes up less space than a car or bicycle, a space-saving storage option is important, especially if you want to transport the electric-powered treadmill on the train. It is worth putting on a folding model here.
Tyres
Narrow tires with a small diameter are less recommended on uneven terrain. Make sure you have a high-quality tire to be able to drive safely even on difficult surfaces. Under the E-Scooters you will find both hard rubber tires and variants with air filling.
Load capacity
Not every electric scooter is designed for every type of driver, so you should take a look at the maximum load capacity before purchasing.
Handlebar height:
For a safe and comfortable driving feel, the optimum handlebar height is important.
Special features:
Whether removable batteries, cruise control or other special features – different manufacturers offer different features. A direct comparison is worth it.
Our practical tip: Load electric scooters correctly
You can recharge the rechargeable battery of your electric scooter at the normal socket. With a model with removable battery, the procedure is somewhat more comfortable than with a permanently installed version. Only the original accessories should be used for charging. Also, avoid completely discharging the battery.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Electric Scooters
How long does an electric scooter have to be charged?
This differs from model to model and from the built-in rechargeable battery. It can take up to eight hours or more to fully charge an almost empty battery.
Does an e-controller need to be insured?
Yes. However, the models available from different providers are normally already insured.
Is there a regulation for driving under the influence of alcohol?
A 0-per-mille limit applies to all under 21 years of age and to license holders during the trial period. Otherwise, drivers of small electric vehicles must comply with the same per mille regulations as drivers.
Can a general operating permit be obtained subsequently for electric scooters?
If a model does not meet all the necessary requirements, it can be retrofitted. Whether this is worthwhile from a cost point of view is different from case to case. In principle, however, manufacturers can obtain a general operating permit for their models.