E-scooter, e-scooter, e-bike & pedelec: what's the difference?
E-scooters, e-scooters, e-bikes or pedelecs – who else is supposed to understand? We explain the differences between electric locomotives.
E-scooters and electric scooters are currently on everyone's lips, e-bikes and pedelecs, however, there are already on the market for some time. In the coverage of the different electric companions like to be confused something. We explain the differences.
E-Scooter
E-scooters are scooters with electric motor.
E-scooters are referred to in German law as electric scooters or city scooters. The draft for a small electrical vehicles regulation (eKFV) accordingly describes an e-scooter as an "electrically operated vehicle without seat and self-balancing vehicle". Small electric vehicles are motor vehicles "within the meaning of § 1 paragraph 2 StVG", since they have an electric drive motor. Therefore, the same conditions apply to them as to other motor vehicles.
A vehicle must meet the following requirements to qualify as an e-scooter:
- Steering or handrail of at least 500 mm
- Top speed of at least six to a maximum of 20 km / h
- Power of not more than 500 watts (1,400 watts for self-balancing vehicles)
- "Driving dynamics" minimum requirements (brakes, controllable, lighting system, bell and side reflectors)
- Maximum speed: maximum 20 km / h
- Minimum age: 14 years
- Where is driving allowed? Bike path or road, walkway NOT allowed
- License plate requirement: No (but insurance code required)
- Liability insurance required: Yes
- Driving license required: no
- Helmet required: no
E-scooter at SATURN
E-scooter
E-scooters are often equated with e-scooters, but are at least according to the definition of the Federal Government in Germany something different – namely much more powerful electric scooters, so an electric version of the classic scooter.
E-scooters therefore also look like normal scooters (like a Vespa) and always have a seat. One example is the crowdfunding project NIU NGT, which TURN-ON moderator Jens presents in more detail in the video above. Electric scooters are subject to the same legal requirements as normal scooters.
E bike
Legally, an e-bike is actually a moped.
E-bikes drive at the push of a button without pedal support. This system is subject to approval from six kilometers per hour. Legally, such an e-bike would be equated to a lightweight moped. However, such vehicles are now more exotic and are rarely offered commercially.
As the website Bulls writes, about 99 percent of e-bikes sold today are actually pedelecs (see below), according to Zweivad-Industrie-Verband (ZIV). In common parlance, e-bikes are usually equated with pedelecs.
- Top speed: 6 to 20 km / h
- Minimum age: 15 years
- Where is driving allowed: road; Bike paths only when released for mopeds
- License plate requirement: Insurance code required
- Liability insurance required: no (for e-bikes up to 45 km / h compulsory insurance)
- Driving license required: Yes (moped driving license)
- Helmet requirement: No (for e-bikes up to 45 km / h helmet duty)
pedelec
Pedelecs account for 99 percent of all e-bikes sold.
A Pedelec (Short for "Pedal Electric Cycle") is an e-bike that requires the rider to pedal to activate the electric motor. According to this definition, almost all e-bikes sold today should actually be called "pedelecs". In linguistic usage, however, the term "e-bike" has become more prevalent than "pedelec".
If the pedal support up to 25 kilometers per hour, pedelecs are legally considered as a bicycle and are not subject to registration. The engine power of a pedelec must not exceed 250 watts. At 25 km / h, the electric motor shuts off.
- Maximum speed: maximum 25 km / h
- Minimum age: not specified
- Where is driving allowed: bike path
- License plate requirement: no
- Liability insurance necessary: no
- Driving license required: no
- Helmet required: no
Pedelecs at SATURN
S-pedelec
An S-Pedelec is legally considered a moped.
A special form of pedelec is the so-called S-pedelec ("S" stands for "speed"). Again, the electric motor is only for assistance in pedaling, but is only turned off at 45 km / h. Therefore, S-Pedelecs in Germany are no longer considered bicycles, but as mopeds or mopeds. The maximum allowed power is 500 watts.
- Top speed: 25 to 45 km / h
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Where is driving allowed? On the road, not on bike paths
- License plate requirement: Insurance code required
- Liability insurance required: Yes
- Driving license required: Yes, driving license class M or driver's license
- Helmet requirement: Yes