Two categories of ebikes
Cyclists on ebikes must stay in bike paths and bike lanes. There are two categories of ebikes:
slow ebikes (pedal assistance up to 25 km/h)
fast ebikes (pedal assistance up to 45 km/h)
Fast e-bikes are considered to be motorised bicycles (mopeds). Two-wheelers with a motor power of more than 1000 watts or a maximum speed of more than 45 km/h belong to the ‹motorcycle› category.
Minimum age and driving licence
Young people are allowed to ride e-bikes from the age of 14. To do so, they need a category M driving licence (for motorcycles).
From the age of 16, a driving licence is no longer required for slow e-bikes.
For fast e-bikes, everyone needs a driving licence - including adults (at least category M).
Ebike equipment
To hit the road with your ebike, you need:
pumped up tyres (the base fabric must not be visible);
two powerful brakes - one for the front and the other for the rear wheel;
two bicycle lamps with stationary lighting – white front light and red rear light;
a rear-facing red reflector;
a bell.
For faster ebikes you will also need:
a rear view mirror;
a yellow licence plate (and a vehicle registration document).
Slow ebikes with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h
Slow ebikes do not need a licence plate. (Liability in the event of an accident is often included in personal liability insurance - check with your insurance company).
You do not have to wear a helmet, but it is recommended.
You may ride on paths where bicycles are permitted but mopeds are prohibited.
You may also ride across pedestrian areas marked ‹bicycles permitted›.
Fast ebikes with pedal assistance up to 45 km/h
Fast ebikes need a licence plate and an ebike vignette, which you must renew annually. You can obtain these directly from your specialist bicycle store. Otherwise you can contact the road traffic office in your canton (website available in German, French and Italian).
You must wear a helmet.
On cycle paths where mopeds are forbidden, you may only cycle with the engine turned off.
You may only cross pedestrian areas that are marked with ‹bicycles permitted› with the motor turned off.
Bicycle equipment
To hit the road with your bike, you need:
pumped up tyres;
two powerful brakes - one for the front and the other for the rear wheel;
two bicycle lamps with stationary lighting – white front light and red rear light;
Two reflectors - front white and rear red.
The bicycle bell is no longer obligatory, but recommended.
Most important rules for cycling
Bicycles and mopeds are allowed to turn right on red at traffic lights if there is a sign with a yellow bicycle and an arrow. Vehicles coming through a green light and pedestrians have right of way.
Children younger than 6 years of age are allowed to ride a bicycle on main roads, but only under the supervision of a person at least 16 years old.
Children up to 12 years of age may cycle on the pavement/sidewalk - but only if there is no bike lane or bike path. Pedestrians have the right of way.
Neither adults nor children are required to wear a helmet, but it is recommended.
Bicycle vignette
The bicycle vignette was abolished in 2012. Most insurers have automatically included liability for bicycle accidents in their personal liability insurance. Check with your insurance company. If you do not have liability insurance, you are not insured against for any injury or damage you cause to others in a bicycle accident. Insurance claims like these can be very expensive.
If you have further questions about cycling in Switzerland, please contact the road traffic office in your canton (website available in German, French and Italian).
Tips from the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention: On the road with bicycles and ebikes (web page available in German, French and Italian).
Regulations for electric vehicles (web page available in German, French and Italian).