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As much as the corona pandemic harms the economy per se, there is an industry that benefits.

Two-wheelers, regardless of whether they are powered by muscle power or a motor, are winners in a crisis.

Despite the lockdown, around 32 percent more motorcycles were registered in Germany in 2020 than in the previous year, according to the Motorcycle Industry Association.

Sales of scooters (combustion and electric) grew by around 55 percent.

"The trend towards electric scooters has been evident for four or five years," says Constantin Hack.

“This is not least due to the fact that these scooters, which mostly come from China, are being offered more and more cheaply, as the technology is much simpler compared to a conventional scooter with a combustion engine.” Accordingly, vehicles from brands like Niu or Unu are usually also reliable, according to the technical expert at Auto Club Europa (ACE).

E-scooters as an alternative to the car

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For Michael Lenzen, electric scooters are even useful as an alternative to cars or local public transport.

The growing range of e-scooters is divided into different categories: “First of all, there are e-scooters up to 25 km / h that can be driven from the age of 15 with a moped driver's license,” explains the chairman of the Federal Association of Motorcyclists.

E-scooters up to 45 km / h are allowed with a car driver's license.

"Otherwise a moped driver's license is required, which can be obtained from the age of 16," says Lenzen.

These are particularly suitable for the city.

E-scooters that are up to 80 km / h and require a class A1 driving license also keep Lenzen suitable for longer distances.

“And that applies even more to scooters that are 100 km / h and faster.

Here, however, the motorcycle license is required. "

How far do I want to get with the e-scooter?

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Factors that determine the purchase are primarily range and payload.

"The range depends on the size and capacity of the battery, for scooters up to 45 km / h it is between 40 and 80 kilometers, which in most cases should be enough for the way to work and back," says Lenzen, who is responsible for things Payload also advises: "If you want to travel with two people, you must not only look at the available space, you also have to keep an eye on the permitted payload." This is lower than with a comparable scooter due to the higher basic weight caused by the battery Internal combustion engine.

Hack points out that range is not the same as range: "Just because the manufacturer specifies a range of 50 kilometers does not mean that the scooter can do it in everyday life with one battery charge." However, this in turn applies equally to all manufacturers.

The big difference between models from European manufacturers such as the Vespa and the Asian providers, however, lies primarily in the price.

While a decent scooter made in China can be had from around 2500 euros, a Vespa costs more than double, according to the man from ACE.

The removable battery is practical

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André Lang generally recommends a model with a removable battery.

"If I don't have any charging options in the garage, at home or at work, I am severely limited in terms of charging options with a permanently installed battery."

In addition, a plug-and-play battery offers the possibility of increasing the range by transporting a second battery in the battery or helmet compartment, if present, says the safety expert from the Institute for Two-Wheeler Safety (ifz).

The energy supply of e-scooters can be increased and made more flexible if the batteries are removable

Source: dpa-tmn

Hack also recommends plug-and-play.

“So I can take the battery home with me and charge it conveniently at the socket.” This is also important with regard to theft protection: “Because the battery is by far the most expensive component in the vehicle.” Lenzen points out that it is the smaller ones Scooters up to 45 km / h are, which usually have a mobile battery.

The big ones “fill up” like the e-cars

The larger e-scooters, on the other hand, often do not offer plug-and-play, similar to the electric motorcycle.

“On the one hand, the battery is significantly heavier and therefore more unwieldy, due to the greater range.

On the other hand, it is installed in such a way that it is part of the overall structure of the vehicle, ”says Lenzen.

While the battery on the 45 km / h scooter is housed in the helmet compartment, its seat in the large, high-horsepower two-wheeler plays an important role in driving dynamics.

“This disadvantage is compensated for by the fact that large electric scooters and motorcycles can be charged thanks to a higher charging current and a different plug at the charging stations where electric cars also refuel,” says Lenzen.

And that in turn significantly shortens the loading time.

By the way: If you are worried about the safety of batteries - two apartment fires triggered by batteries from e-bikes were recently reported - Lang can put your mind at ease.

"An undamaged lithium-ion battery is safe and does not ignite."

As with any other motor vehicle, however, it is important that it is used properly and as prescribed by the manufacturer, and that certain basic rules are followed.

“After an accident or fall, the battery has to be checked by experts.

A damaged battery must no longer be used for safety reasons, ”he warns urgently.