In the meantime, a large number of different e-scooters are offered in Germany. Those who want to buy such a small electric vehicle should pay particular attention to the quality of the safety-relevant equipment.
Since summer 2019 small e-scooters may be legally used in German traffic. Meanwhile, there is a large offer of very different models with very different prices. Anyone who wants to buy such a small electric vehicle privately should pay attention to a few aspects when choosing the model.
Basically, the vehicle must, if it is used in road traffic, comply with the requirements of StVZO. Anyone who has doubts about whether a model of interest meets the requirements should ask the dealer explicitly whether the scooter is approved for use in traffic and has a corresponding ABE.
Meanwhile, there are models for a few hundred as well as for several thousand euros. The purchase price can not hurt to invest a little more. At least this is an essential result of a comparative test of the ADAC with eight e-scooters. The vehicles with a good overall rating were priced in consistently four-digit regions. However, a subject for a medium three-digit sum amount after all beaten wacker. Those who are in no hurry to buy an e-scooter should perhaps wait a while, because the time has come for bargains, such as in the course of a model change, not yet.
A key factor in e-scooters is the battery format and the associated range. One thing is clear: the bigger, the farther. However, the user will use an e-scooter only for short trips, so a small battery with moderate range does not have to be a killer criterion. Small batteries are lighter and cost less. Large batteries should provide 400 or more watt-hours. This would have to be possible over 20 mileage range. If you can imagine riding longer distances, you should choose a scooter with a wide board on which your feet can change positions more often. The manufacturers usually make a range indication, which is often missed practically clearly. In some cases, it can even halve.
Split opinion can be about the possibility of removal of the battery. If it is a big and heavy scooter, the user will be glad if it is enough to be able to take the battery to recharge in the apartment alone. With a small and light scooter, it should not be a problem to carry the scooter as a whole for charging in the apartment. Hard-packed batteries are better protected from thieves' access.
The e-scooters approved for use on the road must be equipped with two brakes. Technically clearly in the advantage are systems in which the brakes can be hydraulically operated both front and rear. Ideal deceleration promise two hydraulic disc brakes. However, some scooter manufacturers rely on only a mechanical front brake, an additional engine brake as well as on movable rear wheel covers, which must come down to the rear outstretched foot. Especially with spontaneous emergency braking, the latter delay mechanisms are not very effective. Two brake handles on the handlebar promise much more safety.
The many scooter models available on the market today differ, among other things, in the size of the wheels. Large wheels beyond the 10-inch format provide more stability and control. It may be advantageous if, in addition, wider pneumatic tires were mounted instead of narrow hard rubber neps and / or the wheels are sprung. Then the scooters react namely unevenness much calmer, while mini wheels can wedge in some asphalt gap downright, which brings a significant fall potential. Speaking of dangers: Tires with a low or even smooth tread are likely to increase the risk of slipping on wet roads. Incidentally, small wheels are not only disadvantageous, because with regard to the pack size they are clearly superior to large format. The scooter has a simple suspension and smaller wheels, he is usually also lighter, which can be an advantage especially when driving in bus, train or train.
Speaking of weight: before buying a look at the information on the permissible driving weight is recommended. Here are models with a payload below 90 kilograms, which is easily exceeded by many even slender persons with a well-filled backpack on his back.
Those who want to invest in their own e-scooter, should take some time in the search and ideally test several models. In addition to the driving characteristics you should also note how understandable the operation is and how well and easily the folding mechanism works. In addition, the handlebars should be able to adjust in height to their own body proportions. Also important is the question of performance, because the 20 km / h should reach an e-scooter in any case and this can also hold at least at moderate slopes, which is not always the case. Motors with a maximum allowed power peak of 500 Watt offer the best conditions for suitable driving performance.