An electric bike that assists up to 45 km/h is no longer simply a recreational e-bike: in Switzerland, it is classified as a speed pedelec. This means it must be registered , display a yellow license plate , be covered by e-bike insurance for speeds up to 45 km/h , and comply with specific regulations, including helmet use and certain traffic restrictions.
For a cyclist who switches from a classic 25 km/h e-bike to a 45 km/h electric bike, the difference is therefore not just a question of speed, but also of administrative procedures, costs and responsibilities in case of an accident.
Difference between VAE 25 km/h and e-bike 45 km/h
Slow e-bikes: assistance limited to 25 km/h
So-called "slow" e-bikes offer assistance up to 25 km/h, with a motor generally limited to 500 W. They don't require a license plate or registration sticker, and for adults aged 16 and over, no specific license is required. Personal liability insurance generally covers damage caused to third parties, which greatly simplifies everyday use.
Fast electric bikes: assistance up to 45 km/h
As soon as the assistance level reaches 45 km/h, the bicycle is considered a motor vehicle . It is subject to rules similar to those of a speed pedelec: yellow speed pedelec plate, vignette, driving licence and mandatory third-party liability insurance via this vignette.
This is where the keyword "electric bike registration 45" takes on its full meaning: we are no longer talking about a simple improved bike, but a motorized vehicle identified by the State.
Yellow plate and sticker for fast electric bike
What is the purpose of the yellow speed pedelec plate?
The famous yellow plate is the registration plate for mopeds and speed pedelecs (electric bicycles). It identifies the vehicle, proves that it is registered with the cantonal motor vehicle department, and that it meets legal requirements. For a 45 km/h e-bike, riding without this plate is equivalent to driving an unregistered vehicle.
The fast electric bike sticker and liability insurance
An annual sticker is affixed to the yellow license plate. This sticker proves payment of the tax and the existence of specific third-party liability insurance for e-bikes with a speed limit of 45 km/h . In several cantons (for example, Vaud), the sticker must be affixed to both the license plate and the vehicle registration document, and it is valid until the end of May of the following year.
This sticker is at the heart of the system: without it, you have neither mandatory liability coverage nor valid registration, even if your bike still has an old plate.
E-bike license and insurance 45 km/h
What license is required for a bicycle that can go 45 km/h?
To ride a speed pedelec (electric bicycle), you need at least a moped license (category M) or a car license that includes this category. The authorities (FEDRO/cantonal services) remind drivers that riding a speed pedelec with a yellow license plate requires at least category M, whereas a 25 km/h e-bike without a license plate can be used by an adult without an additional permit.
Why is specific insurance mandatory?
A 45 km/h e-bike is treated as a motor vehicle: third-party liability insurance for motorcycles or mopeds becomes mandatory. Insurers and comparison websites remind us that this insurance covers bodily injury and property damage caused to third parties, and that it is linked to the vehicle via the license plate and registration sticker. Some companies recommend adding theft/comprehensive coverage, given the often high value of speed pedelecs.
Conversely, a 25 km/h e-bike is generally covered by private liability insurance, which avoids paying a separate premium just for the electric bike.
Registration procedure for a 45 km/h electric bicycle
Check the bike's certification
Before registering your bicycle, you must verify that it is certified as a fast electric bike : a certificate of conformity (CoC) is required, clearly indicating the category and speed of assistance. Cantonal authorities such as the OCN Fribourg require these documents and may impose a technical inspection, particularly for imported bicycles.
Request the yellow license plate from the motor vehicle department
Once the paperwork is ready, you submit the application to the motor vehicle department of your canton . Depending on local practice, the license plate and vignette can be issued at the counter, by mail or sometimes via certain partners (in some cantons, post offices issue license plates and vignettes upon presentation of a valid vehicle registration document).
Update the sticker every year
Each year, before its expiry date (usually the end of May), the sticker for a fast electric bike must be renewed. Failure to renew means riding without mandatory third-party liability insurance, even if the yellow sticker is still affixed to the bike.
In practice, many cyclists manage these procedures through their insurance or retailer, but the final responsibility always remains with the person using the bicycle.
What are the risks of not registering?
Driving without a license plate or sticker on a 45 km/h road
Riding an unregistered speed pedelec, or one with an expired registration sticker, can result in fines and a driving ban until the situation is rectified. Legally, it is a motorized vehicle and therefore not permitted on public roads without valid registration.
Consequences in case of an accident
The most serious problem arises in the event of an accident. If you cause property damage or personal injury with an uninsured 45 km/h e-bike, the insurer may refuse to pay out, and you could be held personally liable. The costs can become very high, especially if a third party or pedestrian is injured.
That is why registration, the sticker and insurance for e-bikes at 45 km/h are not mere formalities, but real legal and financial protection.
Why BatooBike favors 25 km/h e-bikes
Easy to use every day
At BatooBike , most models are 25 km/h e-bikes . The idea is to offer bikes powerful enough for daily commutes, but without burdening the cyclist with the paperwork associated with the yellow speed pedelec license plate. For an adult, there's no additional license, no specific liability insurance sticker, and no vehicle inspection: you charge the battery, adjust the assistance level, and ride.
Examples of models adapted without registration
The NCM Paris is a folding electric bike designed for the city, short trips, and multimodal transport (train + e-bike). It remains in the category of slow e-bikes, with assistance limited to 25 km/h, while still offering a comfortable range.
The NCM Moscow Plus is an electric mountain bike with a generous battery and a torquey motor, but it too is limited to 25 km/h. It allows riding on paths, tracks and country roads, without falling into the category of speed pedelecs requiring registration and a license.
By choosing a BatooBike 25 km/h e-bike, you avoid the hassle of registering an electric bike (category 45) , while still enjoying a robust, approved e-bike insured through your usual contracts.
FAQ – Registering a 45 km/h electric bicycle
Do you need to register an electric bike that travels at 45 km/h?
Yes. An e-bike with assistance up to 45 km/h is considered a speed pedelec, therefore a moped. It must be registered, display a yellow license plate, and be covered by specific third-party liability insurance, as evidenced by the annual sticker.
Why does a speed pedelec need to wear a license plate?
The yellow license plate identifies the vehicle, verifies its roadworthiness, and confirms it is properly insured. For the authorities, a speed pedelec is a motorized vehicle more akin to a moped than a bicycle, hence the requirement for a license plate and registration sticker.
How do I obtain the annual sticker for a 45 km/h e-bike?
The vignette is issued at the same time as the license plate, either through the cantonal motor vehicle department or, depending on the region, through partner offices. It must then be renewed annually, with the new vignette replacing the old one on the license plate and the vehicle registration document.
What happens if I don't lock my bike at 45 km/h?
Riding a 45 km/h e-bike without a license plate or sticker is illegal. If stopped by the police, you risk a fine and having your bike impounded. In the event of an accident, you could be held personally liable for damages, as the mandatory third-party liability insurance associated with the yellow license plate does not apply.
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