Riding an Electric Scooter

What types of electric scooters are there? Are they expensive to buy?
Can electric scooters be used everywhere?
In this article, our blogger Alain Dierckx reviews some of the specifics of this new soft mobility device.

More and more electric scooters

Redion's mobility survey shows that nearly three-quarters of Belgians are in favour of more sustainable mobility. The electric car is seen as the main mode of transport of the future, provided road infrastructure improves and more charging points become available. Lighter mobility options, such as bicycles and electric scooters, are seen as alternative modes of transport, particularly in suburbs and cities. The electric scooter (e-scooter or e-step) is particularly popular with young people.

How does an electric scooter work?

The electric scooter runs on rechargeable batteries, which means the rider doesn't need to propel themselves (by pushing off the ground) to move forward, but only needs to operate a throttle.

The distance you can cover with a fully charged battery depends on the scooter model, but generally covers between 20 and 45 kilometres. Charging takes several hours.

The maximum speed of an electric scooter depends on the model and is generally limited to 25 km/h. Most electric scooters are foldable, making them an interesting mode of transport that can be combined with public transport.

Are there different types of electric scooters?

Besides the "standard" e-scooter, which is very similar to a manual scooter, there are also scooters with a seat that make riding more comfortable.

Special versions are also on sale: an off-road version, designed for rough terrain, and a fast version that can reach speeds of up to 85 km/h and even more (these speeds are not allowed on public roads)!

For children, there are suitable models, lighter and cheaper than adult versions.

How much does an electric scooter cost?

The price of a "standard" model ranges from €150 to €600.
A model with a seat can cost up to €1,500.
You can find electric scooters for children starting from €120. Off-road versions and fast versions for adults can cost up to €3,000.

What traffic rules must you follow?

An electric scooter does not require registration, you don't need a specific insurance policy (although third-party liability insurance is strongly recommended), and wearing a helmet is not mandatory (but also strongly recommended). There are insurance policies on the market that cover theft of this type of device.

The maximum speed of an e-scooter on public roads is limited to 25 kilometres/hour.

Currently, there is no minimum age required to ride an e-scooter. Soon, a change in the law will require riders to be at least 16 years old to ride an electric scooter on public roads. As a result, you will no longer be able to ride in pedestrian zones, whereas today you are allowed to do so at walking pace. In pedestrian zones, e-scooters will only be allowed (at walking pace) if indicated by a road sign.

Finally, it will also be forbidden to carry two people on the same device, and parking violations will be punished much more severely.

10 tips for riding an electric scooter worry-free

• Wear a helmet, even though it's not mandatory.
• When buying, check the maximum weight the scooter can support.
• Choose a model with a screen showing useful information such as distance, speed, etc.
• Invest in high-performance brakes to minimise braking distance as much as possible.
• Make sure you have good (LED) lighting at the front and back.
• Choose an e-scooter that isn't too heavy if you plan to carry it in your car or on public transport.
• Full suspension increases riding comfort.
• Don't forget to secure your scooter with a lock or an alarm.
• Adjust your speed in case of uneven surfaces or potholes in the road.
• If possible, choose a scooter with a safety feature (warning you of a short circuit, an overload...)

Want to be well insured in case of a problem with your electric scooter?
Discover Redion's Bike insurance.