They may never achieve the iconic status their gas-powered brethren enjoyed as the insignia of mod culture in the early 1960s, but electric scooters are state-of-the-art: quiet, manoeuvrable, and environmentally friendly. TECHBOOK presents five smart cruisers.
E-scooters are available in three speed classes: between 20 and 32 kilometers per hour, up to 45 and up to 110 kilometers per hour. The decisive factor when buying is the preferred use: whether as a pure means of transport for short distances, for example in the city, as a motorized vehicle for short tours or as a companion for longer distances on country roads. The emission-free Schleicher are versatile. A driver’s license class A1 or class B (car driver’s license) or the motorcycle driver’s license (A) for faster e-scooters is required. Drivers also need liability insurance and must wear a helmet on vehicles traveling faster than 20 kilometers per hour.
What do e-scooters have to be able to do?
The key question with an e-scooter is its range. Crucial here: How strong is the heart of the vehicle, its battery? The following power sources are used for electric scooters: Lead-gel batteries (the cheapest at around 200 euros, but also with the shortest service life and range), lead-fleece batteries (suitable for short distances, very heavy), nickel-metal hydride and lead-nickel hydride batteries (longer life and slightly better range than the first two options) and lithium-ion batteries (the best solution, long life, but the most expensive and non-recyclable).
There is no general answer to the question of the range, because how long a battery lasts also depends on the individual driving style. An aggressive driving style uses more energy than a gentle one. As a rule of thumb, the lead-acid batteries used for the slow models last for around 20 kilometers. Faster e-scooters with lithium-ion batteries can cover around 50 kilometers and the speedy speedsters around 70 to 100 kilometers, depending on the type of route (e.g. flat or with many inclines). But no matter how high the consumption is: e-scooters are extremely cheap. On average, only 80 cents in electricity costs per 100 kilometers, which is a sixth of what you have to invest in a two-stroke scooter for the same distance.
The editor’s recommendation: elrofu electric scooter ROBO-S
The ROBO-S model from Elektroroller Futura is a power pack in the upper speed class. With its powerful engine, a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour can be reached. Powered by 2 removable 9 kg lithium-ion batteries (each 72 V/20 Ah), the electric scooter has a range of 100 km. An ideal companion for extended jaunts in summer. The street-legal e-scooter has a high-quality finish and, with its modern design, also offers visual appeal.
Furnishing
| elrofu electric scooter ROBO-S | |
|---|---|
| product type | electric scooter |
| drive type | wheel hub motor |
| Peak/continuous power (kW) | 4.0/3.6 |
| battery pack | Battery Type: Lithium Ion |
| Number of batteries series/option: 2/2 | |
| Brake front/rear | CBS disc brakes |
| Acceleration 0-60 km/h (s) | 9 |
| Maximum speed (manufacturer) (km/h) | 80 |
| Range (km) | 76 |
| weight (kg) | 95 |
| Furnishing | Fingerprint sensor, app, quick charger (charging time: 10 Ah per hour, charging time per battery: 2 hours) |
Advantages and disadvantages of the elrofu ROBO-S electric scooter
Per
- + Large range and high speed possible
- + Removable batteries
- + Modern design
- + High-quality display with fingerprint sensor
cons
- – The top speed drops as the battery charge level drops
- – No range display
- – No ABS
Winner of Hearts: Govec’s Schwalbe L3e
Not only for those who suffer from the East: The Schwalbe L3e e-scooter from Govecs is the 2.0 version of the GDR cult scooter Simson KR 51, colloquially known as “Swallow”, which was produced in the GDR between 1964 and 1986. It is available in a 45 and 90 km/h version. The former can be driven with a car driver’s license, while the latter requires driving license class A1. In terms of driving experience, the design marvel, which weighs an impressive 140 kilograms in the heavyweight class, is practically unbeatable. It’s not for nothing that it came second in the ADAC electric scooter test. There the Schwalbe scored with “dem most powerful engine in the field, short loading times, good workmanship and balanced driving characteristics”. In Boost mode, this powerhouse electric scooter makes you feel more like Peter Fonda in Easy Rider than Phil Daniels in Quadrophenia.
If you drive the cruiser in boost mode instead of leisurely eco mode, one battery charge is sufficient for a maximum of 80 kilometers, depending on driving behavior and the nature of the route. Unfortunately, the otherwise almost uncatchable vehicle also has some deficits that cannot be glossed over. The battery, which can be charged in just 5 hours, is permanently installed and equipped with a 5 meter long spiral charging cable that is firmly connected to it. Ergo: changing the battery or recharging in the office or at home – none of that. The use of the USB connection is also associated with hurdles, as it is located under the seat. Other downsides are the missing helmet compartment and the relatively high price of around 7,000 euros. Otherwise: winner of hearts!
Furnishing
| Govec’s Schwalbe L3e | |
|---|---|
| product type | electric scooter |
| drive type | double belt drive |
| Peak/continuous power (kW) | 8th |
| battery pack | Battery type: BOSCH lithium-ion |
| Number of batteries: 2 | |
| Permanently installed | |
| Charging time: approx. 5 hours | |
| Brake front/rear | CBS disc brakes |
| Maximum speed (manufacturer) (km/h) | 90 |
| Range (km) | Up to 90 km (2 batteries) in GO mode |
| weight (kg) | 140 (incl. 2 batteries) |
| Furnishing | Recuperation, various color options, USB charging port under the seat |
Pros and cons of Govec’s Schwalbe L3e
Per
- + Best drive in its class
- + Fastest acceleration in its class
- + Best braking system in its class
- + Long range
- + Great design
- + Climate neutral
cons
- – Plastic instead of tin
- – Heavy
- – Relative expensive
- – Hardly any storage space
- – Permanently installed battery
Also interesting: The best street legal e-scooters in Germany
Cult with blemishes: Piaggio Vespa Elettrica 70
The cult brand’s e-scooter is available in a 45 and 70 km/h version. The latter scores with rapid acceleration when starting at traffic lights. In its electric scooter test, the ADAC particularly praised the fact that “the chassis finds the best compromise between agility and comfort”. The good ergonomics are also positively emphasized. What was worked out as a clear shortcoming, however, is “by far the worst driving performance in the test”. According to the ADAC, the fun of driving would largely fall by the wayside. Nevertheless, the Vespa Elettrica 70 model ended up in a solid third place with an overall score of 2.5.
Furnishing
| Piaggio Vespa Elettrica 70 | |
|---|---|
| product type | electric scooter |
| drive type | E-motor, drive via constant transmission |
| Peak/continuous power (kW) | 4.0/3.6 |
| battery pack | lithium ion |
| Number of batteries: 1 | |
| Permanently installed | |
| Charging time: approx. 4 hours | |
| Brake front/rear | disc/drum |
| Top speed (km/h) | 67 |
| Range (km) | 68 in Power mode |
| weight (kg) | 132 |
Advantages and disadvantages Piaggio Vespa Elettrica 70
Per
- + Good driving characteristics
- + Good ergonomics
- + Charging time of the 4.2 kWh battery only 4 hours
- + Spacious storage compartment
cons
- – Top speed only 67 km/h
- – Range only 68 kilometers
- – Permanently installed battery
The long-distance runner: elrofu electric scooter ANGRY HAWK
The ANGRY HAWK model from Elektroroller Futura is a high-speed e-scooter that has a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour, an output of 4,000 watts and an impressive range of 100 kilometers. In addition to a percentage-accurate battery indicator, a fingerprint sensor that stores up to 5 different fingerprints, and an extra-large LCD display, it is particularly noteworthy that the two 9-kilogram lithium-ion batteries are removable. This allows you to recharge in the office or at home and change the battery on the go. In addition, the e-scooter ANGRY HAWK scores with low maintenance costs.
Furnishing
| elrofu electric scooter ANGRY HAWK | |
|---|---|
| product type | electric scooter |
| Peak/continuous power (kW) | 4 |
| battery pack | lithium ion |
| Number of batteries: 2 | |
| Removable | |
| Charging time: approx. 4 hours | |
| Brake front/rear | Braking system: CBS |
| Top speed (km/h) | 80 |
| Range (km) | 100 |
| weight (kg) | 95 |
| Furnishing | LED headlights, LCD display, fingerprint sensor, top case |
Advantages and disadvantages elrofu electric scooter ANGRY HAWK
Per
- + Large range and high speed possible
- + Brake strength manually adjustable
- + Modern design
- + Low operating costs of approx. 85 cents per 100 km
cons
- – Class A1 driving license required
The battery miracle: iamelectric X1
The electric scooter iamelectric X1 is equipped with a Bosch motor and guarantees a high level of safety with its disc brakes. With a maximum range of 70 kilometers, it is around 30 kilometers behind the leaders in this category, but with its replaceable lithium-ion battery with 26 ampere hours from Samsung, it is at the top of the broad midfield. A unique selling point, since most e-scooters are only equipped with a 20 ampere hour power source.
For the iamelectric X1 e-scooter, this means around 10 kilometers more range than comparable models, which on average give up after 60 kilometers. This powerful pump, which is exceptionally light at 12 kilograms, can withstand 1,000 charging cycles and can be fully recharged in a sporty 4 hours. The iamelectric X1 model reaches a top speed of 45 kilometers per hour. In terms of design, it also cuts a fine figure with its X-shaped front light. A real eye-catcher, which is also available at a price that even a small purse can keep up with.
Furnishing
| iamelectric X1 | |
|---|---|
| product type | electric scooter |
| Peak/continuous power (kW) | 2 |
| battery pack | Samsung lithium-ion battery |
| Number of batteries: 1 or 2 | |
| Removable | |
| Charging time: approx. 4 hours | |
| Brake front/rear | disc/disc |
| Top speed (km/h) | 45 |
| Range (km) | 70 |
| weight (kg) | 70 |
| Furnishing | Cruise control, alarm, LED, speaker, bluetooth, smart charger |
Advantages and disadvantages of the iamelectric X1
Per
- + Large range
- + Lightweight 26 Ah lithium-ion battery
- + Also available in a double battery version
- + High security
cons
- – Electric motor with only 2,200 watts
- – Top speed only 45 km/h
Conclusion
An overpriced nostalgic classic and a slightly weak cult wasp made way for the ROBO-S model from Elektroroller Futura on the podium. A number 1 that leaves nothing to be desired with a top speed of 80 kilometers per hour and a range of 100 kilometers.