Electric outboard motor test & comparison: These are the best 2023 products on the market

What is an electric outboard?

Until many years ago, an electric outboard engine was simply an additional drive, for example on a tender or a small fishing boat. Nowadays, and especially due to new technologies, there are also electric motors that are used as a propulsion engine on a larger boat. This is not least due to their performance, which is sometimes over 1.000 watts and is therefore suitable as a main drive. 

Switching from the classic combustion engine to the electric motor is possible at any time, even on a boat. To make this transition easier, many manufacturers offer electric outboards with different shaft lengths, with remote control and with tiller. There is one limitation, however, because outboard engines rated at 15 kW and larger only have a remote control.

However, it is important to know that not all battery types can actually be used in boats. For this reason, most manufacturers also offer battery systems to ensure compatibility in every case. Small outboard motors often even use a removable battery that is located inside the border.

What should you pay attention to when buying an electric outboard motor?

Basically there are three important points that you need to remember when... Buy an electric outboard motor should definitely pay attention. In addition to the performance and range, this also includes the type of battery. Below you will find in our Electric outboard comparison a small overview of the most important purchasing criteria:

The battery type

Our Electric outboard motor guide already provides information about the differences between the individual batteries. While a lead-acid battery requires regular maintenance and is very heavy but cheap, the lithium-ion battery, for example, requires little maintenance and is light, but is quite expensive. Ultimately, it's entirely up to you which battery you choose at the end of the day.

The battery capacity

The battery life plays a big role because it determines what range the electric outboard ultimately has. It is therefore important to have a powerful battery that is a little more expensive, but has a good range. In addition, a slightly higher-priced battery usually lasts significantly longer, thus reducing follow-up costs in the long run. 

Find numerous Electric outboard motor reviews also provide information that complete battery discharge should be avoided. For this reason, it is recommended to connect the battery to the charger at 80 percent at the latest, although this only applies to a deep cycle battery. 

The range

As a rule, manufacturers indicate the performance in horsepower or kW. These values ​​provide information about how fast you can drive the electric outboard motor. An electric outboard engine can therefore have 15 HP, but also 50 or 80 HP, so that small and large boats can be operated with it. 

It is important to know that only an electric outboard motor with up to 15 HP can be driven without a license. If the service is higher, a corresponding boating license is required, which incurs additional costs.

The thrust

The thrust determines how heavy the ship that needs to be moved can be. As an example, an electric outboard motor weighing 18,1 kilograms can move a boat weighing up to 600 kilograms. In order for the boat to have a reasonable thrust, you should always make sure that the thrust and boat weight are in harmony with each other.

The corridors

Basically, the electric outboard motor has both forward and reverse gears. Depending on the model, the gears can be continuously regulated and adapted to your driving behavior. The number of gears varies greatly, so it is advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the respective product.

Buying an electric outboard motor: specialist retailers vs. Internet

An electric outboard motor is usually available wherever boat accessories and the like are sold. There are now some manufacturers who do this best electric outboard motor included in the portfolio because the topic of electromobility is very important. However, that is Electric outboard motor offer Only limited in stationary retail, so many people use the various sales portals on the Internet.

You don't have online only the possibility one affordable electric outboard motor from a well-known manufacturer, but you can also buy one directly Electric outboard motor price comparison carry out. In summary we can say that you online You will find a significantly larger selection, although the delivery time varies greatly and depends on the respective provider. The following manufacturers present their portfolio online:

• Terena
• Miganeo
• VidaXL
• Better
• Oukaning
• Rhino

Is there an electric outboard motor test from Stiftung Warentest?

Unfortunately there isn't one yet Electric outboard motor test from consumer magazine, so we don't give you one either Electric outboard motor test winner able to imagine. However, if you are interested in e-bikes or hybrid cars and the corresponding batteries, you will find interesting tests from 2006 and 2023 at Stiftung Warentest. 

Conclusion on the electric outboard motor

No matter whether it is a car, a bus, a motorcycle or a Bicycle the electric motor plays an increasingly important role. You can now find this fact more in the maritime sector, because here too, smaller and larger boats can be equipped with an electric outboard motor. It is available with different performance and features so that it can easily adapt to the respective boat.