Electric bike and electric kick scooter: which licence in Switzerland?

The rules differ according to the assisted speed and the type of vehicle. Here is the official distinction between slow electric bikes, fast electric bikes and electric kick scooters.

Slow electric bike: from age 14, no licence from age 16

The slow electric bike, called a "light moped" in the ordinance, is a vehicle whose electric assistance does not exceed 25 km/h and whose motor power does not exceed 0.50 kW, with a seat for the rider.

From age 14 to 15, this vehicle is ridden with the special category M licence. From age 16, no licence is required.

Electric kick scooter: same rules as the slow electric bike

The electric kick scooter corresponds, in the ordinance, to the seatless variant of the "light moped": electric assistance up to 20 km/h, maximum power 0.50 kW.

The same rules apply: M licence from age 14 to 15, then no licence from age 16.

Fast electric bike (45 km/h): M licence from age 14

The fast electric bike, called a "fast moped" in the ordinance, allows pedal assistance up to 45 km/h, with a total power not exceeding 1.00 kW and a maximum total weight of 200 kg.

This vehicle requires the special category M licence from age 14, with no upper age limit: unlike the slow electric bike, there is no exemption at age 16.

45 km/h scooter (light motorcycle): A1 licence from age 15

A combustion-engine or electric scooter limited to 45 km/h by construction, with a maximum power of 4.00 kW and a displacement not exceeding 50 cm³, is classed as a "light motorcycle". It falls under sub-category A1 and can be ridden from age 15.

Other sub-category A1 vehicles (up to 125 cm³ and 11 kW) require a minimum age of 16.

Summary table