New e-bikes regulations from spring 2022

Road safety: practical examples

Sven Meier, president of the Verkehrsschule Zug, gives information about traffic rules and situations. Questions or uncertainties? Do not hesitate to contact him.

In December 2021, the Swiss Federal Council agreed upon new legislation to improve e-bike safety. Daytime running lights will be required from April 2022 and e-bikes must be equipped with speedometers starting in April 2024.

From April 2022: Running lights during Daytime
For increased visibility, fast e-bikes (pedal assistance up to 45 km/h) and slow e-bikes (pedal assistance up to 25 km/h) must be equipped with running lights during daytime from April 2022. These must be steady lights: white pointing forward and red pointing to the rear. Fast e-bikes must be fitted with type-approved motorcycle lighting. Flashing lights are generally only permitted as additional lighting. Either detachable battery lights or permanent light systems are needed, to comply with the regulations.

Daytime running lights will be obligatory in all public traffic areas. Any area open to all and not exclusively for private use is considered public. Therefore bike trails and forest paths are usually public, which means lights will be mandatory on them.

Preview: Speedometers

Fast e-bikes must be equipped with speedometers from April 2024. This is to ensure compliance with maximum speeds, mainly in 20 and 30km/h zones. E-bikes acquired after April 2024 onwards must be fitted with speedometers. Fast e-bikes already in use must be equipped with speedometers by April 2027.

Increased safety
The new regulations mean changes, especially for faster e-bikes. According to the Federal Council, the goal of these measures is to increase safety and visibility in order to prevent accidents. This will benefit e-bike riders and everyone who uses public roads.