Joybuy Insights

Electric Motorcycle 45 km/h: Buying Guide for Commuters and City Riding

An electric motorcycle with a top speed of 45 km/h can be a practical alternative to a car for commuting, short journeys out of town and everyday travel around the city. Before buying, however, motor power is not the only consideration. What really matters is road approval, the correct driving licence, the charging method and the realistic range.

Many products look similar at first glance, but differ considerably in their legal requirements and practical use. This buying guide explains what buyers in Germany should look out for and which models may suit different usage profiles.

Common buying misconceptions about electric motorcycles and e-scooters

1. A top speed of 45 km/h does not automatically mean road approval

An electric scooter with a top speed of 45 km/h is not automatically a road-legal electric scooter. For use on public roads, factors including the vehicle category, EU type approval or an EU COC, lighting, braking system and insurance are relevant.

For a vehicle in category L1e-B, an insurance number plate is generally required. The rider must also hold the appropriate driving licence. An e-scooter without the relevant documents cannot simply be used like an approved electric motorcycle.

2. Stated ranges are laboratory figures, not a guarantee for everyday use

The advertised range depends on factors including rider weight, temperature, tyre pressure, gradients, speed and load. A claim such as “up to 80 km” or “up to 90 km” should therefore be treated as a guide only.

For commuters, it is also important to check whether the battery can be removed. An electric scooter with a removable battery can be charged at home or at work, provided the battery weight and access arrangements are manageable in practice.

3. High wattage alone says little about the riding experience

An e-motorcycle with 2000 watts can offer strong acceleration and better reserves on hills. However, battery voltage, capacity in ampere-hours, vehicle weight, brakes, tyres and suspension are also important for everyday usability.

For example, a foldable e-scooter may be easier to transport, while an electric motor scooter with a seat offers greater comfort over longer distances. The design should suit your daily journey, not just the product description.

Technical and legal details you should check

Road approval, driving licence and insurance

Look out for the following documents and details:

  • EU COC document or verifiable EU type approval
  • Vehicle identification number, or VIN
  • Invoice and technical vehicle data
  • Vehicle category, for example L1e-B
  • Information about the required driving licence
  • Requirement for third-party liability insurance and an insurance number plate
  • Available equipment such as headlight, rear light, brake light, indicators, horn and rear-view mirrors

For the 45 km/h models included in this selection, a category AM driving licence is specified. Categories A1, A2, A and B are also listed as permitted in the product information. Before buying, you should nevertheless check the specific documents and confirm that your driving licence covers the vehicle.

Battery, range and charging options

Battery capacity is often stated in volts (V) and ampere-hours (Ah). Multiplying these two values gives a rough indication of the energy stored in watt-hours. A 72 V battery with 30 Ah has, mathematically, more stored energy than a 48 V battery with 15.6 Ah. This alone does not guarantee a particular range.

You should also check:

  1. Can the battery be removed?
  2. How long does a full charge take?
  3. Is a spare battery or separate charger available?
  4. How much does the battery weigh?
  5. Under what conditions was the range measured?

An electric motorcycle with an 80 km range may be an attractive option for longer commutes. Even so, it is advisable to allow for a reserve when planning your journeys, particularly in low temperatures or on routes with frequent hills.

Brakes, suspension and load capacity

For everyday journeys, hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes, suitable tyres and effective suspension are important points of comparison. Seat height, vehicle width, turning circle and maximum load capacity are also relevant.

For a two-seater, the stated total load should take account of the weight of both people as well as luggage. An e-scooter with a seat is not automatically approved for two people. The decisive information comes from the individual manufacturer and the vehicle documents.

Our selection by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
[Summer Deals - with Next-Day Delivery] SUNRA FUTURE 2000W EEC Electric Scooter, 72V30Ah Road-Legal Urban E-Motorcycle – Future Black

[Summer Deals - with Next-Day Delivery] SUNRA FUTURE 2000W EEC Electric Scooter, 72V30Ah Road-Legal Urban E-Motorcycle – Future Black

Why this product suits the profile: This model combines a seat, a 72 V/30 Ah battery and a stated range of up to 90 km. The product information lists an EU COC, ECE type approval and use with an insurance number plate.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated vehicle documents make the legal checks more transparent than with a model that has no clearly specified approval documents. You should still compare the range and load capacity with your own riding profile.

Key benefit & strengths

2000 W sports motor, removable 72 V/30 Ah lithium-ion battery, and front and rear disc brakes.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality standards
Mangosteen M1P Electric Motorcycle, 2000W Motor, 60V 30Ah Battery, 45 km/h, 80 km Range, Hydraulic Disc Brakes, Black

Mangosteen M1P Electric Motorcycle, 2000W Motor, 60V 30Ah Battery, 45 km/h, 80 km Range, Hydraulic Disc Brakes, Black

Why this product suits the profile: This vehicle is described as an L1e-B model with EU type approval and an EU COC. It is aimed at buyers who want to combine seating comfort, range and comprehensive technical equipment.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product data specifies not only 45 km/h, but also the battery, charging time, brakes, load capacity and vehicle category. This makes it easier to assess advertising claims against specific parameters.

Key benefit & strengths

2000 W hub motor, removable 60 V/30 Ah battery, stated range of up to 80 km and hydraulic disc brakes.

Suitable for: Specialist uses & frequent riders
KuKirin G2 Foldable Electric Scooter for Adults, Up to 55 km Range, 800W Rated Rear Hub Motor, 45 km/h, 10 Inch Tubeless Tyres, Dual Spring Suspension, 48V 15.6Ah Battery

KuKirin G2 Foldable Electric Scooter for Adults, Up to 55 km Range, 800W Rated Rear Hub Motor, 45 km/h, 10 Inch Tubeless Tyres, Dual Spring Suspension, 48V 15.6Ah Battery

Why this product suits the profile: This foldable e-scooter for adults is designed for compact storage and flexible journeys. The 10-inch tyres and dual suspension may be useful on a range of urban surfaces.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The folding function can help solve storage problems. As the available product data does not include complete details of German road approval, the COC, type approval and insurance must be checked separately before using it on public roads.

Key benefit & strengths

Top speed of 45 km/h, stated range of up to 55 km, 800 W hub motor and tubeless tyres.

Suitable for: City riders needing high performance
KuKirin G2 Ultra Foldable Dual Motor Electric Scooter for Adults, Dual 800W Rated Motors, 50 km/h, Up to 55 km Range, 10 Inch Tubeless Tyres, Dual Spring Suspension, 48V 18Ah Battery

KuKirin G2 Ultra Foldable Dual Motor Electric Scooter for Adults, Dual 800W Rated Motors, 50 km/h, Up to 55 km Range, 10 Inch Tubeless Tyres, Dual Spring Suspension, 48V 18Ah Battery

Why this product suits the profile: The two stated 800 W motors and a 48 V/18 Ah battery will appeal to riders looking for additional power reserves on hills and across varied urban routes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The motor and battery specifications are listed separately. Given the stated top speed of 50 km/h, you should take particular care before buying to establish whether the specific version can be approved for use on German roads.

Key benefit & strengths

Two stated 800 W motors, 48 V/18 Ah battery, folding design and dual suspension.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Running costs and everyday practicality

The electricity costs of an electric motorcycle depend on energy consumption, your electricity tariff and your actual riding style. For a realistic estimate, refer to the battery capacity and consumption per 100 km stated in the product information. You should also factor in the cost of third-party liability insurance, an insurance number plate, possible wear parts, tyres and brake components.

An electric vehicle for city riding should also be capable of being parked securely. For removable batteries, a dry, frost-free place for charging is advisable. Store and charge lithium batteries according to the operating instructions, and regularly inspect the charger, cable and plug connections.

FAQ about electric motorcycles with a top speed of 45 km/h

Which driving licence is required for an electric motorcycle with a top speed of 45 km/h?

For the L1e-B models mentioned here, a category AM driving licence is specified. The product information also lists A1, A2, A and B. You should check the specific entitlement against the vehicle document and your own driving licence. Third-party liability insurance and an insurance number plate are additionally required for use on public roads.

Does an electric scooter with a top speed of 45 km/h need an insurance number plate?

Yes. An approved vehicle in this category generally requires third-party liability insurance and a clearly visible insurance number plate for use on public roads. The product information mentioned states that registration with the vehicle registration authority is not required. The available EU COC documents should be presented to the insurer.

How long does an electric motorcycle battery last?

Service life depends on charging cycles, temperature, storage, state of charge and usage. Avoid extreme heat and cold, use the specified charger and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Before buying, it is worth checking the warranty terms for the battery, motor, controller and frame.