Review: I took the Pure Advance Flex foldable e-scooter out for a spin
Product test
by Lorenz Keller
The term e-mobility refers to transportation solutions that are powered by electrical technology. Micromobility is a subcategory of electromobility, also known as e-mobility. This includes trend vehicles such as e-bikes, e-scooters, electric scooters, electric skateboards and hoverboards.
E-scooters, also called electric scooters, e-scooters, e-kickboards or electric scooters are designed to cover short to medium distances. They are often intended to cover the so-called "last mile", which is often between home and the train station or between the parking lot and the place of work. In Switzerland, small vehicles such as e-scooters are allowed to be used on the road, provided they meet the technical requirements for "light motorized bicycles". The requirements are the same as for slow e-bikes: the maximum design speed must not exceed 20 km/h, the maximum motor power is 500 W, the front and rear lights are fixed and there is a bell. In our range you will find e-scooters from well-known brands like Xiaomi, Segway, Egret and SoFlow.
The hoverboard, which was originally used by the movie character Marty McFly in the Hollywood movie "Back to the Future II", probably still remains a technical challenge. In the meantime, however, self-balancing boards or e-boards have taken over the name. The hoverboard is also called mini-Segway, because it looks similar to the stand-up scooter from Segway. Furthermore, in our hoverboard product category, you can also find motorized unicycles and roller skates. Electric skateboards are skateboards with an electric drive that resemble a classic longboard or freestyle board. They are usually controlled with a remote control. So-called monowheels are designed to give you that surfing and snowboarding feeling on the street and also off-road.
The e-bike is revolutionizing the world of bicycles. Today, there is an electric version for practically every type of bike. Whether it's a mountain bike, city bike, racing bike or trekking bike - every type of bike is now available with an electric motor. The e-bikes are usually powered by a mid-motor that is integrated centrally in the bike. Rear or front wheel motors are less common. E-bikes that reach a maximum speed of 25 km/h with pedal assistance are called pedelecs. Speed pedelecs (S-pedelecs for short), which can travel at speeds of up to 45 km/h, require a license plate.
Electric scooters include hybrids of e-bikes and e-scooters as well as e-mopeds or small electric motorcycles. The requirements for "light motorcycles" also apply to e-scooters. If these are met, the scooters do not require a license plate. If the electric scooters meet the same conditions as S-pedelecs, a control plate must be attached for them. If the e-scooters travel faster than 45 km/h, a type approval must be obtained from the road traffic office and, if necessary, vehicle insurance must be taken out.