E-bike regulations and cycling rules in Switzerland
Will I be fined for e-biking without a helmet or for cycling on the pavement? Comparis explains cycling and e-bike regulations in Switzerland.
26.09.2024
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1. General cycling rules in Switzerland
Anyone cycling in Switzerland must comply with various rules. The rules are for the safety of all road users.
Traffic rules: when riding a bike, you must follow the same traffic rules as motorists. Observe traffic signs and adhere to access and traffic light regulations.
Equipment: your bike must be equipped with functioning brakes, inflated tires, a white front light and a red rear light as well as two reflectors (front white and rear red).
Mandatory lights: in conditions of poor visibility or darkness, you must switch on your front and rear lights.
Use of bicycle lanes: ride in the bicycle lane if one is available. Otherwise, cycle on the road on the right-hand side. Avoid riding on the pavement.
Carrying passengers: you can only have passengers on your bike if it is designed for this purpose. In other words, bicycles must have suitable seats for passengers.
Driving under the influence of alcohol: cycling with an alcohol level of 0.5 parts per thousand runs the risk of a fine. From 0.8 parts per thousand, cycling under the influence of alcohol is considered grossly negligent.
After they have turned six years old, children may cycle alone on main roads. Before that age, they must be accompanied by a person at least 16 years of age.
Until the age of 12, children may ride bikes on the pavement, provided that there are no bike paths or bike lanes.
2. E-bike regulations in Switzerland
An e-bike is a bicycle with an electric motor, which assists the rider in pedalling.
There are two types of e-bikes in Switzerland: slow e-bikes (up to 25km/h) and fast e-bikes (up to 45km/h). Besides the generally applicable bike rules, e-bike riders must comply with additional regulations. These vary depending on the type of e-bike (information correct as at July 2024):
Slow e-bikes (25km/h): regulations in Switzerland
Assisted pedalling up to a maximum of 25km/h is permitted.
You don’t need a licence plate.
There is no helmet requirement for slow e-bikes.
The minimum age is 14 years.
People between the ages of 14 and 16 need a driving licence for category M. From the age of 16, a driving licence is no longer mandatory.
An official examination is not required.
There is a daytime light requirement for slow e-bikes. You must ride with the lights on, both during the day and at night.
Reflectors are required and must face towards the rear.
Rear-view mirrors are not required.
Riding on bike paths and bike lanes is permitted.
The transport of children as passengers is permitted.
There is no requirement for a speedometer.
A bicycle bell is mandatory.
Fast e-bikes (45km/h): regulations in Switzerland
Assisted pedalling up to a maximum of 45km/h is permitted.
For fast e-bikes, a yellow licence plate is mandatory. In addition, you need a moped vignette.
A helmet requirement applies when riding fast e-bikes. The helmet must comply with the European standard 1078.
The minimum age is 14 years.
A driving licence for category M or higher is required.
An official examination is mandatory.
There is a daytime light requirement for fast e-bikes. You must drive with the lights on, both during the day and at night.
Reflectors are required and must face towards the rear.
Rear-view mirrors are compulsory.
Riding on bike paths and bike lanes is only allowed with the motor switched off.
The transport of children as passengers is permitted.
A requirement for a speedometer has been in effect since 1 April 2024.
A bicycle bell is mandatory.
3. E-bikes and bicycles: frequent violations and fines
Here are the costs of common traffic violations with an e-bike or bicycle:
| Violation | Fine | Applicable to |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing a red light | 60 francs | Bicycles and e-bikes |
| No complete stop at a stop sign | 30 francs | Bicycles and e-bikes |
| Riding on the pavement | 40 francs | Bicycles and e-bikes |
| Riding in a pedestrian zone | 30 francs | Bicycles and e-bikes |
| Failure to use bicycle lanes and bike paths (if available) | 30 francs | Bicycles and e-bikes |
| Disregarding the right of way at zebra crossings | 40 francs | Bicycles and e-bikes |
| Completely letting go of the handlebars | 20 francs | Bicycles and e-bikes |
| Driving without lights in the dark on an illuminated road | 40 francs | Bicycles and e-bikes |
| Disregarding the daytime light requirement | 20 francs | E-bikes |
| Riding without a bell | 20 francs | E-bikes |
| Riding without a rear-view mirror | 20 francs | Fast e-bikes |
| Failure to wear a helmet | 30 francs | Fast e-bikes |
| Failure to comply with the speedometer requirement | 20 francs | Fast e-bikes |
Source: TCS (as of July 2024)
Is your liability cover sufficient?
If you ride a bike or a slow e-bike (up to max. 25km/h) and cause damage to another person, the financial consequences are generally covered by personal liability insurance. However, the exact conditions may vary from insurer to insurer.
4. FAQs about cycling rules and e-bike regulations in Switzerland
The general speedometer requirement for fast e-bikes only applies for the time being to new vehicles registered from 1 April 2024. If you register your e-bike before this date, you have time until 1 April 2027 to equip the e-bike with a speedometer.
The alcohol limit for cyclists and e-bike riders is 0.5 parts per thousand. Anyone who exceeds this limit runs the risk of fines.
If a value of 0.8 parts per thousand is exceeded, this is considered gross negligence. The authority can then order a cycling ban. If alcoholism is also proven, you risk losing your driving licence.
If you exceed 0.8 parts per thousand on a fast e-bike, your driving licence be revoked for several months.
During the day, only the front light must be switched on. In conditions of poor visibility or darkness, the rear light must also be switched on.
No. You are only allowed to ride a tuned e-bike on private property, but not on public roads.
Bicycles and e-bikes may not cross a red light. There’s an exception if a black and yellow sign with a bicycle and an arrow is attached to the traffic light. In this case, you can also turn right at the red light.
