If you have ever compared electric scooters, you have probably noticed that power figures are anything but clear. That is hardly surprising. There is no unified standard, so manufacturers and sellers often present whichever number suits them best. On one website you will see peak power, on another nominal power, and sometimes even something called maximum power—without any explanation.
The result? Two scooters with the same headline number that behave completely differently in real-world riding. In this article, we will explain what these power figures actually mean and how to compare scooters correctly.
Why power figures are so confusing
The main reason is simple: there is no single, globally accepted way to define or present scooter power. Different countries apply different regulations for approval and operation, which directly affects how performance is stated. On top of that, higher numbers look better in marketing—and peak values are always more eye-catching.
As a customer, you will most commonly encounter three approaches:
- only nominal power listed
- only peak power listed
- both values listed together
At first glance, the numbers may look comparable, but technically they describe very different things. Sometimes you will also see the term maximum power. In that case, it is essential to verify what the figure actually refers to, because power is one of the key parameters that directly affects acceleration, climbing ability, and overall riding feel.
What is nominal power—and why it matters most
Nominal power (often referred to as rated power) is the output that the scooter—or its motors—can deliver continuously over a long period of time without overheating or excessive wear. In simple terms, this is the power level the scooter operates at most of the time.
The drivetrain, electronics, and cooling system are all designed around this value. A scooter can maintain nominal power from a full battery down to a low charge while delivering stable performance and consistent speed.
The downside is that nominal power is difficult to measure accurately. Proper testing requires specialized dynamometers that simulate real load conditions—equipment typically available only at a handful of facilities across Europe. This is why many sellers avoid publishing this figure altogether.
What is peak power
Peak power is the maximum output the system can deliver for a very short time under ideal conditions. In most cases, this level is only achievable when the battery is fully charged and usually only for a few seconds.
Its biggest advantage is that it is easy to calculate:
Pₚₑₐₖ = N × Uₘₐₓ × Iₘₐₓ
Where:
- N = number of motors
- Uₘₐₓ = maximum battery voltage at full charge
- Iₘₐₓ = maximum current the controller can supply
It is important to understand that this value is largely theoretical. You will not be riding at peak power continuously—and often not even repeatedly. Is it a particularly useful number on its own? In our view, not really.
That said, we still list peak power for all scooters in our e-shop, simply because it is a widely requested parameter. To remain transparent, we therefore provide both nominal and peak power wherever possible.
Why some brands list only one power figure
There are several reasons:
- the value is easy to calculate
- it looks better on paper
- it makes the product appear more powerful than competitors
The real problem arises when peak power of one scooter is compared to nominal power of another. That comparison is technically incorrect and highly misleading. On paper, a weaker scooter may even appear more powerful than a genuinely stronger one.
Practical example: Teverun Fighter Mini Pro
Let’s look at a real-world example.
The Teverun Fighter Mini Pro features:
- 2,000 W nominal power
- 3,360 W peak power
- two motors, each rated at 1,000 W nominal
What does this mean in practice?
- 2,000 W nominal
This is the power level the scooter can sustain during continuous riding—stable speed, everyday loads, and no overheating. - 3,360 W peak
This power is available during take-off, hard acceleration, or when climbing steep hills. It is what makes the scooter feel responsive and lively.
The key point is that the scooter does not ride permanently at 3,360 W. Peak power is short-term, but it significantly improves performance exactly when the rider needs it most.
When choosing an electric scooter, always make sure you are comparing the same type of power figures. And if only one number is listed, take the time to find out what it actually represents.