Street legal e-scooter: models in comparison

According to a recent report, Berlin occupied first place last year with the most e-scooters that could be rented – closely followed by Hamburg and Cologne. The electric scooters have been approved in this country since June 15, 2019, but this should not mean that every model was allowed to be driven on German roads. Quite the opposite: Many e-scooters were not (yet) approved for road use and were therefore only allowed to be driven on private property, much to the annoyance of many owners who have not read the fine print. However, there are now a large number of different models that are allowed on cycle paths, cycle lanes and cycle streets. If nothing of the kind is available, the e-scooter drivers are also allowed to use 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 on cycle paths or cycle lanes is permitted, you must steer clear of roads that are marked as “cyclist free”. 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 an e-scooter that is street legal. 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 requires the purchase of one finds quite 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 blood alcohol limit for e-scooters: The same limit values ​​apply as for drivers. “That means anyone who drives with 0.5 to 1.09 per thousand and does not show any alcohol-related abnormalities, commits an administrative offense and receives a fine: as a rule that is 500 euros, a month’s driving ban and two points in Flensburg,” says the ADAC to consider.

Important: If you are under 21 years of age and have just got your driver’s license, 0.0 per thousand applies to you – at least during the probationary period. “So you are not allowed to get behind the scooter handlebars at all if you are under the influence of alcohol,” warns the ADAC.

These four e-scooters are street legal

1. Iconbit IK-1972K street legal

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

2. Moovi street legal electric scooter

The e-scooter is one of the first models to be approved for road use. With a takeoff 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 in road traffic. The on-board computer shows you the speed, battery capacity and kilometers traveled.

3. TREKSTOR e.Gear EG31 with road approval

Here, too, the manufacturer relies on a simple design and subtle highlights in orange: the two 8.5-inch tires are connected with two brakes, the integrated shock absorber ensures a stable driving style – even on uneven paths and roads. The e-scooter is also foldable, has an LED display and a kickstand to safely park the scooter. 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 also suitable for very tall people (over 1.90 meters).

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 ten-inch pneumatic tires with shock absorption, which have an additional coating on the inside – this should reduce the occurrence of holes or tears. Equipped with LED lights on the front and back, reflectors and a bell, an electronic drum brake (front) and a regenerative brake (rear) for even more safety.

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 speed levels. The special features of the e-scooter include, on the one hand, the integrated cruise control, which you can activate at any time, and, on the other hand, the kick-start mode: This means that you have to push the scooter before the throttle works so that the e-scooter does not work without you rolling off.

Important to know: Unfortunately, this scooter is not approved for road traffic as it can travel faster than 20 km / h. So you are only allowed to use it on private property and you also need an additional scooter driving license!