It is impossible to imagine the streets without the E-step. Especially in the larger cities you see the e-step more often and this is not without reason. This ideal vehicle is legal on public roads, has a maximum speed of about 25km per hour and can be parked on the sidewalk. It is a wonderful alternative to the ride on public transport.
When you think of a scooter, you soon think of an innocent vehicle that many a child has ridden around on. The modern vehicle is embraced by many because it is an environmentally conscious choice. However, when the e-scooter is driven by drunk individuals, they become a danger.
Laws and regulations
Since the introduction of the e-stepper in 2017, there have been a lot of traffic violations and accidents. Currently, from the age of 18, with helmet or driver’s license, you are allowed to take to the road with all kinds of approved e-steps.
- A maximum speed of 25 km/h
- Maximum one person per e-step and minimum age of 16 years and in possession of a driving license
- Under 18 years of age, wearing a helmet is mandatory
- Forbidden to ride on the sidewalk
E-Step for Everyone
Around the spring and summer period, it is ideal to trudge through the city on an electric scooter. Berlin alone already has about 6,000 partial steps from different rental companies such as: Bird, Lime and Spin. In the Santa Monica area you can also use Lyft. With the help of the scooter you can explore the city in no time. The cost is minimal, for a starting rate of $1 and $0.15 per minute you will spend up to $10 for an hour. In this way you can move quickly, cheaply and easily from one side of the city to the other.
Possibility via app
Actually, every shared scooter app works the same. First download the app from the Apple or Google store and create an account. Connect your payment card and find the nearest share scooter on the map. The scooter can be unlocked with a QR code usually found on the handlebars. When you are done with the scooter, you can park it within the designated zones. Click ‘End Ride’ and you’re done!
Battery Maintenance
There are a few things to keep in mind when you want to keep the battery of your electric scooter as good as possible. For example, it is important to fully charge the battery before the first use, for the longer term this will benefit your battery. When it rains it is best to keep your scooter inside, even though it might be water resistant. There is always a risk of moisture getting into the battery. Also make sure that you do not leave your scooter parked for too long. If you do, at least make sure you charge the battery regularly. Storing it in a cold environment can cause damage to the battery. The life of the battery of an electric scooter depends on several factors. When you use the scooter intensively the battery will be used up faster than when you use it less often. In general the battery will last about 1 to 3 years.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like everything else, there are pros and cons to an electric scooter. We have listed the most practical ones for you.
Benefits
- Relatively cheap
Compared to other electric modes of transportation, the scooter is cheap. You can buy one from as little as €300. When you compare this price with that of an electric bike, you don’t have half a bike for that amount. Also in terms of maintenance you have few costs.
Easy to take with you - Environmentally friendly
The electric scooter is a completely ‘green’ means of transportation. We all know by now that gasoline-powered cars are not the future. We are all well aware of the environment and want to contribute to it. The electric scooter is an innovation that contributes to this environmental trend. - Easy to ride
The scooter is extremely maneuverable and therefore easy to drive. You can maneuver well through the busy traffic and therefore you may reach your destination faster. This is especially useful if you are in the city and the roads are busy. - No more traffic jams
Because you can avoid the traffic jams with an e-step, you can get from A to B faster. Faster than a car of course, but for short distances of 5 to 25 km in the city center, it may be that you are still faster with the electric scooter. This is because you can avoid the main roads and easily use the bicycle paths.
Disadvantages
- Charging
Because you rely on a battery, you may find yourself with a dead battery from time to time. Recharging time varies by e-step, this can range from 3 to 12 hours. Also, the battery does not last a lifetime and will need to be replaced over time. - Legislation
You have to deal with the laws and regulations concerning e-steps. This is not a thick law book, but there are some things you need to consider before you get on an e-retrotter. - Good road surface needed
If you are not riding on a good asphalt road surface, the scooter may be more difficult to control. In doing so, your safety cannot be guaranteed, - Health & wellbeing
For your health it is of course important to keep moving for short distances. It is possible, that when you have an electric scooter, you already take the scooter for short distances. This is obviously to your own detriment. - Safety on electric scooters
Unfortunately, many accidents happen with the e-step. Because the vehicle is so fast and maneuverable, a fall may be more likely to occur. Make sure you know how to drive the scooter and have good knowledge of traffic before you get on the scooter.
