Electric scooters are sustainable and compact vehicles on two wheels. Here you can find out everything about the top speed, range, costs and driving licence for the agile speedsters.
Scooters with electric drive – they make you sustainable, quiet and trendy on the road. The small electrically powered two-wheelers with seats are particularly effective in city traffic, because you can reach your destination just as quickly as by car. Parking? Is made much easier by the compact shape of the e-scooters. Nevertheless, you can take your bag or smaller purchases under the seat or in a top case.
Curious? Here you can get all the important facts and information.
What is the difference between e-scooter and e-scooter?
E-scooter or electric scooter is the abbreviation for electric scooter, the environmentally friendly alternative to the classic scooter. On it, you can whizz through the streets comfortably seated. One-scooters, on the other hand, you are standing up. Both are particularly suitable for shorter distances.
Who are e-scooters suitable for?
Electric scooters are ideal for those who frequently travel around the city, because unlike by car, you can easily find a parking space. Even if you regularly cover shorter distances that would be too far by bike or e-bike, but you want to do without the car, an e-scooter is suitable for you. Another advantage: e-scooters are much cheaper than a car.
Of course, scooters are not just for young people. Seniors or people with physical disabilities also stay mobile with an e-scooter (possibly with three wheels for more stability).
How fast do e-scooters go?
The maximum speed of an electrically powered scooter depends on the power of the engine. Most models are equipped with a 0.5 to 4 kW motor. The maximum speed is usually 45 km/h – ideal for city traffic.
Looking for something faster?
For all those who like to enjoy the freedom on two wheels and want to be sustainable on the road, there are also e-motorcycles of different ranges and speeds on the market.
What is the range of e-scooters?
The range of e-scooters is about 40 to 60 kilometers. On the one hand, this depends on the type and size of the battery as well as on the weight of the vehicle. On the other hand, external conditions such as weather conditions and the route profile also have an influence on the range. This is also determined by personal driving style: A prudent driving style can therefore have positive effects.
If you want to cover longer distances, electric scooters are interesting for you, where the battery can be replaced or a second battery is installed to double the range.
What driving licence do I need for an e-scooter?
Two-wheelers with a maximum speed of 45 km/h due to their design require a class AM driving licence. You can do this from the age of 15 or you have it automatically if you have a class B car driving licence or a class A, A1 and A2 motorcycle driving licence. Or in short: Anyone who has a car or motorcycle license is allowed to drive e-scooters with a top speed of 45 km/h. For electric scooters that are comparable to a moped (single-track bicycles with an auxiliary motor up to 25 km/h), only a moped test certificate is required. The minimum age for this is 15 years. Exceptions to this are persons born before 1 April 1965 and persons with one of the above-mentioned driving licences.
If you are interested in an e-scooter that goes faster than 45 km/h, you must have either a class A1 (motorcycle license) or a class B196 driver's license. Class B196 is a supplement to the car driving licence and entitles the holder to drive category A1 vehicles.
Requirements for the driving licence class B196 are:
- 5 years of previous class B ownership
- Minimum age 25 years
- Driver training (nine lessons of 90 minutes each – 6 hours of theory + 7.5 hours of practice)
To be sure which driving licence you need for your e-scooter, you should consult the manufacturer's instructions. There you will also find information on insurance and license plate requirements.
Important: If an e-scooter does not have a license plate, you are not allowed to use it on public roads.
The Federal Ministry of Transport provides you with detailed information about the driving licence classes and their current regulations.
By the way, driving e-scooters without a driver's license is a criminal offense, not an administrative offense, and can be punished with a fine or imprisonment (up to one year) according to 21 StVG.
Where can I ride the electric scooter?
Most e-scooters are road approved under the StVZO. Exceptions are motorways and motor roads (rectangular, blue sign with a white car): only motor vehicles with a maximum speed of more than 60 km/h are allowed to drive here.
Federal roads marked with a prohibition sign for motorcycles are also taboo: a black motorcycle is depicted on this sign with a red border.
E-scooters comparable to mopeds are allowed to use cycle paths outside built-up areas. In built-up areas, only where an additional sign allows this.
Electric scooters offer an environmentally friendly alternative to the classic scooter.
How much does an e-scooter cost?
The cost of electrically powered two-wheelers varies depending on the type and power of the electric motor and the battery. Too the equipment, the manufacturer and the design play an important role. For example, the prices for low-cost versions are between €1,000 and €3,000. Collector's models such as the E-Schwalbe go beyond this scope and cost around €3,500 to €6,500. You will also need a helmet and appropriate protective clothing to start. Depending on the provider, you should expect to pay 200 to 300 euros for this.
Maintenance costs
The maintenance costs for an electric scooter are relatively cheap. One advantage above all is the low charging costs compared to the classic tank filling. With the electric scooter, 100 kilometers cost about 1 euro. With a fuel-powered scooter, you pay much more.
In terms of maintenance costs, you must plan for the following:
- Costs for charging current, maintenance and repair
- Insurance
Especially if you use your e-scooter a lot and in order not to lose your warranty claim, you should take it in for an annual inspection. Depending on the workshop, you will pay about 150 euros. The repair costs vary depending on the effort.
Do I need special e-scooter insurance?
You must take out motor vehicle liability insurance for your e-scooter . Many insurance providers are available to you. It is best to get different offers to find the cheapest one for you. In principle, however, you can plan with about 70 euros per year for partial comprehensive insurance.
Where can I buy an electric scooter?
E-scooters can now be purchased at many scooter dealers as well as in numerous online shops. There is a wide range of models to choose from, and you can choose between a wide variety of designs and features. New manufacturers such as unu also offer online direct sales.
Current e-scooter models
NOVA MOTORS eRetro Star li
- Price: approx. 2.000 Euro
- Charging time: approx. 4 – 6 hours
- Range: up to 40 km
- Speed: max. 45 km/h
The NOVA MOTORS eRetro Star li offers a range of around 40 kilometres.
Electric scooter "Futura HAWK 2.0"
- Price: approx. 2,300 euros
- Charging time: about 4 hours
- Range: with two batteries up to 120 km
- Speed: max. 45 km/h
unu Scooter Move
- Price: approx. 3.000 Euro
- Charging time: about 7 hours
- Range: up to 120 km with two batteries
- Speed: max. 45 km/h
VESPA Elettrica 45 / 70
- Price: from 7.000 Euro
- Charging time: about 4 hours
- Range: up to 100 km
- Speed: max. 45 or 70 km/h
Govecs eSchwalbe
- Price: approx. 8,000 euros
- Charging time: approx. 4.5 hours per battery
- Range: approx. 50 km per replaceable battery
- Speed: max. 45 km/h
The eSchwalbe is characterized by the iconic retro design.
BMW CE 02
- Price: 8,500 euros (11 kW version) or 7,500 (4 kW version)
- Range: over 90 km (11 kW version) or 45 km (4 kW version)
- Speed: 95 km/h (11 kW version) or 45 km/h (4 kW version)
The BMW CE 02 promises easy handling and maximum driving pleasure.
Are you unsure whether an e-scooter is right for you? Try it out! You can use e-scooter sharing in many major German cities. The principle is comparable to car sharing. For less than 1 euro per minute or kilometer, you can easily rent an electric scooter.
Do I need a registration for my e-scooter ?
For e-scooters that have a maximum speed of 45 km/h and a maximum power of 4 kW, you do not need official registration. This is because these are only mopeds or small electric vehicles.
Anyone who drives their vehicle faster than 45 km/h needs an official registration. In addition, a class A1 or B196 driving licence is mandatory in this case, as described above.
Is the GHG premium also available for e-scooters?
In the interests of climate neutrality, the Bundestag has adopted, among other things, the greenhouse gas reduction quota (GHG quota). According to this, mineral oil companies must prove corresponding CO2 savings: If the companies are then still below the legal requirements, they are obliged to pay penalties or have to buy emission rights to achieve the quota.
Meanwhile, as an owner of an e-vehicle, you can benefit from the GHG quota because you can sell your saved greenhouse gases through an intermediary. Compared to a regular moped, you save CO2 emissions by using an e-scooter, for example.
Until the end of July 2023, e-scooters with a maximum speed of 45 km/h also benefited from this so-called quota trading if they had a voluntary registration. However, this legal loophole has since been closed. Since then, you can only apply for the GHG quota for e-scooters of classes L3e-A2, L3e-A3, L4e (without L4e-A1), L5e and L7e with maximum speeds above 45 km/h that require registration.
Where can I charge my e-scooter?
Two-wheelers with electric drive have a charger that you can simply plug into a household socket. Or they have a removable battery that you can take with you into the apartment to charge. The charging time varies depending on the model and the state of discharge and is between six and eight hours. Current models are ready to go again much faster - thanks to the fast charger in just two to three hours.
Can I ride an e-scooter in winter?
Cold temperatures and slippery roads on the roads? Unfortunately, that's where the driving fun ends for many drivers. So if you store your e-scooter during the winter months, there are a few things to consider:
Make sure that the vehicle is stored away from the cold. In addition, batteries do not like heat or cold, want to be charged regularly and, if possible, not completely discharged. It is therefore advisable to store the battery at at least 10°C and charge it monthly. Portable batteries are particularly worthwhile in this point if you do not have a garage with a socket.
If the e-scooter is stationary for a long time without being moved, this can damage the tires. So jack up your vehicle and increase the air pressure by 0.3 – 0.5 bar for the winter break.
Treat flexible parts of the scooter with a multifunctional oil before storage, this can also prevent rust. However, remember to clean the vehicle thoroughly beforehand.
However, if you also want to drive your e-scooter in winter, make sure you have the right tyres: winter tyres are therefore recommended from "O to O", from October to Easter. (Look for the M+S sign, for mud and snow). However, winter tyres are not compulsory for single-track motor vehicles.
How to ride safely on your e-scooter
It is important that you wear a helmet, sturdy shoes and, ideally, suitable protective clothing when riding an electric scooter . The helmet should be coloured, the clothing bright and contrasting. This makes you easier to see for other road users on the road. A helmet visor protects your eyes. In addition, as a two-wheeler, you should switch on the dipped headlights at dusk at the latest, but preferably also during the day.
Can you ride an e-scooter in pairs?
In pairs, you can ride an e-scooter with a suitable seat. Driving together must also be approved by the operating license.
If you want to take a child under 7 years of age with you, you will definitely need a special child seat.
And even if the road traffic regulations do not apply in non-public places, company premises, etc., riding together increases the risk of accidents: Therefore, you should also avoid it on private property if the e-scooter is not designed for it.