Are you hesitating between a 25 km/h e-bike (a "classic" electric bike) and a 45 km/h speed pedelec? On paper, they look similar. In reality, they are two very different categories, especially in Switzerland: regulations , mandatory equipment , where you are allowed to ride , and the type of journey for which each bike is best suited.
1) Definitions: VAE 25 vs speed bike 45
An e-bike with a top speed of 25 km/ h cuts off its assistance. It is designed for city riding, mixed journeys, and simple, versatile everyday use.
A speed bike with a 45 km/h assisted speed up to 45 km/h . In Switzerland, it is more regulated (license plate, permit, helmet, speedometer, insurance), because the assisted speed changes the safety and traffic requirements.
2) Clear comparison: speed 25 vs 45 (what really changes)
| Criteria | e-bike 25 km/h | Speed bike 45 km/h |
|---|---|---|
| Assistance speed | Up to 25 km/h | Up to 45 km/h |
| Steps | Simple | More structured (specific category) |
| License plate / registration number | No | Yes (license plate) |
| Specific insurance | Generally no | Yes (related to the license plate / RC) |
| Helmet | Recommended | Mandatory |
| Speedometer | No | Mandatory |
| Permit | Category M, ages 14 to 16 then not required from age 16 |
Category M required from age 14 |
| Ideal use | City, leisure activities, easy travel | Fast commuting, longer journeys |
3) Why is a speed bike classified differently from an e-bike?
Because at 45 km/h , the reality changes: longer braking distances, higher average speed, more challenging coexistence on certain roads, and stricter visibility/safety requirements. This is why, in Switzerland, a speed pedelec entails additional obligations (license plate, insurance, helmet, speedometer, permit).
For the official rules “category by category”, you can rely on the specific rules of the OFROU (ASTRA) , which precisely summarize the requirements for slow (25 km/h) and fast (45 km/h) e-bikes.
4) Cycle paths: can you ride on cycle paths with a speed bike?
In Swiss practice, the basic rule is simple: if a cycle track or lane exists, it should generally be used when riding a bicycle or e-bike. Signage may then specify exceptions (for example, allowing a speed bike to ride on the road instead of the cycle track, or conversely, restricting access to certain sections). The clearest reference to keep handy is the official page on traffic behavior from the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA), which explains the principle and purpose of supplementary license plates.
Important: even if you are on a cycle path, a speed bike often needs to be ridden with more care and adapt its speed to other users (shared areas, crossings, heavy traffic).
5) What protective equipment and gear are mandatory?
e-bike 25 km/h
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Helmet: recommended (especially for urban journeys and in bad weather).
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No license plate, no meter required.
Speed bike 45 km/h
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Helmet required
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Speedometer required
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License plate (and related insurance documents)
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Category M driving licence (minimum)
If you want a well-structured “all-in-one” page (categories, obligations and signage), the BPA legal summary is particularly useful, as it includes Swiss rules and recent signage changes.
6) Is a permit required?
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VAE 25 km/h : category M licence required from 14 to 16 years old , then not required from 16 years old .
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Speed bike 45 km/h : category M license required from age 14 .
This point is sometimes enough to decide: if you want a “zero constraint” use, the 25 km/h e-bike is often simpler.
7) Performance: power, torque, everyday range
e-bike 25 km/h
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More “relaxed” and versatile: perfect for the city, the slopes, frequent stops.
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A very good choice if you prioritize comfort and simplicity.
Speed bike 45 km/h
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The right choice if your priority is saving time on real distances (commuting).
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The faster you drive, the more you consume: the range depends heavily on your average speed, the terrain and the assistance mode.
8) What profile for what type of bike?
Choose a 45 km/h speed bike if:
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You often travel 15 to 35 km per trip (or more),
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You clearly want to reduce your travel time,
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You mainly drive on roads where average speed matters.
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You accept the obligations (license, license plate, helmet, odometer, insurance).
Choose a 25 km/h e-bike if:
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You mostly drive in the city , on tracks, with many stops.
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If you are looking for a "simple", versatile and easy-to-handle bike,
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Your priority is budget and flexibility of use.
25 km/h alternatives (practical and commuting) at BatooBike
If you are looking for an efficient solution at 25 km/h , with a good balance of comfort and range for everyday use, here are two relevant options:
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The comfortable urban e-bike like the NCM Milano Plus , often chosen for regular journeys in the city and suburbs.
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The more versatile e-bike like the NCM Moscow Plus is useful if you alternate between roads and paths and want to maintain good battery life.
FAQ
Why is a speed bike classified differently from an e-bike?
Because assistance up to 45 km/h imposes stricter safety and traffic requirements, hence the additional obligations (license plate, license, helmet, speedometer).
Can you ride a speed bike on a cycle path?
In Switzerland, cycle paths/lanes are generally used where available, but signage may indicate exceptions or restrictions depending on the section. Refer to the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) traffic regulations (ASTRA) and the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BPA) legal summary for details.
What protective measures are mandatory?
- For a speed bike: helmet mandatory, speedometer mandatory, license plate and associated insurance.
- For a 25cm e-bike: helmet recommended.
Do I need a permit?
- VAE 25: M license from 14 to 16 years old, then not required from 16 years old.
- Speed bike 45: M license required from age 14.
What is the intended use for each category?
- Speed bike: fast commuting, longer distances, time saving.
- VAE 25: city, trails, mixed routes, simplicity and versatility.
