1. the drum brake - low maintenance & reliable

The drum brake is a closed brake system. When braking, brake pads press against a rotating drum from the inside - this creates the deceleration. As the system is completely encapsulated, it remains largely protected from water, dirt and salt.

General note on mechanical brakes: Both drum and disc brakes can lose their effectiveness during long downhill rides and continuous braking. This effect - often referred to as "glazing" - occurs when the braking surfaces harden due to the constant build-up of heat. This is precisely why the engine brake is regularly used in cars on long mountain passes.

Advantages of the drum brake

• Very reliable in all weathers
• Hardly susceptible to dirt or moisture
• Very low maintenance
• Consistent braking feel
• Longer service life of the brake components

Disadvantages of the drum brake

• Slightly lower braking performance than high-quality disc brakes
• Less "snappy" with very sporty riding

2. the disc brake - high braking power & sporty character

With the disc brake, brake pads press against a rotating disc. This system offers a very direct braking effect and is particularly useful at high speeds or with powerful engines.

Advantages of the Disc brake

• Very high braking power
• Direct, sporty brake response
• Ideal for high speeds or high peak performance

Disadvantages of the disc brake

• Higher maintenance requirements (adjustment, grinding, wear)
• More sensitive to dirt, water and salt
• Susceptible to knocks or impacts, e.g. during transportation or contact with a kerb
• Can squeak or grind when dirty or if not perfectly adjusted

3. the electric recuperation brake - efficient & wear-free

In addition to mechanical brakes, many modern e-scooters use an electric recuperation brake. The motor itself brakes by reversing the direction of the current and recovers energy in the process.

How does the recuperation brake work?

When braking, the motor acts like a generator. The resistance generated slows down the vehicle while some of the energy flows back into the battery. This ensures smooth, even braking - without mechanical wear.

Advantages of the recuperation brake

• Completely wear-free
• Gentle, controlled braking
• Energy recovery while driving
• Supports the main brake and protects its components

Limits of recuperation

• Less effective than mechanical brakes
• Only available to a limited extent when the battery is full
• Not a substitute for a powerful front brake

Important to know: Depending on the setting, recuperation can brake very powerfully and is even stronger than the mechanical rear brake on some models at high speeds. However, its effect decreases as the speed drops. Recuperation remains functional even when the battery is fully charged, as the excess energy is dissipated as heat. Authorities such as TÜV therefore explicitly test the braking performance even when the battery is 100% full.

4 Which braking system is more reliable?

There is no general answer to this question - both systems have clear strengths. The most reliable is often a combination of mechanical brakes at the front and recuperation at the rear, as used on many VMAX e-scooters.

5. FAQ