Scooter licence in Switzerland: which category?

The term "scooter" covers several different Swiss legal categories, depending on the vehicle's motorisation and speed.

45 km/h combustion-engine scooter: A1 licence from age 15

A combustion-engine scooter limited to 45 km/h by construction, with a maximum power of 4 kW and a displacement not exceeding 50 cm³, is a "light motorcycle". It falls under sub-category A1 and can be ridden from age 15.

Combustion-engine scooter up to 125 cm³: A1 licence from age 16

A more powerful combustion-engine scooter, up to 125 cm³ and 11 kW, also falls under sub-category A1, but with a minimum age of 16.

Slow electric scooter (25 km/h): M licence from age 14 to 15, then none from age 16

An electric scooter whose assistance does not exceed 25 km/h and whose power does not exceed 0.50 kW is a "light moped". It is ridden with the M licence from age 14 to 15, then with no licence at all from age 16. See the electric bike and electric kick scooter page.

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

An electric scooter with power reaching 1 kW and speed up to 45 km/h (with assistance) is a "fast moped". It requires the M licence from age 14, with no later exemption.

How to know which category a specific scooter falls under?

The category depends on three technical criteria recorded on the vehicle's registration document: maximum speed by construction, motor power and displacement. These three values, compared against the thresholds above, determine the applicable category.

Compare the motorcycle licence categories too. To organise your training, find a driving school and check which categories it teaches.