Big battery, tame motor - Ausom L1 e-scooter with ABE tested

The L1 from Ausom is large and heavy. Visually, it has an SUV look. It does not offer functions such as app control, recuperation, localization or immobilizer. Instead, the manufacturer relies on a 998 Wh battery and high-performance brakes.

The suspension offers reserves, but could be more sensitive. Overall, the L1 is very unagitated but functional.

Ausom offers the L1 scooter in different versions. These differ in terms of the number of motors installed, the battery capacity and the maximum top speed. However, only one version has road approval (ABE).

The RRP of the ABE model is 599 euros. Our test model comes from Geekbuying from a European warehouse and is delivered duty-free.

Ausom offers a wide range of e-scooters. We have already had the pleasure of testing the L2 Max without ABE and found out how stable e-scooters can be even at high speeds. The L1 with ABE is visually very similar to the L2 Max.

In Germany, e-scooters may have a maximum speed limit of 20 km/h and require an insurance license plate. The test version of the Ausom L1 is eligible for registration.

The Ausom L1 is supplied in a slim cardboard box. Assembly does not take much time. The display must be inserted into a bracket on the handlebars. In addition, the handlebars must be fixed with four screws and the front light must be mounted.

The manufacturer supplies the appropriate tools. The box also contains rubber caps to cover the large nuts and a decorative strip for the footboard - we have not fitted these.

The Ausome L1 impresses with its harmonious contact points. The footboard is attractively wide and also non-slip thanks to the hatching. The manufacturer has installed ergonomic grips on the handlebars. Visually, the front wheel guide with pushed swingarm catches the eye.

The L1 has suspension on both wheels. The preload of the coil springs can be adjusted, but the corresponding tool is not supplied.

On the handlebar of the Ausom L1 is an LED headlight that could also be used on bicycles. The light output is okay, but there are shadowy areas in the light image at medium distances. There is no high beam function.

Ausom installs LED indicators on the handlebar ends, which fortunately do not require an acoustic signal. The scooter does not offer automatic resetting of the indicators. At the rear, an LED rear light with brake light function attracts attention.

Ausom does not use an app to control the e-scooter. Accordingly, no driving data, locations or charging statuses can be called up using a smartphone. Settings can only be made via the menu on the 4.5-inch LC-display.

The manufacturer advertises unlocking via NFC. This is easily possible with the card supplied. Alternatively, the scooter can be unlocked using a numerical code. The L1 does not have an alarm system or immobilizer. The scooter can be easily pushed away, but the drive cannot be activated without a card or code.

Ausom advertises the scooter's off-road capabilities. At least on cycle paths without asphalt, the L1 cuts a fine figure. The e-scooter rides safely and is not fazed by potholes.

However, the suspension is not particularly sensitive. Rough bumps are filtered out, but the e-scooter passes on short bumps such as cobblestones dryly. The coarse-tread tires are convincing. Although they make a rather loud rolling noise, the grip reserves are surprisingly good on both asphalt and unpaved roads. Even on wet roads, the L1 is able to take tight bends without hesitation.

Unlike the L2 Max, the handlebar of the L1 can be adjusted in height. Together with the generous footboard and the ergonomic fin grips, this makes for a comfortable riding position. Only the throttle, which is designed as a finger grip, is uncomfortable in the long run. The e-scooter does not have cruise control.

It is strange that the speedometer displays a maximum speed of 22 km/h, even though the scooter reaches significantly higher speeds downhill.

The acceleration of the Ausom L1 is gentle - this is also evident in our comparison table. It hardly makes a difference in which mode the L1 is driven. Eco, Sport and Race are available as driving modes. However, these mainly affect the top speed: 10, 15 or 22 km/h according to the speedometer.

Acceleration is very linear and does not surprise even inexperienced drivers. The top speed is regulated harmoniously. The Ausom L1 impresses with its brakes. These are controlled mechanically and have to be braked. However, the system then delivers excellent braking performance and remains easy to control.

Ausom installs a large battery with a capacity of 998 Wh. The manufacturer promises a range of up to 90 kilometers. On a test lap of just under 20 kilometers, we determined a consumption of 19.4 Wh per kilometer and a calculated range of 50 kilometers on one battery charge. The scooter is almost always driven at full throttle and has to cope with inclines.

Charging takes place at a maximum of 89 watts and the charging power remains stable. The battery cannot be removed. The charging flap is spring-loaded, protects against splash water and is easily accessible. A full charge takes over ten hours.

With the L1, Ausom concentrates on the essentials. It offers hardly any smart functions, but safe riding characteristics and a long range. However, the motor is rather toothless.