Test: Mobile in the harbour with e-longboard, electric scooter or folding bike

Electric scooters have been officially authorised for road use in Germany since July 2019. The new means of transport are practical, as they allow you to get to your destination without any effort. The small electric vehicles are also interesting for water sports enthusiasts because they can be stowed away to save space and make the journey to the bakery or the nearest shop much easier. This puts them in direct competition with folding bikes. But can eScooters or eLongboards really replace the compact bike? A system comparison between a Brompton folding bike, an SXT Light electric scooter and a motorised longboard from Evolve shows the strengths and weaknesses of the various options.

Legal framework

According to the new Small Electric Vehicles Ordinance, eScooters with the correct brakes, lights and an insurance sticker are permitted on cycle paths and roads with a maximum speed of 20 kilometres per hour and a maximum drive power of 500 watts. The electric longboard, on the other hand, is not authorised for road use in Germany. In Denmark, it may be used on the cycle path, but only with lights, reflectors and a maximum speed of 20 kilometres per hour.

Folding bike: Proven classic

The Brompton folding bike we tested is a proven all-rounder for short and longer tours. Even the three-speed version is very comfortable to ride. In addition to the pannier rack, a handlebar bag can also be mounted, making the Brompton a practical load donkey. It is very stable on tarmac and the tyres roll easily. The folding bike also masters gravel and firm country lanes without any problems, although the narrow, hard-packed tyres can cause vibrations when ridden at speed.

Technical data Brompton

• Weight: 12.3 kg
• Pack size: 60 x 29.5 x 61 cm
• Gears: 3
• Price: 1100 Euro

Driving behaviour

Asphalt: Very comfortable and stable. The tyres run very smoothly, so even longer tours are no challenge.

Gravel: Rides perfectly. However, the narrow, hard-inflated tyres cause vibrations when riding quickly.

Firm clay: The dirt track can also be mastered without any problems, rolling behaviour and ground clearance are good.

Electric scooters: compact and manoeuvrable

The SXT Light eScooter is very easy and intuitive to control. You can get started straight away, even without practice. It rides quickly and comfortably on asphalt, while the solid rubber tyres with air chambers minimise vibrations. Small bumps are absorbed by the shock absorbers. On gravel, the speed drops to 12-15 km/h and the scooter vibrates more strongly. Tracks and dirt tracks with grass do not cause any difficulties, it just moves a little slower. The eScooter impresses with its easy handling and compact pack size.

Technical data SXT Light e-scooter

• Weight: 11.4 kg
• Pack size: 96 x 31.5 x 15 cm
• Range: 30 km
• Maximum speed: 25 km/h
• Price: 995 Euro

Driving behaviour

AsphaltRides very well and quickly. The solid rubber tyres with air chambers minimise vibrations and small bumps are absorbed by the shock absorbers.

BallastCoarse stones increase the resistance enormously and impair traction. The SXT Light then still manages around 12 to 15 km/h and vibrates strongly.

Firm clay: Tracks and dirt tracks with grass do not cause any difficulties, it is just a little slower.

E-longboard: fun mobility with restrictions

The motorised longboard from Evolve is surprisingly easy to ride even without skateboarding experience and is a lot of fun to ride. With a total of 4 hp, the motor power is ample and inclines or rough ground are no problem. The wide all-terrain pneumatic tyres provide good cushioning and make the board suitable for off-road use. Traction remains good even on gravel and loose surfaces. The possible speed of up to 36 km/h is impressive, but can be controlled very well. The biggest drawback is the lack of a road licence in Germany.

Technical data Evolve GTR Carbon E-Longboard

• Weight: 10.7 kg
• Pack size: 113.5 x 32 x 18 cm
• Range: 30 km
• Maximum speed: 36 km/h
• Price: 2799 Euro

Driving behaviour

Asphalt: Comfortable, easy to control and very fast. The wide pneumatic tyres cushion well. Longer trips are no problem.

Gravel: Even rough and loose ground hardly upsets the board. Traction is good. However, strong vibrations occur when riding quickly.

Firm clay: Thanks to the comparatively high ground clearance, bumps are no obstacle, and even maintaining balance is hardly made more difficult. The engine power is more than sufficient.

Conclusion: Every system has its strengths

A direct comparison shows that each of the systems tested has its specific advantages and disadvantages. The folding bike remains the most versatile option for longer journeys and poorer roads. The eScooter scores points for ease of use and is ideal for short journeys on paved surfaces. The eLongboard offers the highest fun factor, but is legally restricted. Which system is best suited ultimately depends on the individual purpose and local conditions.

There is another option for small boats

Bicycles can be hired in many harbours. The charges are usually quite reasonable. In return, you get a fully-fledged bike, only the state of maintenance is beyond your control. This option is particularly attractive if storage space on board is very limited. After all, a folding bike or scooter is usually not enough if the crew of two wants to go on an excursion. Not only does space have to be planned for one vehicle, but also a mobile vehicle for each crew member.