Electric skateboard vs electric scooter
A map of the sector, not a contest
Electric skateboard vs e-scooter: a comparison that oversimplifies
Electric skateboard or e-scooter? The question often comes up among people new to electric micromobility, as if the two met the same need. In reality, they only partly overlap: in France both are allowed on public roads under the EDPM status (the French legal category for powered personal transporters), but their uses differ clearly. The scooter favours a stable standing position with handlebars, handy for a direct urban trip. The electric skateboard, with no handlebars, asks you to learn a balance closer to snowboarding, in return for a different kind of manoeuvrability on uneven ground.
E-bike, e-scooter, skateboard: a map of the categories
The electric micromobility sector covers several product families with distinct uses. The e-bike remains the most widespread and best-regulated category across Europe, with pedal assistance rather than independent propulsion. The e-scooter, in the EDPM category in France, targets short trips in dense urban areas. The electric unicycle appeals to a smaller, more technical audience, with a long learning curve. The electric skateboard sits where mobility meets sporting leisure, with an all-terrain sub-category, to which the Stern' belongs, aimed at terrain the other categories cannot handle (sand, trails, snow).
Trottinette or patinette: a matter of regional vocabulary
In some French-speaking regions, notably Switzerland and Quebec, people say "patinette" rather than "trottinette" for a scooter: same object, different word.
Skateboard or scooter: it all depends on how you will use it
Many buyers compare skateboards and scooters on price before deciding how they will use them. The question is quickly settled once you know your terrain (city only, or city and countryside) and your style (standing with handlebars, or balancing, snowboard-style).
Premium all-terrain, a sub-category of its own
Within the electric skateboard category itself, the premium all-terrain segment has a specific place: a more powerful motor, stronger waterproofing, a longer-range battery, and a higher price as a result. This is the segment the Stern' targets, with a three-wheel design and IP67 waterproofing that set it apart from the lighter urban configurations in the same category.
To go further, compare the electric skateboard with conventional transport, or see the details of the configurations on The Stern' page.
Read also
- E-skate regulations in France, Germany and Spain
E-skate regulations in France, Germany and Spain compared. For up-to-date legal detail, see the Regulations page.
- Evolve skateboard and the other players in Europe
Evolve skateboard, Onsra, Bajaboard: a sourced overview of the all-terrain electric skateboard players in Europe, and where Sternboard fits.
- Electric skateboard rental: hotels and campsites (B2B)
Electric skateboard rental: why rental companies, upmarket hotels and campsites are interested. Figures and our Business offer.