Buying an e-scooter: the key criteria

The most important question is one you ask yourself: how long is your typical journey, what is the surface like, and do you have to carry the scooter or take it with you? If you ride two kilometres from the station to the office, you need a light scooter that folds quickly. If you commute 15 kilometres over bumpy cycle paths, you need a large battery, pneumatic tyres and suspension. You won’t get both in one device – a light scooter has a small battery, a comfortable one is heavy.

For public traffic in Germany, the scooter must have a German general operating permit (ABE), a top speed of no more than 20 km/h and a mount for the insurance plate. Many listings on international marketplaces reach 25, 35 km/h or more and have no ABE. They are not permitted on the road, however tempting the price. Look for statements such as “with ABE” (mit ABE), “German road approval” (deutsche Straßenzulassung) or a “D” in the model name, and if in doubt, ask to see the ABE documents.

The eKFV allows up to 500 W continuous rated power. Entry-level models often have 250 to 350 W, which is enough on the flat. For bridges, underpasses and hilly towns, 400 to 500 W rated power is more pleasant – the scooter is then more likely to hold 20 km/h uphill as well. Manufacturers often also quote a peak output, which can be considerably higher; for comparisons, the rated power is more meaningful.

The maximum gradient (e.g. 15 or 20 per cent) is usually measured with a rider of around 75 kg. If you are heavier, allow for a margin.

Battery capacity in watt hours is the best guide to range. Calculate volts × amp hours: 36 V × 7.8 Ah ≈ 280 Wh, 48 V × 12.5 Ah = 600 Wh. As a rough rule of thumb, an e-scooter at 20 km/h uses about 10 to 20 Wh per kilometre, depending on weight, tyres and temperature.

Manufacturer range figures are based on ideal conditions. In everyday use, expect about 50 to 70 per cent of that, and plan a reserve for your daily journey, especially in winter.

Tyres have a major influence on comfort and safety. Pneumatic tyres absorb bumps well and grip better in the wet, but can go flat. Tubeless pneumatic tyres are less prone to punctures. Honeycomb and solid rubber tyres are puncture-proof but harder and more slippery in the wet.

The eKFV requires two independent brakes. A combination of a mechanical disc or drum brake and an electric motor brake is common; better models have two disc brakes or hydraulic brakes. Drum brakes are enclosed and low-maintenance, while disc brakes provide stronger braking.

Also useful: a bright headlight, a brake light, indicators (mandatory for new models from 2027) and a non-slip deck. Check the water protection rating too – IPX4 protects against splashing water, IPX5 against water jets.

If you have to carry the scooter, weight is the most important figure. Light models weigh 12 to 15 kg, comfortable ones 18 to 25 kg, and rugged long-distance models even more. Try whether you can carry the scooter up a flight of stairs. The folding mechanism should work quickly without tools and lock securely; being able to hook the stem onto the rear makes carrying easier.

Many scooters can be controlled via an app: riding modes, cruise control, firmware updates and an electronic immobiliser. That is handy but no substitute for a proper lock. In the long run, service matters more than extras: are spare parts such as tyres, brake pads and chargers available? Who helps if something breaks? Big brands usually have the edge here; with no-name imports, even a faulty controller can mean the end.

As a consumer buying from a commercial retailer in Germany, you have a two-year statutory warranty. Some manufacturers apply separate guarantee conditions to batteries.

A clearly readable display shows speed, battery level and riding mode even in sunlight. A thumb throttle with finely adjustable acceleration is useful so the scooter doesn’t jerk when pulling away. Many models only start once you have pushed off with your foot – this prevents unintended take-off. When it comes to lighting, make sure the headlight is mounted high enough to light up the path and that there is a brake light.

The most common bad buy is a scooter without road approval that tempts with high power and a low price. It may only be ridden on private land, and approving it afterwards is practically impossible. Also common: a heavy long-distance scooter for someone who has to carry it up to the fourth floor every day, or a light 8.5-inch scooter for cobblestone routes that stops being fun after just a few weeks.

The maximum load is often underestimated too. If rider and luggage exceed the manufacturer’s figure, the folding joint and brakes wear faster and the guarantee may become void. So allow a buffer of at least ten kilograms.

A few extras make everyday life with your scooter more pleasant and safer. Top of the list is a well-fitting helmet. Add a sturdy lock – ideally a D-lock or folding lock that you pass through the frame and wheel – a small pump with a suitable valve adapter for pneumatic tyres and, if needed, a handlebar bag. Gloves protect you in a fall and keep your hands warm in autumn. Steer clear of tuning accessories that increase the speed, however – they void the approval.

Used e-scooters are much cheaper but come with risks: the battery may already have aged noticeably, the folding joint may be worn or the firmware tampered with. When buying used, ask for the receipt, ABE documents and mileage, test the brakes and lights and look for cracks in the frame. A tuned scooter is worthless for road use. If you want to play it safe, buy new and use the price history to pick a good moment.

Before you order, answer these questions for yourself: does the model have a German ABE? Does the maximum load suit your weight plus luggage? Is the battery enough for your longest journey with a reserve? Can you carry the weight if you need to? Do pneumatic tyres or suspension make sense for your routes? Are spare parts and reachable service available? If you can answer yes to all of these, you are on the right track.

Read the user manual online before buying – it reveals a lot about maintenance, spare parts and guarantee conditions.

Start with what you will use it for, then check the approval, and only then choose battery, tyres and features. An honest spec sheet with watt hours, rated power and an ABE reference is worth more than big range promises. And keep an eye on the price history: e-scooters are often cheaper at the end of the season in autumn and winter.