What do Circ, Tier, and Voi want? No more cars. 

We recently listened to a panel discussion from Sadie Martin, Product Manager at Tier; Christoph Bernkopf, Data Scientist at Circ; and Claus Unterkicher, General Manager DACH at Voi from the BAD Meet Up hosted by Project A. The 3rd edition of the Business And Data Meetup shed light on what has been going on with the descend of the e-Scooters since their launch in Germany early this summer. 

While ideas differed on business approaches, the one thing all representatives agreed on was that they shared a view to have fewer cars in cities. Claus Unterkicher of Voi even went as far as to say he didn’t view his fellow panelists as competitors, but rather that they share this mission.

And the reasoning? Christoph Bernkopf of Circ cited that scooters will always make more sense than taking a car. Even the most sustainable cars like Telsa use 30 times more energy than an e-Scooter. At this point in time, each company respectively has about a couple thousand scooters in Berlin as well as other German cities. Compared to the over 1 million cars in Berlin alone, a couple thousand scooters is a pretty meager sum. 

Furthermore, if you have been out during rush hour in most major cities you know that the majority of cars have only one occupant. If on average each occupant weighs around 70-80 kg, a typical car weighs about 20 times that. This is where the bulk of the energy output can be attributed, toward moving the vehicle more than the actual passenger. 

Will e-Scooters Replace Cars?

When asked if she thought e-Scooters would ever replace cars, Sadie Martin focused on integration with cities’ public transportation system as the only possible way. From the beginning an important niche that e-Scooters filled was an idea of last mile transportation. Which can vary in difficulty and expense depending on which city you are navigating. 

“I don’t think scooters will replace cars; I think the key here is to combine with public transportation to create a seamless integration, and that together could replace car usage.” -Sadie Martin, Product Manager at Tier 

Together We Move

Here at ePilot, we share this vision to make e-Mobility the easiest and greenest way to get around you city. We agree that the best way to achieve the goal to have fewer cars on the street the best possible way to move forward is to unite. Our mission is to give employers and employees the option to choose e-Mobility for their commute via an employee benefits app and premium subscription plans. #TogetherWeMove

Benefits with Benefits – Top talent doesn't care about a free trip to Disneyland.

With Millennials and Gen Zers driving change, offering employee benefits is no longer just an added bonus, but rather the standard. While offering gym memberships or trips to Disneyland sound cool in a job interview, what is it that employees are really looking for? 

The discussion is no longer “should a benefits package be included in a job offer?” Instead, it asks which are the ones that actually serve employees, promote company culture through internal marketing and incentivize top talent retention.  

A Case for Commuting

As an employer or head of HR in 2019, offering only a gym membership to employees may be missing the mark. Millennials and Gen Zers are educated, political and aware of social issues. In the wake of unpaid internships and backlashes against toxic workplaces, there is higher importance placed on a balanced lifestyle and mental wellbeing. Most importantly, a company whose culture revolves around looking out for its employees. 

So what is a big-ticket item to include in a benefits package? Taking care of an employee's ability to get to and from their place of work is one excellent option. The time employees spend commuting not only negatively affects their health and happiness, but is essentially free labor. What’s more is that in most industries, it is the burden of an employee to pay to get to work, whether that’s putting gas in their car or acquiring a monthly public transit ticket. 

To briefly put it into Marxist terms, commuting is essentially labor time that goes into making the workforce fit and ready for work. It indirectly creates surplus-value, which should be compensated regardless of whether or not it falls into the category of purely productive labor. 

A (VERY) Brief History of Commuters’ Employee Benefits

Way back in ancient Roman times, officials were given rations of supplies when they went on state business. The rations, or viaticum, could mean a mode of transportation, such as a horse, food supplies or warm clothes. 

This practice gained popularity once again in the 15th century, an era Carl Marx noted as the “golden age” of the English laborer in town and country. This “golden age” was a direct effect of the plague, which left the population decimated, making workers a scarce commodity and giving them a leg up in demanding fair treatment. 

Back in 2015, the European Court of Justice ruled that for some European workers, commuting time should be counted towards working time. However, this applies to only a few industries – mainly employees without a fixed place of work. 

Commuting Statistics in Germany 

A recent study from Germany’s Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development found a rise of 0.2% in commuter numbers. This puts the total number of active commuters in Germany at 18.4 billion. 

A staffing solutions service, sdworx, reported that 17.9% of German commuters traveled more than 90 minutes each day to get to work. Furthermore, the only countries in Europe to surpass Germany’s commuter times are England and Belgium. 

Not only are the numbers of commuters on the rise in Germany but the amount they are traveling is as well. An ethics question comes into play when thinking about whether or not employees are in control over the distance and travel time between their work and homes. The less-than-pleasant reality is that often workers are not in control of this. They are simply finding housing solutions that fit their budget. The problem further extends as companies are often in or around urban centers. While this increases connectivity, urban centers often also have a higher price for residential rent. Taking into consideration German cities like Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Düsseldorf where two-thirds of employees working are living outside of city limits, the problem is far from a niche experience. 

ePilot

One employee benefits app changing the game is ePilot. ePilot is on a mission to take companies’ green missions to the streets by providing electric mobility employee benefits packages. We insist on providing benefits that positively affect the health, wellness, and work-life balance of employees while also focusing on the health and wellness of our planet. For this reason, we want employees to have the opportunity to make greener choices in their daily lives – namely, their commute. 

The 16-year-old climate change activist, Greta Thunberg travels in style or, more accurately put, eco style. Just last week, she traveled to the United Nations Climate Action Summit by sailing from Plymouth, England, to New York in a 60-foot racing yacht, the Malizia II, all to avoid plane travel. The yacht is equipped with solar panels and hydro-generators, giving off zero CO2 emissions. Reason being? Aviation is responsible for 12% of CO2 emissions from all transport sources. On top of that, according to Air Transport Action Group, the global aviation industry produces around 2% of all human-induced carbon dioxide emissions.

But what if you don’t have the time to be able to make a 15-day sea journey every time you need to jaunt to New York for a work conference?

Well, there are a few ways to reduce your CO2 emissions, both with your daily commute as well as with long-distance travel.

1. e-Mobility Options

Make the switch to e-Mobility. If you live in a city, like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg or many others across Germany or Europe, you have probably seen many e-Mobility options hit the streets earlier this summer. Instead of driving – especially short distances – why not choose to take an e bike? There are many popular sharing services available, like Lime and VOI.

For those that live in more remote places where e-Mobility is not as accessible, you do have options to buy your own e-Scooter, e-Bike, e-Roller or e-Auto. Some cities even have major financial incentives just for purchasing your own electric vehicle.

2. Fly Economy

Before booking a plane trip, try first to look at all your options. Is there a Flixbus or train you could take instead?

Sometimes there really is no way to avoid flying, but if you do, be sure to do these simple tricks to reduce your emissions – even why you fly. The first is to try taking more direct flights. Studies say that take-off and landing causes 25 percent of a plane’s emissions. The second trick is to fly economy. Lara Barlow, the general manager of Travelzoo Canada, suggests that “by flying economy, each passenger’s share of a flight’s carbon emissions is relatively less because it’s spread out over more people.”

3. Public Transportation

The whole goal is to transform our behavior from destructive to constructive. Our project, ePilot has the potential to inspire the next generation to live a more sustainable lifestyle, thus making the world a better place. Join us in this initiative. Register with ePilot and make e-Mobility the fastest, smartest, and cheapest transportation option in your city to help lower carbon emissions globally. Our goal is to make e-Mobility easy so you can make the right choices on e scooters, e bikes, electric cars and more.

*Image credit Anders Hellberg of Effekt magazine

The ePilot Story

Everyone loves a good origin story, and we here at ePilot are no different. Thankfully, ours doesn’t include being bitten by a radioactive spider, crash-landing on an alien planet or an experiment gone nuclearly wrong.

ePilot’s Origin Story

Our origin story is something of a startup within a startup. Or maybe even a case study of what can happen in a room when a few passionate people (Developers, PR and Marketing Specialists, Design Thinkers,  Entrepreneurs) get excited about the NEXT BIG THING. ePilot grew out of Paranoid Internet, a digital marketing agency and incubator for disruptive projects.

In a way, ePilot was shaped from our world travels to cities like Paris, Lisbon, and San Francisco, all in the name of growing our knowledge base and network. These travels gave the team insights and first-hand previews of the e-mobility craze that was happening around the world before hitting our of Berlin. We couldn't help but notice that we had some recurring questions.

Which app should I download?

From my hotel, how do I know which is the closest option to me?

Do I really have to download Lime, Voi, Circ, AND Tier? 

So when we got word that e scooters would descend onto the streets of Berlin in early summer, we were ready. We wanted to answer these questions and make a cohesive map available with all the e-mobility options in one place. By doing so, we quickly answered the questions above:

There are 3 e scooters outside your door, one Lime and two Voi, enjoy!

The map is already available for users so that they can see in real-time all the e-mobility options nearest them, and which app to log into or download.

We solved our first set of problems, but we aren’t patting ourselves on the back just yet. Now, our plans have snowballed. An app is in the works, and soon users will have the ability to actually book e-mobility options from the service providers directly from ePilot without the hassle of logging in and out of multiple apps. Think of it this way, a European based, e-mobility subscription plan. In addition to subscription plans modeled for 3, 6, or 12 months users may also use ePilot for FLEX booking.

The idea is good, practical and something people want, but it isn't without its own set of obstacles. Aggregation is not easy, especially when there are a lot of different industry players and you are attempting to break the mold. What we really look forward to simplifying the booking process making it easy as possible to make the switch to e-mobility.

Looking Forward

Many of us were initially attracted to e scooters and e bikes because of the fun factor. While zipping through your city in some kind of motorized toy out of a 90s childhood sci-fi dream, there is another element to all this that is worth considering. If your daily commute is one of the biggest contributors to your personal carbon footprint, then switching to e-mobility can have a big impact. Additionally, inspiring, incentivizing or otherwise getting others to change their transportation habits and replace them with e-mobility can create a domino effect for change.

Want to figure out which e scooter or roller to rent?

These are the most important things to consider before renting an e scooter or elektro roller:

Is the ride just a few taps away?

• Most of the providers pair the trips with a smartphone app and give the freedom to pick and drop at many dock points or move dock-free within the city. Yes, it’s not just cars and bikes anymore but e scooters too.

Do you want to ride short distances?

• This kind of mobility comes with a speed limit but it is more than enough for short rides. 
• Also, they are very convenient if you want to run a quick errand or grab a to-go bite without the hassle of finding a parking spot for a car and you can avoid traffic. 

How much does the rental cost?

• Well, it is as cheap as €0.15 per minute for e scooters & €0.19 per minute for elektro rollers. 
• But, if you feel it’s the best option for your mobility needs and you desire to own one, it will cost between €100 to €800 for e scooter. This price can go up to €1500 + for a roller. 

Environment-Friendly? Yes or No?

• Since Berlin mostly uses coal or gas-generated electricity, there is still a small carbon footprint left behind (source: Clean Energy Wire). But compared to a car this is very tiny.
• So yes, taking an e scooter for short distances instead of a car does help the environment.

Most of the providers have a smartphone-based functionality which gives users much more flexibility to rent and use. The only requirement is that the handheld device is compatible and has an internet connection.

Whether traveling to a new city and want a ride or interested in an eco-friendly option for a daily commute, the possibilities are endless in terms of the convenience for micro-mobility. 

Comparison Best E Scooter Sharing Providers

So you have tried out Lime, Circ, Voi, and have grown accustomed to the 20 km/ph-paced, futuristic lifestyle you dreamed of in the 90s. 

But is now the time to own your own? Yes, sharing is caring, but there is something to be said about getting a brand new toy just for yourself. So much the better if that shiny new item is actually lowering your CO2 emissions and helping you take a step, or better yet a ride, forward in the name of climate change. 

Shop through ePilot’s list of the absolute coolest e Scooters you can own right now.

“The Luxe Buy” - BMW MOTORRAD X2CITY

Brand: BMW 

Price:  €2399

BMW brings their commitment to quality and an eye for design into their first foray in micro-mobility and e Scooters. The BMW Motorrad x2City is light, compact and foldable. It is designed to be portable so you can quickly and easily fold it up when you need to on a bus, train or even in the back of your car. The battery is integrated into the scooter frame and the motor comes with 5 speed levels, from 8 to 20 km/h. It even has a USB port for charging mobiles on-the-go. 

The BMW Motorrad x2City e Scooter is hands down one of the most luxurious e Scooters on the market, with a price point to match. So if you are in the mood to splurge, this is the e scooter for you.

“The one with the right price” - Xiaomi Mi E Scooter

Brand: Xiaomi Mi 

Price:  €390

The design is simple and the price is pretty much unbeatable in the e scooter market! Winner of the Red Dot “Best of the Best” award in 2017, the Xiaomi Mi Electric scooter is known for its simple design and 29 km long-range battery life. The foldable e Scooter design makes it easy to fold up to take on a train, bus or in the back of a car. It competes with others on the market with battery life, charging time and weight for about half the price of other e Scooter models.

The Engineers Pick - Moovi StVo E Scooter

Brand: Moovi

Price: €799

The Hanover-based company Moovi has taken German engineering and seriously injected it into their e scooters. The all-new street-legal Moovi StVo e Scooter is engineered with a focus on 4 areas:  chassis, engine, production, and equipment. The design of the motor guarantees maintenance-free use without fast wear. The e Scooter boasts a patented lightweight design, the engine is characterized by low power consumption and the kinetic energy gained during braking and coasting back into the battery.

“The Cutest Design” - Swifty Scooters

Brand: Swifty Scooters

Price: €1415.95 - €1883.95 (€913.95 electric kit)

Swifty Scooters is a UK-based brand. They win ePilot’s pick for cutest design, with their swooping beams and soft curves. These e Scooters even come in colors like Echo Blue, Cream Soda, Retro Red, and Sakura Sky. How cute is that?

Since June 15th electric scooters have taken to the streets of Germany and this the hype is not dying down.

Sharing services such as Lime, Bird or Tier are already on the streets and you simple need an app to hope on their electric scooters. Now that e scooters have been given legal approval, you may be wondering if it makes sense to get your very own e scooter. But how do the current models of e scooters compare? And are all e scooters on the market street legal in Germany? Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular models.

What do you have to consider before buying an e scooter?

Anyone who wants to ride an electric scooter on public roads first off has to master the traffic regulations. Also, there is of course a minimum age. Since June 2019 in Germany, persons over 14 years old may drive an electric scooter. The maximum speed and the maximum power is also something should pay attention to before buying. Only e-scooters with a maximum speed of 20 km / h and a maximum output of 500 watts are allowed for road traffic. However, a short-term peak power of up to 700 watts is allowed. A helmet is not mandatory, but wearing a helmet for safety reasons is definitely recommended. In addition, the electric scooter must be equipped with two independent brakes for both front and rear wheels. The brake lights must be red in color.

Which criteria should play a role in your e scooter comparison?

When buying an e scooter, several factors play a role. In addition to the price of the purchase, it is imperative to consider the performance and the range. But also, don’t forget the handling, the weight and the maximum load capacity. These should all be carefully checked before buying. Furthermore, the electric scooters differ in terms of battery charging time and features, so a closer look at the technical data of each e scooter.

What counts when comparing electric scooters?

There are already a large number of electric scooters on the market. However, if you are looking for a street legal e scooter, you should definitely check the models in question before purchasing. Only if the e-scooter meets the criteria in terms of maximum speed, performance and such, you can drive safely and without legal repercussion on public roads. Cheap e-scooters are usually only suitable for private use. On the other hand, too highly motorized models are not allowed to participate in road traffic. On top of that, even if you have find an e scooter that fits the criteria outlined above, it still needs to be suitable for insurance companies.

How do the e scooters prove in a side by side comparison?

The lower price segment for e-scooters starts at around 300 euros. However, most of these scooters do not (yet) fulfill all the requirements for a license in German traffic. Currently, some models are already on the market, which cost about 600 - 700 euros and have already received the coveted road legal status. Street legal electric scooters in the upper price range are around 2,000 euros. But the price alone is not always decisive. Tested by the Dekra, the following models meet all the criteria for road approval in Germany:

You may be feeling the need for speed, but the maximum power in watts is not necessarily the one decisive attribute for a pleasurable driving experience. As also the result of the e-scooter test of the technical magazine CHIP.

Metz moover masters, for example, does very well in smaller uphill runs. Unfortunately, the e scooter is less convincing in terms of suspension and driving stability. Also, due to the relatively small pneumatic tires, special attention is required. This can be especially true for curbs.Moovi offers a very good price/performance ratio. Above all, the extremely low weight of just 10 kg can be a deal breaker for those of us who live in the 5th floor of an apartment building. Additionally, its handy format and the one-hand folding function also make it a clear winner in terms of convenience. The performance, of course, is not as strong as its more expensive competitors. The Moovi, in ​​turn, impresses with a particularly good battery charging time. Those who prefer to sit on their e scooter the Revoluzzer 3.0 Basic 20 should probably be on your list. The height-adjustable seat provides very sufficient comfort. It is important to also note that with a weight of 50 kg and a maximum battery charging time of up to 8 hours, the Revoluzzer is not as convincing in every respect.

BMW also builds e scooters in a class of its own

The car manufacturer BMW is also focusing on the innovative and environmentally friendly way of getting around. With its BMW X2 City model, the car manufacturer is setting the standard for e scooters in a class of their own. The BMW X2 City costs a whopping € 2,399, but also offers some extras such as 16-inch pneumatic tires, a taillight brake and hydraulic Magura brake discs. The e scooter has an exemplary braking distance of less than 2 meters event at an output speed of 20 km / h. By law, a maximum of 4.4 meters is the minimum requirement. A clear downside with the BMW X2 City is its weight, which at 23 kg so it is not exactly a lightweight model. The length of the scooter at 1.50 meters. Although, the larger model does offer a maximum load of up to 150 kg.

Conclusion of the street legal e scooter test

There are many differences in electric scooters, some small and some large. Especially regarding the legal requirements, you should obtain sufficient information before buying and carefully compare the individual models. Although the price does not always decide on the quality of an electric scooter, but it must be said that the currently available models that cost less than 500 €, only rarely have street approval.

E-scooters give us freedom without having to feel guilty about harming the environment or emitting excessive CO2 emissions. They are the perfect companions in everyday life, they are easy to stow away and are also easy to transport on public transport.

E-scooter vs. Scooter

Anyone who has ever driven e-scooters, will have a hard time getting involved in a normal scooter afterwards. With e-scooters, thanks to their e-scooter batteries, you do not have to drive to the petrol station for charging, but only carry a rechargeable battery in a carrying bag so that you have a battery handy in case of emergency.

The E-Scooter Battery 

The engine of an e-scooter is the e-scooter battery, without a charged battery, the scooter is just a scooter. Albeit, a slightly heavier scooter. The e-scooter battery determines the power and range of the electric scooter. The best-known batteries are equipped with lithium-ion. The lithium-ion battery is modern and powerful and included in just about any smartphone or laptop. They are three to four times as strong as their predecessor, lead-gel batteries. Due to their light weight, they are easy to transport in a battery bag and can be taken on just about any route. Even if you do not use a battery for several days, the e-scooter battery works perfectly and is ready to use.

The battery does not have to be completely discharged - to replace it, a battery should only have 15%. But if you want to be sure and replace the battery in advance, that's no problem. For longer distances with no to little slope holds keeps going a very long time. Although, on slopes, they when they use more power the battery may need to be replaced more quickly. But due to the lightweight design the battery can be easily changed or charged.  

E-Scooter Models with Replaceable Batteries

All e-scooters of the top companies: Bird, Tier, Lime, Voi, and Circ have replaceable e-scooter batteries. The replaceable batteries cost on average less than half a tank for a small car and are easy to transport. Unlike a gasoline backpack, a battery weighs as much as a power bank or a large battery for laptops.

Both adults and children can easily transport the battery or e-scooter battery from point A to B. Transport bags for batteries and batteries are available in all variations and all colors. They are handy and take up very little space.

Functioning and Handling

How to replace an e-scooter battery is explained in several videos on YouTube. The battery is clicked out and the new battery removed from the battery bag and inserted.

The scooters with removable batteries are just now making their breakthrough, with the replaceable battery there is no distance too long and no slope too high. E-scooters compete with all other vehicles and they are easy to handle. Amazingly, you do not need a driver's license and luckily you do not have high costs associated with e scooter use. Another added benefit is that you do not have to visit gas stations because the batteries are always interchangeable. In the office, at work, at school, or even in the restaurant the battery of the e-scooter can charge. All models on the e-Pilot platform benefit from the removable batteries with battery bag and carrying bag for bus and train.

The E-Scooter Battery in General

The e-scooter battery is small and compact with a high voltage, so it can last long and bring the driver to any destination. Like a sports bag, the carrying bag can be hung over your shoulder or carried in your hand. The battery bag has hardly any weight and has handles for carrying. The e-scooter battery looks like a big black box with red wires. Due to its shape, it is perfectly adapted to the battery bag and can be easily attached to the front of the handlebars of the e-scooter or on the luggage rack of the e-scooter.

Now you do not have to worry if your display shows that your battery has no battery left in less than 10 meters, as you will inevitably always have a carrying bag with a battery bag or spare battery for your e-scooter.

Be Careful with the Battery!

There are some rules to get started. The battery of the e-scooter should be fully charged during the first drive. This applies either while driving or when your e-scooter is at home in the corner or on the train.

Which Battery Should You Choose?

How big the battery for an e-scooter should be is up to each driver individually. If you are one of the people who drive long distances with many inclines maybe a larger e-scooter battery is better for you. You also want to be on the spot quickly and therefore irritates the full capacity of the battery of the e-scooter, you should be on all variants of an e-scooter Inform the battery which advantages or disadvantages the battery has.

"Mom can I have an E-Scooter?!"

The childlike urge to explore and wonder is impossible to contain. And why should you? Many of us still remember exactly what our first scooter or bicycle looked like. In a way our taste of freedom with which we were allowed to ride around the block or even to school. When I was three years old, I got a wooden bike with training wheels. Much to my mothers annoyance I would to ride from the living room to the kitchen in an endless loop. At the age of eight I got my first kick scooter. At the age of 12 I finally reached a level of maturity in my grandparent’s eyes to be allowed to drive my grandfather’s old moped. Which at that age was just about the coolest thing one could possibly do. 

From my moped, speed demon past I can understand kids of today their and their obsession with e-scooters. And as a father I can understand many parents' hesitation in purchasing a motorized vehicle for a minor. 

The road control in Germany

Just an FYI to the fellow hesitant parents out there, at the age of twelve, children in Germany are allowed to drive on the street at a speed of 12 km / h. Driving on sidewalks and bike paths is of course also allowed. The law came into force in April 2019. A law on the use of helmets for users under the age of  12 years has not been issued.

E-scooter for children from 3 years to 12 years

For this age group the motor must be less than 150 watts. The range can only be a few kilometers and the battery limited to 60-minutes of driving fun. Of course, these e-scooters are not street legal.

E-scooter in the test

We tested different e-scooter models, made a price comparison and compared online shops.

Electric scooter for children from 3 years

The little ones are allowed to drive and why shouldn’t they be when considering to the motto: "Practice makes perfect!" The electric scooters for small children have an integrated seat, which gives them security. With the small vehicles, the children have 40 minutes of driving pleasure and can drive about 3 km / h. For us adults, 3 km / h is not much, but for tiny kids this is very fast. The throttle has been transformed into a child friendly start / stop button. The electric scooter "Razor children electric scooter Lil 'e" can be bought in the online shop at Amazon for just under 60 euros in several colors.

Electric scooter for children from 8 years

When children go to school, they become more independent and want to go to their friend’s houses and ride to school by themselves - no problem with the new e-scooter models. The most popular model is the "Razor Electric Scooter with Engine". The e-scooter can be bought for 142.99 euros in the online shop. A more expensive model "TAKIRA Racing V6 E-Scooter" with a better engine is priced at 179.99 euros, but can also be used later than 12 years on public roads.

E-scooter for minors from 12 years

Minors are allowed to drive on the public road. Children over the age of 12 have a larger choice of e-scooters, as more is allowed, meaning that the wattage can be significantly higher than 150 watts and the minors can drive up to 12 km / h on the road. A popular model is the "M MEGAWHEELS" from 235.99 euros. It is available online in many local shops and online. It is foldable and perfect for children from 12 years, as it has hardly any weight and is easy to transport. It is available in different colors: pink, blue and green. The motor can handle 250 watts.

If you are looking for a slightly cheaper option, the "Razor electric scooter" for 198.80 euros is just right. This particular model is only available in black. It reaches a speed of 16 km / h and the battery lasts up to 40 minutes of driving pleasure. The maximum weight for this model is 54 kg for safety reasons and is therefore not suitable for everyone.

Another model is the "Smarthlon electric scooter" with a maximum speed of 20 km / h, the highest safety level and two speed levels. In the price comparison, it is the most expensive, but also the safest model at about 300 euros.

General purchase criteria for a children's e-scooter

What is important for your child when buying an e-scooter? On the one hand, the weight, the e-scooter should not be too heavy or weigh more than 15 kg. This is so that your child can carry their scooter if the battery dies or some other emergency. A height-adjustable handlebar is an advantage, so the electric scooter can adapt to the current height of your child and ensures long-lasting fun. The tires should be filled with air, because the bigger the tires, the less the risk of falling on the roads due to bumps. And very important, even if there is no helmet law on the streets of Germany for e scooters, take my advice from one parent to another: Get your kid a helmet! 

In early 2020 Porsche will come out with its first electric car, the Taycan. The newest member of the Porsche family comes equipped with up to 600 hp and two electric motors. The almost five-meter-long giant comes with the typical dynamic Porsche suspension. Despite the heavy weight of almost 2 tons, it glides gently over hill and dale, as proven by the previous test rides with the prototypes. The Taycan is named after a horse and the horse power is no joke. It can make a sprint from 0 to 100 km / h in just 3 seconds. It makes it to 200 km / h in just 12 seconds. The maximum speed on the 600 hp model will be 250 km / h.

Since the preliminary test drives of the Porsche Taycan, one thing is very clear: the Taycan is an impressive new addition to the Porsche lineup. The adaptive suspension and the four-wheel steering provide a very comfortable driving experience. For its first electric car, Porsche relies on 800-volt system technology. Bear in mind, manufacturers of other electric cars usually use 400 volts. Thanks to twice the performance, the recharge time of the battery is reduced enormously. For a range of 100 kilometers, the Taycan needs just 4 minutes. The automaker wants to stand out with the Taycan, deliberately, from the electric cars of its competitors. That's why Porsche did everything in its development to make the Taycan even sportier and faster than the Audi e-tron GT, the Tesla Model S and the Mercedes EQC.

Enough of the facts - how suitable for everyday use is the Porsche Taycan?

With a battery pack of 95 kWh, the range of the Porsche Taycan is 500 kilometers. In contrast to the conventional design of all other manufacturers, Porsche uses a system called "foot garages" for its first electric car. These are embedded in the shape of a cowl directly into the underbody in front of the four seats and thus offers two decisive advantages. On one hand, they also offer larger occupants enough space for their feet. On the other hand, the foot garages give the vehicle an extremely flat body. The cockpit looks futuristic and luxurious and all elements can be operated via touchscreen. On the left side of the steering wheel is - as with the Mission E - the start button. At the same time, the driver can select different driving modes with a rotary switch on the steering wheel. The first 6 million test kilometers promise pure driving enjoyment with plenty of comfort and dynamics.

E-scooters are the new trend on the roads! 

• Are you really avoiding rush hour traffic and thusly are you getting to your destination faster? 
• Can you get from school to university faster and more safely from A to B and save on car expenses? 
• Are the vehicles really that easy to transport?

E-scooter Test

Just two wheels and a handlebar, the popular electric scooter has become widely popular in the last two years. Let's do a hypothetical, everyday test: Imagine, you are a young student and live in Augsburg and have to commute every morning from Munich to Augsburg and back again. This is of course in addition to the everyday commuter traffic and everyday life in the university.

The Practicality

For a moment let’s discuss the practicality. Does it make sense for the student to buy an e-scooter or would a car be more practical? The journey from Munich to Augsburg is not long and there are no hills. This eliminates any problems that the batteries might experience when going uphill. The student can fold the e-scooter, due to its relatively lightweight and foldable concept. They can then easily carry it with a strap over their shoulder in her apartment or in the basement.

For another example of the practicality of an electric scooter we can discuss a professional. A lawyer is annoyed by the eternal commuting and the endless rush hour traffic in everyday life. The lawyer goes to the road and starts their electric scooter, they can drive past all the waiting cars that are stuck because of rush hour traffic. In doing so they can now comfortably drive to work. The model owned by the lawyer is very large with more safety features that make it not collapsible or not foldable. With this, also comes a significantly higher dead weight. Their journeys are not long, but with a car it would be much longer due to congestion and commuting. 

Our own test results in terms of practicality, weight, routes and other aspects:

The scooter reduces my commute time from one hour to 15 minutes and it's just an incredibly fun way to get to work or university in everyday life. I am looking forward to it every day. It has also reduced my Uber and taxi consumption. I have traveled to places that felt a bit too long before when I was just a pedestrian. I can go to the grocery store, meet for coffee at Starbucks, and even get to medical appointments in Westerland, all in less than 30 minutes. Only recently I drove from Westerland to List without a break, before my e-scooter had no battery!

All advantages at a glance

One of the advantages is the ability to fold the electric scooter in the middle and place it in the trunk of a car. This means that I do not have to plan exactly how I will get home, as I can always go somewhere and then decide to take back an Uber or a taxi. This could be because it is too dark, too cold or too far. This is one of the main advantages of an e-scooter over a bicycle. I used to ride a bike all the time, but coming home after an evening event was often a pain and getting stuck in a taxi in a rush is just not nice.

The folding function and the light weight also has the advantage that you can usually take the e-scooter to any location. You can pick up the e-scooter and carry it for short periods of time or you can easily put it under a desk or a restaurant table in your everyday life. 

A final benefit of the electric scooter is the ease with which I can hop on or off. I usually use the road when traveling with my e-scooter in everyday life, but I can also walk over pedestrian crossings or quickly dismount if there is a situation that requires it.

Disadvantages of an e-scooter

However, one of its drawbacks is that there is not really a way to shut off and secure the e-scooter in the same way as you can lock a bike. When you own an electric scooter you can not go anywhere, finish and then wander. You can not go to a mall, lock up and then go shopping all day. 

There is the possibility of an app that could protect against theft. I've turned on the setting that makes my phone ring when someone tries to use the electric scooter without my permission. In my opinion, it is not safe enough to prevent theft, as it is not difficult to pick up and carry away the e-scooter without even turning it on. The app would not respond in this case.

Next, I tried whether it is possible to drive safely with one hand and to give hand signals to other road users. My conclusion, driving one-handedly in everyday life and during commuter traffic feels a lot more difficult than on a bike, to indicate a curve or to give a hand signal to other drivers.

E-scooter vs. Bike

The built-in lights are really handy! One thing that got on my nerves when cycling was that I had to remember to keep my lights charged while I'm at school or university. I do not have to worry about the electric scooter. The lights are there when I need them and the battery does not go limp.

General conclusion:

The main problem of the e-scooter that I encountered during the test is the handling of badly paved roads. It is not very pleasant to ride with shocks due to poor road construction and too narrow tires of the e-scooter. 

So you had an accident -now what?!

For a list of contact links from top e scooter providers simply scroll to the end of the article. 

E Scooters and Accidents 

E Scooters have been in Berlin for about 2 months now and it has been reported by RBB that there are already 4,800 e scooters out on the streets. The new, fun, and toy-like form of transportation has everyone excited. However, this feeling of childlike joy and wonder can fade fast when you get your first skinned knee of summer. More importantly to note, not that many toys you had as a kid were capable of going 20 mph. A handful of accidents have already been reported across Berlin, Munich and other cities. 

The accidents has lead to Christian Kellner, general manager of the German Road Safety Council speak to the DPA and insist, "If the accident situation continues to deteriorate and more people with head injuries and fractures are admitted to hospitals, we need to consider compulsory helmets”.

However this is not the opinion held by all. As most accidents that have occurred have involved cars, Alexander Jung, senior associate in new mobility at Agora, sees another solution moving forward. 

"I don’t see it coming in Germany to be honest," he told The Local. "I don’t think helmets will be a fix to this problem, I also find it quite surprising that a car runs over a scooter rider then we call for stronger regulation of scooters. The actual problem is too much car traffic and too many private vehicles in the city."

That being said, accidents are unavoidable so if you find yourself involved in an accident follow these steps to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you. 

What to do in case of an accident 

• The first thing that you should do after an electric scooter accident is to get to a safe area. 

First and foremost! After an accident the best thing to do is make sure you are out of harm's way. If an accident happened in a street you can get yourself to a sidewalk where you can perform the next steps without the fear of causing further issues with traffic or injury. 

• Check to see if other people were involved in the electric scooter accident. 

The e scooter accident could involve a motor vehicle, another scooter, a pedestrian, a cyclist, a skateboarder or even a motorcyclist. After you are out of harm’s way you can see if there is another person that could need your help. Verbally check to see if they are also ok. 

• Call the police. 

The police will collect everyone’s information and file a report. While you wait for the police to arrive you can start the information collection process. 

• Medical Attention

If you don’t receive medical attention at the scene of the accident, you should visit an emergency room after filing a police report. At the very least, you should see your family doctor within 24 hours of the accident.

• Legal Council

Talk to a lawyer if you need to see legal council

Contact the E Scooter Provider? 

It appears the way in which providers want you to handle the situation is through the proper police authorities first. However, there could be instances where you might need to contact the e scooter provider. For example, if the machine is damaged in the accident, what do you do? If you need to leave the scene and you are still logged into you scooter will you have to pay the charges that are incurred? 

Buried in the help section of Lime’s website is a phone number you are suggested to call after reporting accidents to the proper authorities. It seems like e scooter companies are trying to keep accidents as not their problem. The terms of agreements are heavily packed with information regarding that liability that places the majority of issues as the responsibility of the rider. 

Conclusion

Follow traffic laws and remember safety first. It is optional to wear a helmet in Germany but it is advised. For the most part the best plan of action is to deal with the issue with local authorities. 

In the united states there are even attorney offices that are promoting their specializations for accidents dealing with e Scooters. 

Contact links

Bird: 

Phone: 1 866 205 2442 

Email: hello@bird.co

App: Riders can also report safety and maintenance issues via the app. 

Twitter: @BirdRide

Circ: 

Phone: +41 44 505 1725

App: Riders can also report safety and maintenance issues via the app. 

Twitter: @CircMobility

Lime: 

Call: 1-(888)-LIME-345 

Text: 1-(888)-546-3345

Email: support@li.me

App: Riders can also report safety and maintenance issues via the app. 

Twitter: @_LimeAid

Tier

Phone: +49 30 568 38651

App: Riders can also report safety and maintenance issues via the app. 

Twitter: @tierscooters

Voi

Email: support@voiapp.io

App: Riders can also report safety and maintenance issues via the app. 

Twitter: @voitechnology

As of the law change that became effective June 15, 2019, electric scooters have been legally allowed to drive on German roads and cycle paths - provided that they meet certain criteria. The first sharing providers are therefore already present in Berlin to offer their e scooters throughout the city center for rent via app sharing programs. But, is it perhaps more effective to get yourself your very own electric scooter? What are the initial costs and which are the cheapest e-scooters to buy? What do you have to consider when buying an e-scooter and what are the differences between the different electric scooters? We have compiled the most important information here for you.

What are the differences between electric scooters?

Since e scooters may legally participate in road traffic only under certain conditions, a distinction is first to be made between electric scooters with street legal registration and those without the permission to participate in public road traffic. The law requires that only those e scooters meet the following criteria to be made street legal:

• Type-specific maximum speed: 20 km / h
• Maximum power: 500 watts (peak values ​​of up to 700 watts are allowed)
• Two separate brakes
• Headlamp, tail light, reflector and two side reflectors
• bell
• Valid insurance badge

How much do street legal e scooters cost?

Street legal e scooters can be found from around 400 euros. One of the cheapest street legal electric scooters is the iconBit IK-1971K PRO E-Board. The nearly 400-euro e scooter meets all the criteria to participate in public road traffic. Its maximum speed is by design 20 km / h and its maximum power is 350 watts. In addition, it has all the features such as front and rear lights and hosts two independent brakes. The maximum weight is on average at 100 kg. The battery charging time is about 5 hours, which is also a good average compared to competitors. For about 500 to 750 euros you will find numerous other e scooters that fit within the legal requirements for max speed and such. For example, the iconbit IK-1972 TRACER or the Moovi. The Moovi is particularly handy due to its light weight of just 10 kg and its short battery charging time (maximum 4 hours). In addition, the Moovi makes up for its "only" 150 watts maximum performance through its endurance and good handling. The price is about 750 €.

How much do you have to spend on a good street legal electric scooter?

However, if you are looking for an e-scooter exclusively for private use, you do not need to dig deep into your pocket. Private use meaning you have no intention of riding it on public roads. In that case you can find models from around 100 euros. One of the cheapest e-scooters is the VidaXL 903. At just 100 euros, it is a real bargain among adult electric scooters. The maximum load capacity is only 70 kg. The VidaXL 903 manages to reach a top speed of 12 km / h and has a stand and a small seat.

Overview of the cheapest e-scooter to buy

In addition to the VidaXL there are a number of other electric scooters that have a pretty unbeatable price. For example, the e4fun e scooter for adults is priced at around 180 euros. This scooter manages up to 25 km / h and is suitable for people up to 100 kg. With a maximum load capacity of up to 110 kg and including LED light, there is the Brimton BSK-651. This model costs around 220 euros. In this price segment you will find numerous e-scooters, which usually differ only in maximum rider weight and maximum speed. Other distinguishing features are the weight of the scooter and the equipment. While some e-scooters only have a stand for safe parking, others have LEDs or even a seat for more comfortable driving.

Conclusion

Since the e-scooters have only recently become street legal, a careful search is still required before buying an e-scooter. Does your new scooter have to be street legal or are you looking for an e-scooter for home use? On the internet and in some online shops it is not always mentioned whether or not the electric scooter has been approved for German roads. So if you buy an e-scooter online, you should take a closer look at the product data sheet of the various suppliers and models. Even with the Internet-visible tests and comparisons of various e-scooters there is sometimes missing an indication of whether or not the e scooter is street legal. On the online comparison portal idealo, on the other hand, you will find a clear classification of street-legal electric scooters as well as numerous street-legal e-scooters.

Germany is introducing rules on the use of e scooters on public roads, which come into force at the beginning of July. 

The new regulation establishes a minimum age of 14 to drive them and a maximum speed of 20 km/h. It allows them to ride in bicycle lanes, but not on sidewalks or pedestrian zones.

Likewise, vehicles must be insured in the same way as mopeds and high-speed electric bicycles (45 km/h), through the purchase of annual insurance which must be visible on the vehicle. And they must be equipped the same as bicycles, with brakes, reflectors, lights, and bell.

How is it working in other European countries?

Other European countries such as Austria, Belgium, Finland, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden have already established rules for the circulation of electric scooters, generally based on their own regulations for cyclists.

• Norway and Sweden have established a speed limit of 20 km/h for them. Belgium has recently raised its speed limit from 18 km/h to 25 km/h.

• Italy is also working on regulatory changes to allow it to drive on sidewalks, carriageways and bicycle lanes. Ireland is also working on new rules. 

• In the Netherlands, e scooters are classified in the same category as mopeds, with a minimum age of 16 to drive them, need compulsory insurance and authorisation from the RDW, the national vehicle authority. In the UK, their use is currently illegal on public roads, although the government is reviewing the legislation. 

• In Portugal, authorities in Lisbon's old town took action against what residents describe as an epidemic of electric scooters, which are abandoned on sidewalks.

The municipal council, which is in charge of the neighborhoods around the medieval castle of St. George and the commercial district of the 18th century city center introduced fines of up to 300 euros on Monday for companies whose rented e scooters cover the sidewalks and other public spaces of the Portuguese capital.

The companies will also have to cover the costs of the removal of e scooters by the authorities. In the last year, nine companies have flooded Lisbon with thousands of e scooters, as part of the so-called mobility revolution in which the customers of these companies rent this means of transport for small transfers through the city.

In Spain, There is no standard at a state level that defines homogeneously where we can circulate with e scooters, so it is almost mandatory to consult in each city. The  Spanish Government is already preparing a Royal Decree on Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMP), with the following new features:

• It limits the maximum speed between 6 and 25 km/h.
• They are not considered motor vehicles and therefore are not obliged to take out insurance (when they are owned by a private individual because local councils are demanding insurance from rental companies).
• It is not possible to drive on interurban roads.
• They do not need a registration certificate, although they may be required to have a registration certificate.
• It will not be compulsory to register them.

Get Paid up to 2,200 € for Buying an E Scooter

Already, in several cities in Germany, you can use different subsidies to either reduce the acquisition costs. In this article we will outline which cities grant environmental bonuses as well as the cities that offer certain kinds of subsidies. 

What do we mean by environmental bonus?

There is currently no nationwide environmental bonus, but numerous German cities and municipalities are subsidizing the purchase of electric scooters to promote the environmentally friendly nature of the mode of transport. This can take the form of subsidies, ie financial support, as well as premiums. While some cities pay cash to buy an e scooter, others offer special benefits through collaborations and partnerships. However, some cities subsidize only the purchase of a specific electric scooter brand and are only valid if you are a customer of the local waterworks.

What is the environmental bonus for electric scooters?

The leader in promoting e scooters is currently Munich. Here buyers of an e scooter can receive up to € 1,000 in grants. In addition, the city advertises with another € 1,000 as scrapping and up to € 200 in Ökobonus. At the moment, you can get a maximum of up to 2,200 € discount. Several cities like Hagen and Würzburg subsidize the purchase after with up to 400 €. In Erlangen, there is currently a subsidy of 200 € and in Mainz it is 150 €. Depending on the city, there are usually special requirements for getting the grants. In the near future, other cities will certainly catch up and also offer a subsidy for electric scooters.

What alternative funding opportunities exist for e-scooters?

The city of Göttingen currently is doling out a combined offer of electricity and e scooter subsidy for all those who are customers of Stadtwerke Göttingen or want to become one. With the package GöStrom you can currently get up to 400 € as a subsidy when buying a KITO electric scooter. At the same time, you get pure green electricity from hydropower. These initiatives enable cities like Göttingen the opportunity to show how environmentally friendly they are. A similar offer can currently be found in Lüdenscheid. If you are already a customer of Stadtwerke Lüdenscheid, you can also get up to 400 € discount on a KITO e-scooter. Some insurers are offering a different type of promotion for electric scooters. Since a street legal electric scooter requires a suitable insurance, here further saving potential can be found if you know where to look. The Bavarian civil servants insurance granted an increased no claims discount on the motor insurance on accident-free e scooter years. And at the HUK Coburg you can insure your e-scooter for just 1.25 € per month, if you have already insured your car there.

What subsidies for electric scooters are there in Berlin?

Currently, there are no subsidies available in Berlin. Jan Thomas, the spokesman for the Transport Senator Regine Günther mentions as one of the reasons for the lack of support, among other things, is that the sharing offer will cover the current needs. Thomas is right insofar that Berlin is currently the only city in Germany where three different sharing providers are already renting their e-scooters. In addition, to the Berlin e scooter sharing startup market, these companies also plan to roll out in the rest of Germany as well. Both Circ and the sharing provider LimeBike are already planning to offer their electric scooters in future in Cologne and Hamburg. If the concept of environmentally-friendly transport is developed, numerous other cities will soon follow.

E-vehicles in Germany are becoming increasingly popular

Electromobility is becoming increasingly popular in Germany. With the entry into force on 15 June 2019 micro-electric vehicles Regulation, also known colloquially as e-scooter law, the number of e-scooter providers and those who are interested in the purchase of an electric scooter is increasing. The increasing demand animates manufacturers of both German and foreign origin and already ensures smaller price wars. The initial costs for a street-legal e scooter in Germany start at a few hundred € and currently end at just under 2,500 €. Even the car manufacturer BMW is trying to gain a foothold in the field of electric scooters. The topics of e mobility and sustainability are currently gaining in importance, especially among Germans, as awareness of the environment and thus of environmental protection is growing.

Is it worth it to wait if my city does not yet offer an environmental bonus?

The promotional offers of German cities will certainly increase in the coming years, so that other cities and municipalities will follow suit with various environmental bonuses. But anticipating the exact date a bonus could come to you particular city is impossible. With about 500 to 2,500 €, the initial cost is currently very high. Thanks to the new regulation, we are just at the beginning of the e scooter era. As the number of providers increases, there will be more competition. For you as a consumer that means that the competitors will eventually start a price war. As soon as they try to undercut each other's prices, buying an electric scooter makes the most sense.

The market for e scooters is booming at the moment, since the so-called "Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge-Verordnung", the official name of the e-scooter law, came into effect on 15.06.2019. In addition to numerous providers for electric scooters, there are also a number of matching accessories for your safety and protection. We will reveal what are the top 5 e-scooter accessories are and what you should look for when buying accessories for your electric scooter.

What accessories are there for e-scooters?

Even if it is not mandatory, wearing a protective helmet is also recommended for electric scooters. Since you participate in the same way with your e scooter on the road as bike, car or truck driver, the same risks exist as with any other road vehicle. Less for the personal, but for the protection of your electric scooter are locks that protect your scooter from theft. For additional storage space on your scooter can be different bags. Various bags and cases are available on the market. If you prefer an e scooter with a seat, there are also different saddles, seats and matching seat protection.Not only can you “pimp out” your e scooter with a variety of color you can also choose seats based on weather protection and so on. And if you do not feel like waiting for a few hours after the driving fun before the battery is fully charged again, you can find additional batteries for your electric scooter in various online shops.

1. E Scooter Accessory: The Helmet

As with cycling, there is no helmet requirement for e-scooter riders in Germany. For your own protection, it is advisable to buy a sensible helmet. The online portal fahrradmagazin.de recently announced on its website the results of its latest bicycle helmet test 2019. First of all, a good bicycle or e scooter helmet does not have to cost a fortune. According to fahrradmagazin.de, the test winner is the Casco Adult Active 2 and costs less than € 80. Rated with a rating of 1.7, it impresses above all with its 30 integrated ventilation openings and reflective stripes. In the test directly behind it in second place (with a rating of 1.8) is the Cratoni Pacer test, which is particularly convincing by its first-class price-performance ratio (about 50 €). Add to that the lightweight construction and padded chin straps, which makes wearing this helmet quite comfortable.

2. E Scooter Accessory: Locks

To secure your electric scooter from theft you will need to get a stable lock. You can choose between built-in or external folding locks. Another important point is the battery of your e-scooter is an expensive element, so this should also be protected if possible with a lock from thieves. There are special battery locks for securing the battery. Basically, every lock is better than no lock at all. Because if thieves see an e scooter unsecured somewhere, the danger is very high that they simply take it with them. The more expensive your electric scooter is, the more stable its protection against thieves should be. Priced catch good locks for electric scooter at about 100 €.

3. E Scooter Accessory: Bags and Baskets

Bags for e-scooters differ in two ways: on the one hand there are pockets to transport the scooter more easily and conveniently in the folded state. On the other hand, various bags for electric scooters are available, which bring additional storage space. Transport bags for electric scooters are already available from about 13 € online. When buying, make sure that your scooter fits folded and does not exceed the specified dimensions. For the higher priced models, there are some matching bags. These start priced at around 50 €. For your valuables there are various handlebar bags and baskets in different sizes and colors in various online shops.

4. E Scooter Accessory: Saddle & Seat Protection

Electric scooters are available both with and without seats. If you prefer a seated e scooter, it is advisable to protect the seat from direct sunlight, rain or dirt. Cheap seat covers are already available for around 10 € in every common bike shop such as fahrrad.de to buy. When buying, pay attention to the appropriate size of the cover so that it fits perfectly later on the seat of your e-scooter.

5. E Scooter Accessory: Additional Battery

The range of most e-scooters approved for road traffic is a maximum of 30 kilometers. After that it's time to finish driving and recharge the battery. The charging time of the battery varies from e-scooter to e-scooter and usually varies between 2 and 8 hours. For most e-scooters you should plan about 4-6 hours until the battery reaches again for the next 30 kilometers. If that is not enough, you can buy an extra battery. Depending on the brand and performance costs a second battery but quite several hundred euros.

Other Accessories for Electric Scooters

In addition to fast chargers, pneumatic tires in various sizes and additional LED lights, the market for accessories for electric scooters is currently growing rapidly. For the coming months and years you can expect various accessories to pop up to equip, trick out and pimp your e-scooter with more individuality.

Conclusion

Currently, the accessory market for electric scooters is often still used in the bicycle market. Especially the helmets, there will probably be no special helmets for e scooters, since the micro-electric vehicles regulation does not require a helmet. A good guide is therefore comprehensive cycling helmet tests that compare the quality, functionality, support and price of current models. Also in the area of ​​bags, saddles and locks are product tests from the bicycle industry as a good reference.

Soon the German streets will be filled with commuters traveling by e scooter. Germany already has a good list of micro mobility e scooter sharing providers like Lime, TIER, Bird, etc. at a reasonably affordable price. But, is it cheaper to rent or to own an e scooter?

How much are the average e scooter rental costs?

The rental price for e scooters starts from € 0.15 per minute. In which case, the x10 costs breakdown would look as follows;

• € 1.50 per 10 minutes,
• € 15.00 per 100 minutes,
• € 150.00 per 1000 minutes and so on.

Now, if the average daily commute time was 30 minutes, then what would be the costs? 

• € 4.50 per 30 minutes within a period of 1 day,
• € 45.00 per 300 minutes within a period of 10 days,
• € 135.00 per 900 minutes within a period of 30 days and so on.

Note: This does not include the € 1 charge every time you unlock a bike before starting a trip.

So, daily e scooter sharing users could probably end up paying enough in 2 months to own one themselves. Obviously, not owning a e scooter but still being able to conveniently use it to travel by means of rental services has its own perks. Let’s not forget, owning an e scooter has its own perks too.

How much does an e scooter costs? 

Take a look at Amazon’s top-rated and reviewed e scooters priced below €300:

Razor E300 Elektro Scooter

Rating: 3.4 out of 5 stars

No. of reviews: 47 reviews

Price: Starting from € 264.99

Free Delivery in Germany

Max. Speed: 24 km/h

Weight: 25 kg

Max. Load: 100 kg

• Pros:

1. Value for money

• Cons:

1. Can be a little loud
2. Can get slow and needs a push while climbing a steep upwards

Smarthlon Elektroroller (Foldable)

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

No. of reviews: 22 reviews

Price: Starting from € 295.99

Free Delivery in Germany

Max. Speed: 16 to 20 km/h with 2 Speed ​​levels

Weight: 9.8 kg

Max. Load: 120 kg

• Pros:

1. Value for money
2. Certified safety standards
3. Foldable
4. Digital display that shows the status of the battery, gears, current speed, and mileage

• Cons:

1. The battery running time is good for a short distance only.
2. Paypal payment not accepted

Hiboy Elektroroller - Model A1

Rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars

No. of reviews: 15 reviews

Price: Starting from € 297.71

Free Delivery in Germany

Max. Speed: 25 km/h

Weight: 13 kg

Max. Load: 100 kg

• Pros:

1. Value for money
2. Bright headlights and red brake lights
3. Foldable
4. Aluminum frame and stable shock-absorbing wheels
5. Digital Display
6. Designed with durability

• Cons:

1. 5 hours to 6 hours of charging time for the battery

Jdbug Elektro-Scooter Es 250

Rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars

No. of reviews: 13 reviews

Price: Starting from € 299.00

Free Delivery in Germany

Max. Speed: 15 km/h

Weight: 14.65 kg

Max. Load: 100 kg

• Pros:

1. Foldable
2. Extendable handle: 98 - 108 cm

• Cons:

1. Low Speed compared to others
2. Can get slow and needs a push while climbing a steep upwards

Benchwheel Elektrische Scooter

Rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars

No. of reviews: 10 reviews

Price: Starting from € 289.95

Free Delivery in Germany

Max. Speed: 25 km/h

Weight: 7.7 kg

Max. Load: 120 kg

• Pros:

1. Value for money
2. 2 Years guarantee
3. Certified safety standards
4. The digital display shows battery status, gears, current speed, and mileage.
5. Bright headlights
6. Compact design & Foldable

• Cons

1. Small wheels make it little bumpy on rough paths

These are some of the highest-rated & reviewed e scooters on Amazon under €300. It's a good selection of features when considering to buy e scooter at very affordable prices. So, now you can decide whether you want to rent or own an e scooter.

Germany is introducing rules on the use of e scooters on public roads, which come into force at the beginning of July. 

The new regulation establishes a minimum age of 14 to drive them and a maximum speed of 20 km/h. It allows them to ride in bicycle lanes, but not on sidewalks or pedestrian zones.

Likewise, vehicles must be insured in the same way as mopeds and high-speed electric bicycles (45 km/h), through the purchase of annual insurance which must be visible on the vehicle. And they must be equipped the same as bicycles, with brakes, reflectors, lights and bell.

How is it working in other European countries?

Norway and Sweden have established a speed limit of 20 km/h for them. Belgium has recently raised its speed limit from 18 km/h to 25 km/h. Italy is also working on regulatory changes to allow it to drive on sidewalks, carriageways and bicycle lanes. Ireland is also working on new rules. 

In the Netherlands, e scooters are classified in the same category as mopeds, with a minimum age of 16 to drive them, need compulsory insurance and authorization from the RDW, the national vehicle authority. In the UK, their use is currently illegal on public roads, although the government is reviewing the legislation. 

In Spain, there is no standard at a state level that defines homogeneously where users can circulate with e scooters, so it is almost mandatory to consult in each city. The  Spanish Government is already preparing a Royal Decree on Personal Mobility Vehicles (VMP), with the following new features:

• It limits the maximum speed between 6 and 25 km/h.
• They are not considered motor vehicles and therefore are not obliged to take out insurance (when they are owned by a private individual because local councils are demanding insurance from rental companies).
• It is not possible to drive on interurban roads.
• They do not need a registration certificate, although they may be required to have a registration certificate.
• It will not be compulsory to register them.

Recently in Portugal, authorities in Lisbon's old town took action against what residents describe as an epidemic of electric scooters, which are abandoned on sidewalks.

The municipal council, which is in charge of the neighborhoods around the medieval castle of St. George and the commercial district of the 18th century city center, lately introduced fines of up to 300 euros for companies whose rented e scooters cover the sidewalks and other public spaces of the Portuguese capital. The companies will also have to face the costs of the removal of e scooters by the authorities. In the last year, nine companies have flooded Lisbon with thousands of e scooters, as part of the so-called mobility revolution in which the customers of these companies rent this means of transport for small transfers through the city.

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Berlin, 14 June 2019

It is time to talk about the rise of the e scooter and micro-mobility in the past few years. Lime, Bird, Beam, Dott, Flash, PopScoot, Scoot, Skip, Spin, Tier Mobility, Voi Technology, Vogo, and Wind Mobility (just to name a few) have popped up out of nowhere. But are they here to stay?

Maybe the recent surge in the e scooter trend has to do with that fact that Bird and Lime reached massive success – fast. Forbes reported that within one year of inception, both of the USA-based companies reached billion-dollar valuations.

So it makes sense why other companies are keen to enter this emerging market. The e scooter craze started in the USA in cities like San Francisco, but as TechCrunch noted, they quickly reached Europe in cities like Paris, Brussels, Vienna, and Zurich.

Does Berlin want e-scooters?

The simple answer to this question is yes. Berlin is a city full of techies, weirdos, trend chasers, young and green-minded people. However, Berlin is still a part of Germany, and that means e scooters need to play by the rules. More accurately, more rules need to be created to properly regulate e scooters.

A few months ago, the German government held meetings to put into place new laws that will regulate the e scooter craze. Set to come into action on June 15th, 2019, the law specifically states that these electric vehicles are now allowed to drive on public roads. The new ordinance,  Elektrokleinstfahrzeuge-Verordnung  (eKFV), is intended to enable electrically operated vehicles without seats as well as self-balancing vehicles to be able to legally have access to public roads.

That being said, not all e scooter roller are made the same. Some are much more powerful than others. The law clarifies that the e scooters permitted in Germany include steering or a handrail, and provide a minimum speed of 6 km/h and a maximum speed of 20 km/h.

Why the rules?

It may seem like Germany is being a little strict, but it could be that they are attempting to learn from the first adopters in the USA. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA found that head injuries were the most common accident associated with e scooters. Head injuries accounted for 45% of e scooter-related injuries. The study also concluded that many of these injuries were preventable with helmets.

● Lime  is expanding its presence in the German market and is now providing Berliners with its electric scooter Lime-S.

● New Urban Mobility Solution Provides a Sustainable and Practical Way to Commute to Work, Discover Berlin and Have Fun

● On June 30, Lime invites Berliners to the "First Ride Festival" to test the electric scooter Lime-S as a new mobility option.

Lime, the leading provider of innovative and smart urban mobility solutions, is officially bringing its electric scooters to Germany. From now on, electric scooters are now available from Lime here in Berlin. In Hamburg and Cologne, Lime also plans to offer Lime e-scooters in a timely manner. The plan is to start with a few hundred electric scooters in the cities and expand the services as they are needed.

The electric scooters offer another alternative for practical, safe and sustainable mobility in Berlin. With the electric scooters from Lime, people in Berlin gain more flexibility and a new view of their city. All this while at the same time reducing CO2 emissions. The electric scooters are always provided according to the local requirements and circumstances.

The micro-mobility service provider, Lime, is building on its existing, extensive global presence. The company operates in 37 cities in 16 European countries. In addition, Lime has been present in Berlin since April 2018 with their e-bikes. From which, the Berliners are familiar with the Lime brand and the company's commitment to road safety and sustainability. Recent efforts by German authorities has enabled this new mobility solution to come to Berlin.

Fabian Ladda, Head of Public Relations, Lime Germany, says (translated from German): "Our experience of over a year in Germany has shown us that there is a real appetite for micro-mobility solutions. Therefore, we are happy to bring our electric scooters to Berlin. Thanks to our close and ongoing cooperation with the respective municipalities, we can offer cities a good solution for some of their traffic problems, such as congestion or air pollution. "

Lime offers an urban mobility solution for the first and last kilometers of a commute, which can be perfectly combined with public transport. This makes life easier for people in the city and provides them with new ways to get to work, to meet their friends or explore their city.

With a nationwide campaign, Lime helps people across Germany unlock the potential of urban mobility unhindered and secure. To achieve this, Lime will hold a series of information events and initiatives to encourage the safe and responsible use of e-scooters in Berlin and throughout Germany.

As part of the launch, the market leader in electric scooters will also launch a lime crew. The responsibilities of this task force is to alert users to proper parking of e-scooters and thus prevent poor traffic behavior. If electric scooters obstruct sidewalks or lie on the ground, the Lime crew goes to users and draws attention to the correct use of the e-scooters in road traffic. In addition, the Lime crew will re-park misplaced electric scooters in designated parking lots.

As everywhere else in the world, Lime is pursuing the goal of acting as a leading provider and partner of intelligent micro-mobility solutions for cities. In addition to our endeavors to ensure user safety, Lime will continue to focus on hardware and product innovation. The Lime-S electric scooter was specially designed for the German market and meets all the high technical requirements including insurance requirements.

"Lime wants to actively shape the traffic change in the cities. Our goal is to push back motorized private transport and extend the multimodal transport mix with an electric and CO2-free mobility alternative. We are committed to less traffic jams, fewer emissions and better bike and scooter infrastructure. Lime wants to give people back the city, "continues Fabian Ladda.