Electric bikes capable of reaching speeds of 45 km/h, also known as speed pedelecs , are increasingly popular with commuters in Switzerland. They allow users to replace their cars for journeys of 10 to 30 km, while still remaining on two wheels. However, as soon as an e-bike provides assistance up to 45 km/h, it is no longer considered a simple bicycle: the law classifies it as a high-speed moped , subject to strict regulations regarding purchase, registration, and insurance.
Before buying a 45 km/h electric bike , it's essential to understand the regulations. Otherwise, you risk ending up with an unregistered, poorly insured, or even illegal speed bike.
Understanding the 45 km/h electric bike category
What's called a speed pedelec, 45 km/h
In Switzerland, a 45 km/h electric bike is an e-bike whose pedal assistance works up to 45 km/h, with a motor power of up to 1000 W. It falls under the category of "fast electric bikes" or e-bike / e-bike 45 according to the TCS and Swiss law.
In practical terms, it's no longer a simple recreational e-bike: it's classified as a high-speed moped . This means it requires a yellow license plate, a sticker, a license, and mandatory equipment, just like a conventional motorized vehicle.
Difference with a classic 25 km/h e-bike
A "slow" e-bike limited to 25 km/h requires neither a license plate nor a sticker, and for adults aged 16 and over, no specific license is required. Private liability insurance is generally sufficient to cover damage caused to third parties.
The 45 km/h speed pedelec , however, must be treated like a moped: registration, annual insurance sticker, specific traffic regulations, and mandatory helmet use. This framework makes all the difference when buying a speed pedelec in Switzerland .
How to properly prepare for the purchase of a speed pedelec in Switzerland
Verify the approval and conformity
The first criterion for buying a 45 km/h electric bike is to ensure that the model is approved for use in Switzerland . It must have a certificate of conformity (CoC), a manufacturer's plate, and be clearly classified as a fast electric bike, with the assistance speed and motor power indicated.
Without this certification, you risk not being able to register the bicycle. For online or international purchases, it is essential to request the necessary documents before signing anything, especially if you intend to register it later in Switzerland.
Check the engine power, battery, and brakes.
A speed bike capable of 45 km/h requires a powerful motor, a sufficiently large battery, and a braking system designed for the speed. Safety organizations remind us that the increased weight and higher speed demand robust and well-maintained components.
When buying, check the battery capacity (in Wh), the type of brakes (ideally hydraulic discs), and the frame quality. It's not just a matter of comfort, but also of safety at 45 km/h on public roads.
Choose a seller who understands the regulations
For regulations regarding the purchase of a 45 km/h e-bike , it's best to choose a retailer who is familiar with Swiss rules. Some specialized shops or websites clearly explain the procedures for license plates, registration stickers, and permits for 45 km/h e-bikes, and can even handle some of the paperwork.
A good salesperson should be able to provide you with the necessary registration documents, advise you on the appropriate helmet, and clarify the insurance and warranty conditions.
Post-purchase formalities: license plate, registration sticker and vehicle registration document
Speed bike registration: yellow plate required
Once you've bought the bike, you'll need to register it as a speed bike . E-bikes with a top speed of 45 km/h must be registered with the motor vehicle department of your canton . You'll then receive a yellow license plate and a registration certificate (vehicle registration document), just like for a moped.
Without this yellow plate, your 45 km/h e-bike is not authorized to circulate on public roads, even if it is technically ready to ride.
Annual sticker and civil liability insurance
You affix an annual sticker to the license plate, which proves that the special e-bike speed liability insurance is valid. Sources such as TCS, comparis, and Justis explain that this sticker is mandatory for all e-bike speeds and must be renewed annually.
The sticker is usually valid until May 31st of the following year. If it is not renewed, your speed pedelec is considered uninsured, even if the license plate is still attached.
Licenses, insurance and mandatory equipment
What license is required for an electric bike with a top speed of 45 km/h?
To ride a fast electric bike, you need at least a category M (moped) license . Some sources point out that, depending on the situation, a car (B) or motorcycle license may also cover this category, but the M license remains the standard in Switzerland.
For young people between 14 and 16 years old, category M is mandatory for any use of a high-speed e-bike. From age 16, the rules are more relaxed, but riding an electric bike with a speed of 45 km/h still requires a recognized license.
E-bike insurance for 45 km/h bikes: what changes compared to a 25 km/h e-bike
For a 25 km/h e-bike, private liability insurance generally covers damage caused to third parties. For a speed pedelec, specific liability insurance linked to the vehicle is mandatory, and this is indicated by the sticker on the yellow license plate.
In the event of an accident with an e-bike at 45 km/h that is not properly insured, the insurer may refuse to provide compensation and the person riding the bike may be held personally liable.
Helmet, rearview mirror and speedometer
Swiss regulations require the wearing of helmets for fast electric bikes, and the Federal Roads Office specifies that these 45 km/h e-bikes must also be equipped with a speedometer .
In practice, a rearview mirror and compliant lighting are also essential. Some cantons and specialists indicate that e-bikes exceeding 25 km/h must be equipped with a license plate, a sticker, and a rearview mirror attached to the handlebars.
Practical tips for successfully buying a 45 km/h electric bike
Choose the seller carefully and review the documents provided.
Ideally, your dealer should provide you with the bicycle, as well as the certificate of conformity , category information, serial number, and, if possible, assist you with the registration process. Cantons like Fribourg and Valais detail the required documents and the costs of the technical inspection and registration on their websites.
Before leaving the store, check that all the necessary paperwork is complete. This will avoid unnecessary trips to the motor vehicle department.
Check the safety equipment immediately upon purchase
When buying a speed pedelec in Switzerland , take the opportunity to choose a helmet suitable for high speeds , a good lock, and possibly additional theft/casualty insurance. Organizations like the BPA and the TCS emphasize the importance of a high-quality helmet, brakes, and lights for safe riding at 45 km/h.
The 45 km/h e-bike is not just a faster bike: it is a real everyday vehicle, which deserves equipment to match.
Alternatives: sticking with a simpler 25 km/h e-bike
For urban use, a 25 km/h e-bike is often sufficient.
If all these regulations regarding buying a 45 km/h e-bike seem daunting, a 25 km/h e-bike might be more suitable for your needs. For city riding, bike paths, and trips of a few kilometers, a good 25 km/h bike with a speed limiter is often more than enough, while also being much simpler to manage administratively.
25 km/h e-bikes do not have a license plate or a specific annual sticker, and most adults do not need an additional permit to use them.
Examples of Batoo models for everyday use
At BatooBike, models like the NCM Paris (foldable, practical for the city and transport) or the NCM Moscow Plus (versatile electric mountain bike) remain in the category of 25 km/h e-bikes, approved for Switzerland.
They allow you to enjoy the benefits of electric bikes without having to deal with speed bike registration , the specific sticker and the constraints of a 45 km/h e-bike license, while offering autonomy and comfort suitable for daily journeys.
FAQ – Electric bikes 45 km/h: purchase and regulations
What steps are involved in buying a speed pedelec in Switzerland?
First, you need to choose a Swiss- approved e-bike with a 45 km/h speed limit, complete with a certificate of conformity and clearly marked category. After purchase, you must register the bike with your cantonal motor vehicle department, obtain a yellow license plate , a registration certificate , and the annual sticker that proves your liability insurance.
What license is required for an electric bicycle with a top speed of 45 km/h?
Riding an electric bike with a top speed of 45 km/h requires at least a category M (moped) license . Some riders are covered by their car or motorcycle license, but the legal requirement remains category M for speed pedelecs. For young people aged 14 to 16, this license is mandatory for all speed pedelecs.
Where to register and insure my 45 km/h e-bike?
Speed bike registration is done through the cantonal motor vehicle department (OCN, SCN, etc.). That's where you get the yellow license plate and the registration certificate. The insurance sticker is provided through the same channel or by your insurer, and it must be renewed annually to ensure liability coverage.
What equipment should you check when buying?
For an electric bike with a top speed of 45 km/h, check the motor power , battery capacity, brake quality, and whether it has compliant lights , a speedometer , and a rearview mirror . Wearing a helmet is mandatory, and safety organizations recommend a model suitable for high speeds.
