You want to leave the car at home more often. Or you are done with the crowded bus. Then you soon end up with two options: the e-step and the e-bike. Both electric, both up to 25 km/h. But they suit a very different kind of day.
In short
- E-step: for short trips in the city, combined with the train, and when you want to arrive looking sharp.
- E-bike: for longer distances outside the city, with shopping on the back.
Arrive looking sharp
On an e-step you step on, accelerate with your thumb and go. No pedalling. So you arrive the way you left: in a suit, a dress or heels. For anyone heading to the office or a client, that often settles it.
Add the train
An e-step can travel free on the train and metro, even at rush hour. So you ride from home to the station, get on and ride the last stretch to the office. One vehicle, door to door. A regular e-bike can only come along outside rush hour, with a bike ticket. Read taking your e-step on public transport.
Quick off the lights
An e-step pulls away instantly, without you having to push off. In the city, with lots of traffic lights and crowds, it rides comfortably and nimbly.
Parking
An e-step is shorter than a bike. At home you put it in the hallway, storage room or shed. At work often in the bike shed or even inside.
Rules
| E-step | E-bike | |
|---|---|---|
| Licence plate | Yes, arranged for you with the SELANA Alpha | No |
| WA insurance | Required, from EUR 6,28 per month | Not required |
| Driving licence and helmet | Not required, from age 16 | Not required |
| Where you ride | Cycle or moped path | Cycle path |
More about the rules in e-step rules 2026.
What it costs
The SELANA Alpha costs from EUR 1.900,00, plus a one-off EUR 55,00 for the licence plate. A good e-bike is often around or above that amount. What you spend per year on insurance and maintenance, we work out in what an e-step costs per year.
Which suits you?
Choose an e-step if you live in or near the city, make trips of a few kilometres, want to combine it with the train or want to arrive fresh.
Choose an e-bike if you ride long distances outside the city, like to get some exercise on the way or often carry shopping.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim business kilometres with an e-step?
Yes. The tax-free mileage allowance of EUR 0,25 per kilometre (2026) applies to any means of transport, if you agree it with your employer. More in an e-step from work.
Is an e-step as safe as an e-bike?
If you follow the rules, yes. We recommend a helmet on both.
Feel the difference yourself. Book a test ride or see the SELANA Alpha.
