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E-Bike in comparison with electric scooter & e-scooter

The ultimate question - e-bike, electric scooter or e-scooter? This article takes a close look at this question that many are asking in today's environmentally conscious and technology-driven society.

Von Fabian Huber  |  8 minutes read time

E-Bike im Vergleich mit Elektroroller & E-Scooter
About the author Fabian Huber

Fabian founded MYVELO together with Vincent. The two share a long-standing passion for cycling. Together they have cycled thousands of kilometers and fought for victories in the German racing bike league. The idea of founding MYVELO arose from their many years of experience and knowledge of what makes a good bike. Find out more about MYVELO now

Published: June 20, 2024  |  Updated: November 12, 2024

Which means of transport is the most efficient in everyday life, which is the healthiest and which is the least expensive? These and other aspects are covered in the following sections to paint a clear picture and make the decision easier.

Range, battery life, ergonomics and electricity costs - all important criteria that must be taken into account in order to find the optimal means of transport. This article places emphasis on the relevance of these criteria and condenses the goal of providing data and facts that enable a well-founded and objective comparison. Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of electromobility and discover its diverse possibilities.

The Rise of E-Mobility: How E-Bikes, Electric Scooters and E-Scooters Are Changing Traffic

E-bikes, electric scooters and e-scooters are ushering in a new era of urban mobility. Not only are they environmentally friendly, they also offer a quick and convenient way to get around the city. The advantages are clear:

  • Low environmental impact: They do not produce exhaust gases and therefore help reduce air pollution.
  • Cost-effective: Compared to cars, they are significantly cheaper to maintain.
  • Flexibility: They are ideal for short distances and can easily be ridden on sidewalks or bike paths.

Nevertheless, it is important to find out about the legal regulations before purchasing one. In Germany, for example, an operating license and an insurance sticker are required for e-scooters. In addition, the maximum speed must not exceed 20 km/h.

There are many examples of the practical application of these vehicles. Commuters can use them to get to work instead of using crowded public transport. They are also an excellent option for running short errands around town.

Key features of these vehicles include their ease of use, their small size which makes them easy to store, and the ability to run on electricity, which provides an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuels.

E-bikes explained: advantages and uses for the modern commuter

E-bikes are revolutionizing the way we get around. They combine the comfort of cycling with the added support of an electric motor, making riding less strenuous and faster. There are three main types of e-bikes: Pedelecs, S-Pedelecs and E-bikes. Pedelecs assist you up to a speed of 25 km/h, while S-Pedelecs can reach up to 45 km/h. E-bikes, on the other hand, have a throttle and can be ridden without pedaling.

This type of transport offers numerous advantages. E-bikes allow for longer journeys, they are environmentally friendly and they offer an excellent alternative for urban transport, where congestion is often a problem. They are also suitable for people who are physically unable to travel long distances on a normal bicycle.

A study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research has shown that mobility habits are changing. The number of e-bike users in Germany rose sharply between 2013 and 2023. This shows the enormous increase in the popularity of these vehicles.

E-bikes are not only practical but also versatile. They can be used for commuting, shopping or just for fun. Some models are even suitable for off-road riding. So if you are looking for an efficient, environmentally friendly and fun way to get around, an e-bike could be just the thing for you.

Electric scooter: The fast alternative for urban adventurers

More and more people are discovering electric scooters as a fast and environmentally friendly alternative for city traffic. The light and maneuverable scooters reach speeds of up to 45 km/h, making it possible to avoid traffic jams and get from A to B quickly. They are also cheaper to maintain than cars and require less parking space.

But the electric scooter also has its pitfalls. You need a class AM driving license to be allowed to drive an electric scooter. This is available from the age of 16 and requires a theoretical and practical test.

Battery stinginess and range anxiety : Another disadvantage can be the limited range of the battery. If the battery is empty, unlike an e-bike, you can no longer move forward. Therefore, you should always keep an eye on the charge level and make sure you recharge it in good time. You also need a place where you can charge the scooter, which is not always possible in the city.

Despite these disadvantages, electric scooters are an excellent alternative for city transport. They enable fast, flexible and environmentally friendly transport, which is becoming increasingly important in times of increasing traffic and environmental awareness.

E-Scooter: Flexibility and freedom on two wheels

E-scooters are revolutionizing the way we move on the "last mile" - the short route from public transport to our destination. They offer a unique combination of flexibility and freedom that is particularly attractive to urban commuters. Their compactness makes them easy to transport and park, while their range and speed are ideal for short distances. E-scooters have some key features that make them attractive for use in the city:

  • They are fast: Most e-scooters reach speeds of up to 20 km/h, which is more than enough for short distances.
  • They are flexible: their small size and light weight mean they can easily be taken on public transport or parked in an office or apartment.


An example of the success of e-scooters is the city of Berlin, where more than 11,000 e-scooters are already in use. According to a study by the Technical University of Berlin, 34% of respondents use e-scooters to get to work or school .

To get the most out of an e-scooter, it is important to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and ensure that the scooter is regularly serviced. You should also always wear a helmet and use appropriate lighting in the dark. With these tips, the e-scooter can become an indispensable part of your daily mobility.

Flexibility: E-bike as the undisputed winner

A big advantage of the e-bike is its flexibility. While electric scooters and e-scooters depend on smooth, paved roads, you can ride an e-bike almost anywhere. Whether on the bike path, in the city or on forest paths - the e-bike can do it all.

Another plus point is that you can still use an e-bike even when the battery is empty. You can simply keep pedaling, while an electric scooter or e-scooter without a battery comes to a complete standstill. This is particularly useful if you want to travel longer distances or have forgotten to charge the battery.

A particularly practical example of a flexible e-bike is the E-Bike folding bike Zurich from MYVELO . This model folds easily and is therefore ideal for commuters who want to take their e-bike on public transport.

A comparison: costs, range and sustainability of e-bikes, electric scooters and e-scooters

The decision for an environmentally friendly means of transport often depends on the factors of cost, range and sustainability. According to a study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI), the operating costs for e-bikes are significantly lower at around 0.20 euros per 100 kilometers than those of electric scooters (approx. 0.70 euros per 100 kilometers) and e-scooters (approx. 0.40 euros per 100 kilometers). E-bikes also offer advantages in terms of range: they can often cover 50 to 100 kilometers on one battery charge, while electric scooters and e-scooters usually only manage 20 to 40 kilometers.

When it comes to sustainability, a study by the International Transport Forum (ITF) shows that e-bikes have a CO2 emission of around 22 grams per kilometer, while electric scooters emit around 41 grams and e-scooters even up to 105 grams per kilometer, especially due to the short lifespan and problematic disposal of the batteries. This makes the e-bike not only more cost-effective and has a longer range, but also the most environmentally friendly choice.

Everyday suitability: comfort and safety

E-bikes offer greater comfort and better ergonomics than electric scooters and e-scooters. You sit on a comfortable saddle and have an upright sitting position, which is especially important on longer journeys. Electric scooters and e-scooters often only have small footboards and require a standing position, which can be tiring in the long run.

E-bikes also have the edge when it comes to safety. They are more stable and have larger wheels, which makes riding safer. They are also often equipped with better brakes and lights, which is an advantage in the dark and in bad weather.

Use in everyday life: E-bike as a practical companion

E-bikes are more versatile than electric scooters and e-scooters. You can use them not only for your daily commute, but also for leisure activities such as cycling or shopping. Thanks to the option of attaching bags or baskets, they are ideal for transporting shopping or luggage.

Electric scooters and e-scooters are practical for short distances, but they quickly reach their limits when carrying larger loads. In addition, their range is often limited, so longer journeys without a charging break are not possible.

Safety aspects and legal regulations for electric vehicles

Safety aspects and legal regulations are decisive factors when choosing an electric vehicle. E-bikes, electric scooters and e-scooters differ considerably in this respect. In many countries, e-bikes are considered bicycles and are therefore subject to the same traffic regulations when it comes to riding on cycle paths and carrying certain safety equipment such as lights and bells. They are also usually equipped with sturdier frames and larger wheels, which increases driving safety.

Electric scooters, on the other hand, are subject to stricter regulations. In Germany, for example, they must be insured and have an insurance license plate. They are only allowed to drive on the road and special cycle paths and require an operating license. These stricter regulations result from the higher speed and heavier weight of electric scooters, which makes them more prone to accidents.

E-scooters also have special regulations. In many countries, they are only allowed to ride on cycle paths or roads and are limited to a maximum speed of 20 km/h. They must also have certain safety features such as reflectors, lights and brakes. However, their small wheels and standing riding position make them less stable and more prone to falls, especially on uneven surfaces.

According to the German Road Safety Council (DVR), e-scooters and electric scooters have higher accident rates than e-bikes . The DRV criticizes that the accident rate is higher with e-scooters due to their lower stability and visibility in traffic. Electric scooters also have a higher accident rate, often due to their higher speed and weight.

In summary, e-bikes offer a higher level of safety due to their more stable construction, lower speeds and the ability to use them like normal bicycles. The legal regulations for e-bikes are less restrictive, which makes them easier to use. Electric scooters and e-scooters, on the other hand, require more attention and caution in traffic in order to be safe on the road.

Future perspectives: How e-mobility could further revolutionize urban travel

The future of e-mobility promises to fundamentally change urban travel and make it more sustainable. E-bikes, electric scooters and e-scooters are increasingly seen as viable alternatives to cars and public transport, especially in densely populated cities. As battery technologies develop and intelligent transport systems become increasingly integrated, these vehicles could become even more efficient and environmentally friendly.

One of the most promising developments is the improvement of battery technology. Longer battery life, shorter charging times and lower costs could significantly increase the range and availability of e-bikes, electric scooters and e-scooters. These advances would allow users to travel longer distances and use the vehicles more frequently in their daily lives without having to worry about frequent charging.

In addition, the integration of e-mobility into the urban transport system will continue to progress. By creating more bicycle and scooter paths, special charging infrastructure and smart traffic control, cities can promote the use of these environmentally friendly means of transport. Initiatives such as sharing programs for e-bikes and e-scooters, which have already been successfully implemented in many cities, could be further expanded to make urban mobility even more flexible and accessible.

Another exciting aspect is the linking of e-mobility with local public transport. Seamless transitions and combination offers allow users to easily switch between different modes of transport, making overall traffic smoother and more efficient. Such integrated mobility solutions help to relieve inner-city traffic and reduce environmental pollution.

In the long term, the increased use of e-bikes, electric scooters and e-scooters could help improve the quality of life in cities. Fewer traffic congestion, less air pollution and a quieter environment are just some of the benefits that consistent promotion of e-mobility could bring. Overall, urban mobility is facing an exciting future in which e-mobility will play a central role in becoming more sustainable and livable.

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