Speed bike 45 km/h: what is its place in Swiss law?
In Switzerland, all electric bicycles are considered mopeds, but the law distinguishes between several categories. So-called "slow" electric bicycles are limited to 25 km/h with a motor power of up to 500 W. "Fast" electric bicycles, or speed pedelecs, provide assistance up to 45 km/h, with a motor power of up to 1000 W.
In practical terms, a 45 km/h speed bike is treated as a fast moped: it must be registered, insured, equipped with a yellow plate, and its driver must possess an appropriate license.
Conversely, a 25 km/h e-bike remains much closer to a classic bicycle: no license plate, fewer administrative constraints, but limited assistance.
The minimum age to ride an electric bike, whether slow or fast, is 14. Between the ages of 14 and 16, a category M license is required, even for a basic 25 km/h e-bike. From age 16, this license is no longer required for 25 km/h bikes, but remains mandatory for all 45 km/h speed bikes.
Vehicle registration, driver's license and insurance: the essential steps
For a speed bike, the first step is registration. You must contact the cantonal motor vehicle department with the bike's documents (certificate of conformity, proof of purchase, and sometimes a customs receipt if imported). Once the application is approved, the owner receives a yellow license plate and a registration certificate.
Vehicle registration comes with an insurance sticker that proves the presence of specific third-party liability insurance for the vehicle. This sticker is valid for a set period (usually one year) and must be renewed regularly. The typical cost, including the vehicle inspection, registration, and insurance sticker, is around a few hundred francs for the initial registration, then a more modest amount each year for insurance alone.
Regarding licenses, the rule is simple: for any electric bicycle capable of exceeding 25 km/h with assistance, at least a category M license is required . A higher-level license, such as a car (B) or motorcycle (A1) license, also grants the right to ride a speed bike. If this license is revoked, the right to ride a speed bike is also suspended, as the licensing requirement remains tied to the individual.
Third-party liability insurance linked to the yellow license plate covers damage caused to others. It does not replace personal accident insurance or comprehensive insurance for damage to the bicycle itself. For a 25 km/h e-bike without a license plate, third-party liability coverage is generally included in the personal liability insurance included in household insurance.
Helmet, equipment and traffic rules
Helmets are mandatory for speed pedelecs. While standard bicycle helmets meeting EN 1078 standards are permitted, many organizations recommend a specific speed pedelec helmet certified to NTA 8776, offering better protection at speeds approaching 45 km/h.
From a technical standpoint, a speed bike must be properly equipped: fixed front and rear lights, reflectors, a horn, a left-side mirror, and now a speedometer is mandatory on all new speed bike models. Bikes already in circulation must be equipped by 2027, in accordance with the new regulations of the Federal Roads Office (OFROU).
Regarding traffic lanes, e-bikes with a speed of 25 km/h and 45 km/h are classified as mopeds, but must follow the regulations applicable to cyclists when their width is less than one meter. They are required to use cycle paths and lanes where available, may not ride on sidewalks, and must obey specific "no mopeds" signs, unless otherwise indicated.
In this context, many daily commutes can be perfectly done on a 25 km/h e-bike rather than a speed pedelec. An electric mountain bike like the NCM Moscow Plus, for example, allows for comfortable riding on paths and roads while remaining in the category of slow electric bikes, thus simplifying the administrative procedures.
Speed bike or e-bike 25 km/h: how to choose?
Choosing a speed pedelec makes sense if you regularly travel long distances on suitable roads and are comfortable with the idea of managing a license plate, a permit, and stricter traffic regulations. For distances of 20 to 30 km, the higher assisted speed saves time, provided you have access to suitable infrastructure and good experience navigating traffic.
For many users in French-speaking Switzerland, a good 25 km/h e-bike is more than sufficient. It's more accessible to teenagers from the age of 16 without a driver's license, it doesn't require registration, it's accepted everywhere cycling is permitted, and it's sometimes even better tolerated in cities. An electric touring bike like the NCM Milano Plus, for example, covers commuting, weekend rides, and daily errands, all while remaining within the 25 km/h speed limit.
If you're still undecided, the best approach is to start with your actual needs: the length and frequency of your journeys, the type of roads you'll be riding on, your comfort level in traffic, and your budget for insurance and registration. The NCM range presented on the NCM Bikes page offers a good overview of what a 25 km/h e-bike compliant with Swiss law can do, both in the city and off-road.
FAQ – Speed biking in Switzerland
What steps are required to register a speed bike?
You must contact the cantonal motor vehicle department, provide the bicycle's documents (certificate of conformity, proof of purchase, and possibly customs documents), and apply for a moped license plate. Once the bicycle is registered, you will receive a yellow license plate, a registration certificate, and an insurance sticker that must be renewed periodically.
What age and license are required for a 45 km/h speed bike?
The minimum age is 14 for all e-bikes. Between 14 and 16, a category M license is required for all electric bikes. From age 16, this license is no longer required for a 25 km/h e-bike, but it remains mandatory for a 45 km/h speed pedelec, unless you already hold a higher license (A1, B, etc.).
Is a helmet really mandatory for speed biking?
Yes. Wearing a helmet is mandatory for speed pedelecs. A standard bicycle helmet certified EN 1078 meets legal requirements, but a speed pedelec helmet certified NTA 8776 offers better protection in the event of a high-speed fall.
Where can I find up-to-date official information on the regulations?
For official information, you can consult the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention's guide on Swiss e-bike law, as well as the Federal Government's page on cycling by conventional or electric bicycle in Switzerland. These two sources summarize the e-bike categories, traffic regulations, and equipment requirements.
In short, a speed bike in Switzerland is a true electric moped: fast, efficient, but subject to a set of regulations that must be followed for safe riding. If you're looking for a simpler electric bike that doesn't require a license plate or permit for riders over 16, a well-chosen 25 km/h e-bike – like those in the NCM range distributed by Batoo Bike – often remains the most practical solution for everyday use.
