Published on 21.10.2025 by ms
More and more people in Switzerland are choosing an e-bike – whether for the commute to work, sporty tours or simply a comfortable ride from A to B.
E-bikes are trendy, because they combine riding fun with efficiency and sustainability.
According to one study, there is an e-bike in every third Swiss household.
With their growing popularity, however, come new challenges and regulations designed to ensure road safety. In this article you will learn which rules apply and what you should pay attention to.
E-bikes are divided into two categories:
- Slow e-bikes up to 25 km/h
- Fast e-bikes up to 45 km/h
Fast e-bikes are considered mopeds (motorised bicycles). They are sometimes also referred to as „S-pedelecs". If two-wheelers have a maximum speed of more than 45 km/h or a motor power of over 1,000 watts, they fall into the «motorcycle» category.
Which driving licence do you need for an e-bike?
- Fast e-bikes: for fast e-bikes even adults need a category M licence.
- Slow e-bikes: from the age of 14 you may ride an e-bike. For this you need the category M driving licence. From the age of 16 you no longer need a driving licence.
Further information on obtaining the category M driving licence can be found on our page „The new driver's license".
Which regulations apply to e-bikes?
Different regulations apply to electric bicycles than to ordinary bicycles without electric pedal assistance. Regardless of this, e-bike riders must of course also know and follow the applicable traffic rules and traffic signals in Switzerland.
The regulations and equipment also distinguish between slow and fast e-bikes.
Slow e-bikes:
- Have no number plate
- There is no obligation to wear a helmet, but a helmet is recommended
- On routes with a no-entry sign for mopeds, slow electric bicycles are allowed to ride
- May ride on pedestrian areas marked „cycling permitted"
Fast e-bikes:
- Have a yellow number plate and require a vignette
- Wearing a helmet is mandatory
- A rear-view mirror is compulsory
- On routes with a no-entry sign for mopeds, fast electric bicycles may only ride with the motor switched off
- Pedestrian areas marked „cycling permitted" may only be used with the motor switched off
Important for everyone riding a fast e-bike: since April 2024 all electric bicycles newly put into circulation must be equipped with a speedometer. Older e-bikes must be retrofitted with a speedometer by 1 April 2027.
For all e-bikes the following applies: they must be equipped with a daytime running light and a bell.
Both categories must be equipped with at least a steady light shining red to the rear and white to the front. A red rear reflector facing backwards is also mandatory for all e-bikes.
All e-bike riders must ride on cycle paths and cycle lanes.
E-scooters, also known as electric kick scooters, fall into the same category as slow e-bikes. They may not be used on traffic areas reserved for pedestrians.
Today there are many electric trend vehicles such as hoverboards, solowheels or e-skateboards that may not be used on public roads because they have no road approval. Be sure to check before buying whether these vehicles have road approval.
Non-electric vehicles such as kick scooters or skateboards are not subject to an approval requirement, as they are considered vehicle-like devices.
E-bikes offer an environmentally friendly, flexible and increasingly popular alternative in road traffic. Whether for the commute to work or leisure – with the right model and in compliance with the regulations you can travel safely and relaxed. Anyone choosing an e-bike should do their research before buying, in order to find a model that meets both personal needs and legal requirements.
