Buying guide
Electric moped for commuting, school and city traffic
An electric moped gets you around quietly and without petrol, charging at home instead of stopping at the pump. Start by choosing the speed class, because it decides which licence and insurance you need. Then compare battery, range, seats and load capacity against how you will actually ride.
In short
- Three levels: 25 km/h electric mopeds, 45 km/h electric mopeds and light electric motorcycles for the A1 licence.
- The vehicle class sets the licence, insurance and registration – choose it first.
- Compare battery type (lithium or lead), removable battery and charging time.
- Check seats, maximum load and storage for your daily routine.
- 2-year warranty (in addition to your statutory rights) and help from our customer service.
How to choose the right electric moped
Which electric moped class do you need?
EU type approval splits electric mopeds into classes. L1e-A vehicles are limited to 25 km/h and 1 kW, L1e-B mopeds to 45 km/h and 4 kW, and the fastest models are L3e-A1 light motorcycles. A 45 km/h moped requires an AM licence, and A1 models an A1 licence; the EU base age for both is 16, but countries may set it lower or higher. Registration, insurance and helmet rules are national, so check them where you live. See Your Europe for licence categories.
Range and battery on an electric moped
Battery energy decides how far you get. Voltage multiplied by amp hours gives an approximate figure in watt hours that you can compare between models. Stated range is the manufacturer's figure under favourable conditions; high speed, heavy loads, hills and cold weather shorten it. Lithium batteries weigh less and last more charge cycles, while lead batteries are heavier and lose capacity faster but often lower the price.
Removable battery and charging
If there is no socket where you park, a removable battery is practical: you carry it inside and charge it indoors. Check the battery weight, as a large pack can weigh more than ten kilograms. Charging time varies between models and chargers and is stated per model. Use the supplied charger and follow the manual for winter storage, since cold affects both range and charging.
Motor power, brakes and ride comfort
Tell nominal power apart from peak power – the nominal figure says most about how the electric moped copes with hills and a passenger. Compare the brakes (disc or drum, and whether front and rear brakes are combined), suspension, wheel size and seat height. Larger wheels and good suspension make a big difference on uneven streets.
Seats, maximum load and storage
The maximum load covers rider, passenger and luggage together. To carry a passenger, the electric moped must be approved for two people, and passenger rules differ between classes and countries. Also look at under-seat storage, a luggage rack and room for a top box if you shop or commute with a bag.
Electric moped, moped-style e-bike or e-scooter?
An electric moped is a type-approved motor vehicle. If you want pedals and bicycle rules, choose a moped-style electric bike instead. For off-road riding there is the electric dirt bike, and for short trips on a light vehicle an electric scooter with seat.
Maintenance, spare parts and warranty
Check tyre pressure, brakes and lights regularly and keep the battery charged during longer breaks as the manual describes. The electric moped comes with a 2-year warranty, in addition to your statutory rights. If you need help with a part or a setting, give the exact model and version to customer service.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a licence for an electric moped?
For a 45 km/h electric moped you need an AM licence, and the fastest models need an A1 licence. Rules for 25 km/h models, minimum ages, registration and insurance are national, so check the rules in your country before you buy.
How far does an electric moped go on one charge?
It depends on battery size, speed, load and temperature. Compare the manufacturer's stated range together with the battery capacity, and expect a shorter distance in the cold, on hills and with a passenger.
Is a lithium battery better than a lead battery in an electric moped?
Lithium weighs less, lasts more charge cycles and holds its capacity better over time. Lead is heavier and ages faster but makes the electric moped cheaper to buy. Choose based on how often and how far you ride.
Can you charge an electric moped from a normal socket?
Electric mopeds are charged with the supplied charger. If the model has a removable battery, you can take the battery inside and charge it indoors. Check the charging time and connection in the exact model's manual.
What is the difference between an electric moped and a moped-style e-bike?
An electric moped is a type-approved motor vehicle driven by the motor without pedalling. A moped-style e-bike has working pedals and basically follows the bicycle rules, even though it looks like a moped.