Buying an E-Bike: A Practical Guide to Your Purchase Decision

The selection of electric bicycles and e-scooters on the market is vast and constantly growing. From models for the daily commute to specialised bikes for long-distance tours, making the right choice can be a challenge. This article serves as a guide. It introduces different vehicle types and highlights objective criteria to help you find a model that fits your personal mobility needs, whether it's a classic pedelec or an agile street-legal e-scooter.

What to Look For When Buying

Before making a decision, it's helpful to understand a few basic technical aspects. The following points provide a foundation for comparing different models.

1. Define Your Use Case and Required Range

The most important factor in your selection is the intended use. Will you be riding mainly short distances in the city, or are you planning extended tours on the weekend?

• For the city: A compact city e-bike or an electric scooter is often sufficient. Here, the focus is on agility and easy handling. A smaller battery capacity may be adequate if you only cover a few kilometres each day.
• For touring and commuting: A trekking e-bike with a comfortable riding position and a larger battery capacity is the right choice here. Look for models specified as long-range e-bikes. The range is influenced by factors such as rider weight, the selected assistance level, terrain, and outside temperature. Battery capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh)—higher values generally allow for longer distances.

2. Understand Motor Position and Power

The motor is the heart of any e-bike. Its position and power directly influence the riding experience.

• Mid-drive motor: Mounted at the bottom bracket, this motor provides a low, central centre of gravity. The result is a very natural and balanced ride. Mid-drive motors are common in high-quality trekking and city e-bikes.
• Rear hub motor: Installed in the rear wheel, this motor delivers powerful acceleration from behind. This drive system provides a sporty riding feel and is often used in dynamic e-bikes or high-performance e-scooters.
• Power (Torque): Torque, measured in Newton-metres (Nm), describes the force with which the motor provides assistance. Higher torque makes it easier to start on hills and delivers stronger acceleration.

3. Legal Framework in Germany

In Germany, clear rules apply to electric bicycles and e-scooters.

• Pedelecs (Pedal Electric Cycles): These are the most common type of e-bikes. The motor only provides assistance when you pedal and cuts off at 25 km/h. They are legally considered bicycles and require neither a driver's license nor an insurance plate.
• E-Scooters: For legal use on public roads, street-legal e-scooters require a General Operating Permit (Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis, ABE). There is also a mandatory insurance requirement, proven by an insurance sticker affixed to the vehicle. The maximum speed is limited to 20 km/h.

Our Recommended Products

Based on the criteria mentioned, we have compiled a selection of models that cover a range of different needs.

NAVEE ST3 Pro E-Scooter

Why This Model Stands Out The NAVEE ST3 Pro is an electric scooter designed for performance and safety in urban environments. With a peak motor power of 1350 watts, it can handle inclines of up to 28% and offers dynamic acceleration. The combination of a long range, an advanced suspension system, and modern safety features like traction control makes it a robust companion for daily use.

Pros

• Powerful Rear Hub Motor: Up to 1350 W of peak power for brisk acceleration.
• Long Range: Up to 75 km on a single charge (according to the manufacturer at 15 km/h).
• Safety Features: Triple braking system, integrated indicators with E-mark certification, and TCS traction control.
• Riding Comfort: Patented dual suspension system and 10-inch self-healing tubeless tyres.
• Smart Features: Compatibility with Apple Find My for locating the scooter.
• Street Legal: Includes ABE for legal operation in Germany.

Who Is This Model For? This model is aimed at commuters and tech enthusiasts looking for a powerful and safe e-scooter for daily city rides, who value long range and modern technical features.

Prophete Entdecker 3.0 Trekking E-Bike

Why This Model Stands Out The Prophete Entdecker 3.0 is a classic trekking e-bike designed for comfort and reliability on long journeys and for everyday use. The AEG ComfortDrive II mid-drive motor with a torque sensor provides smooth and intuitive pedal assistance. Its equipment, including hydraulic disc brakes, a suspension fork, and full StVZO-compliant gear, makes it a versatile and road-safe companion.

Pros

• Balanced Drive System:AEG mid-drive motor with up to 70 Nm of torque for a natural riding feel.
• Long Range: The 400 Wh battery allows for a range of up to 110 km (depending on riding style).
• High Comfort: Adjustable Suntour suspension fork, suspension seat post, and a memory foam saddle.
• Reliable Brakes: Hydraulic Shimano disc brakes for precise braking performance.
• Practical Features: Shimano 9-speed derailleur, puncture-resistant Continental tyres, and a TFT colour display.

Who Is This Model For? Ideal for cyclists who want a versatile e-bike for extended weekend tours as well as the daily commute. The focus here is on riding comfort, a long range, and reliable, low-maintenance technology.

Mangosteen FT02 Mini E-Bike

Why This Model Stands Out The Mangosteen FT02 is a mini e-bike with a striking fat bike e-bike style. With its wide 4.0-inch tyres, it's suitable not only for the city but also for unpaved paths like gravel or sand. Its compact design, combined with a powerful battery, makes it an interesting option for a younger, style-conscious audience that values flexibility and an unconventional design.

Pros

• All-Terrain Capability:16 x 4.0-inch wide tyres for riding on various surfaces.
• Powerful Battery: The 48V 22.5Ah battery provides energy for a range of up to 100 km.
• Compact Design: The mini e-bike construction makes it agile and easy to handle.
• Safe Braking:Hydraulic disc brakes at the front and rear ensure reliable deceleration.
• Robust Construction: The aluminium frame is designed for a maximum payload of 120 kg.

Who Is This Model For? This model appeals to riders looking for a striking and versatile electric bike. It's suitable for city commuters who also enjoy occasional detours onto light off-road terrain and prefer a vehicle with a high fun factor and an unconventional look.

Discover More Options

This selection represents just a small sample of the available models. If you are specifically looking for models with extra powerful assistance for challenging routes or heavy loads, you can find more options in our overview.

Discover our selection of e-bikes with a powerful motor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a pedelec and an e-bike?

In common parlance, both terms are often used synonymously. Technically, a pedelec is a bicycle whose electric motor only provides assistance when the rider pedals, and only up to a speed of 25 km/h. Legally, it is considered a bicycle. E-bikes in the stricter sense can also be ridden without pedalling via a throttle and can reach higher speeds, which is why they often require registration and insurance. Most "e-bikes" sold in Germany are actually pedelecs.

How much range do I really need?

Analyse your typical routes. For short daily trips of 5 to 15 kilometres, a battery with 300 to 400 Wh is often sufficient. However, if you regularly plan long tours of over 50 kilometres or live in a hilly region, a model designated as a long-range e-bike with a battery of 500 Wh or more is a worthwhile investment to avoid having to recharge on the go.

Do e-scooters in Germany require insurance?

Yes. Every street-legal e-scooter (with an ABE) must have liability insurance to be operated on public roads. Proof is provided by a valid insurance sticker affixed to the vehicle. This must be renewed annually. Riding without valid insurance coverage is a criminal offence.