Street-legal e-scooters: models in comparison

According to a recent statistics Berlin took first place last year with the most e-scooters that could be rented – closely followed by Hamburg and Cologne. Electric scooters have been approved in Germany since June 15, 2019, but that does not mean that every model can be ridden on German roads. On the contrary: many e-scooters were not (yet) street legal and could therefore only be driven on private property, much to the annoyance of many owners who did not read the small print. However, there are now a large number of different models that are permitted on cycle paths, cycle lanes and cycle streets. If nothing of the sort is available, the e-scooter drivers can also avoid driving on lanes. And that’s not all you should know about electric scooters.

Tips from ADAC: the most important rules for e-scooters

Even if driving electric scooters is permitted on cycle paths or cycle lanes, you must give a wide berth around roads that are marked as “free for cyclists”. The same applies to sidewalks, pedestrian zones and one-way streets, more precisely it is about the opposite direction of travel – unless driving is permitted by the additional sign “E-Scooter free” (sign 1022-10).

According to the ADAC, you do not need a driver’s license to drive a street-legal e-scooter. However, there is a minimum age: from the age of 14, electric scooters can be used. There is also no obligation to wear a helmet, although the automobile club recommends the purchase of one Helms definitely recommendable. This is the only way to properly protect your head in the event of a fall or accident.

As far as drinking alcohol is concerned, there is also an alcohol limit for e-scooters: the same limits apply as for drivers. “This means that anyone who drives with 0.5 to 1.09 per mille and does not show any alcohol-related abnormalities commits an administrative offense and receives a fine: as a rule, this is 500 euros, a month’s driving ban and two points in Flensburg,” says the ADAC to consider.

Important: If you are under the age of 21 and have just obtained your driver’s license, the alcohol limit is 0.0 – at least during the probationary period. “So you are not allowed to drive a scooter under the influence of alcohol at all,” warns the ADAC.

These four e-scooters are street legal

1. Iconbit IK-1972K street legal

The aluminum e-scooter has a front and rear shock absorber and two eight-inch solid rubber tires to increase driving comfort on asphalt roads. For safety, the scooter is equipped with an electronic brake (in front) and a mechanical foot brake (in the rear of the fender). The vehicle can be folded for better carrying or storage. It also has an integrated on-board computer that shows you the most important information – speed, distance traveled and battery capacity.

Here is the e-scooter.

2. Moovi street legal electric scooter

The e-scooter is one of the first models to be street legal. With a starting weight of just ten kilos, the scooter is particularly light, but still stable. Equipped with 5.7 inch solid rubber tires and energy-saving front and rear lights, this model also has a folding mechanism. An electronic drum brake on the front wheel and a mechanical brake on the rear wheel of the e-scooter ensure the necessary safety on the road. The on-board computer shows you the speed, battery capacity and kilometers driven.

Here is the e-scooter.

3. TREKSTOR e.Gear EG31 street legal

Here, too, the manufacturer relies on a simple design and subtle highlights in orange: the two 8.5-inch tires are connected to two brakes, the integrated shock absorber ensures a stable driving style – even on uneven paths and roads. The e-scooter is also collapsible, has an LED display and a kickstand to park the scooter safely. Significantly heavier than the first two models, the e-scooter still impresses with its range of 25 kilometers. The handlebar is not height-adjustable, but according to the manufacturer it is still suitable for very tall people (over 1.90 meters).

Here is the e-scooter.

4. Street Legal Segway Ninebot MAX G30D

With a dead weight of almost 20 kilograms, the e-scooter can only be loaded with a maximum of 100 kilograms. The Segway-Ninebot MAX G30D has a big trump card up its sleeve: its range of up to 65 kilometers. The model has two 10-inch shock-absorbing pneumatic tires that have an additional internal coating – which is said to reduce the incidence of punctures or tears. Equipped with front and rear LED lights, reflectors and a bell, an electronic drum brake (front) and regenerative brake (rear) provide even more safety.

Here is the e-scooter.

Faster, but not street legal: SXT Buddy V2

By far the most expensive model is the SXT Buddy V2, but it also reaches a maximum speed of up to 35 km/h. Its equipment includes two 8.5-inch tires, two mechanical drum brakes (front and rear) and three driving levels. The special features of the e-scooter include the integrated cruise control, which you can activate at any time, and the kick-start mode: This means that you first have to push the scooter before the throttle grip works so that the e-scooter does not rolls off without you.

Important to know: Unfortunately, this scooter is not road legal because it can drive faster than 20 km/h. So you can only use it on private land and you also need an additional scooter license here!

Here is the e-scooter.

Source: ADAC

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