Since 1 July 2025, Swiss law sorts electric bikes into three categories: slow e-bikes (up to 25 km/h), fast e-bikes (up to 45 km/h) and the new heavy cargo e-bikes (up to 450 kg). The category decides whether you need a licence, a number plate and a helmet, how many children you may carry and which paths you can use. This guide by MILOO, the Swiss e-bike brand from Geneva, sums up the rules published by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) and the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU).
What changed on 1 July 2025?
The revision created a third category for heavy cargo e-bikes, raised the weight limit of slow e-bikes and lets them carry more children. In detail:
- New “heavy” category: motor up to 2,000 W, assistance up to 25 km/h, total weight up to 450 kg. A number plate and a category M licence are required.
- Slow e-bikes may now weigh up to 250 kg in total, load included (previously 200 kg).
- Up to four children on a slow e-bike or cargo bike, provided each one sits on a protected child seat.
- New signs: the “bicycle” sign now covers all e-bikes. A “moped optional” plate lets fast and heavy e-bikes choose between the cycle path and the road. A “moped prohibited” plate bans them, even with the motor switched off.
📅 Effective date: July 1, 2025 – Rules Updated for Greater Safety
This reform modernizes the Swiss road code to include new mobility trends: family bikes, cargo bikes up to 450 kg, fast or professional e-bikes. 🚴♀️ Clearer vehicle categories, road access rules, and mandatory equipment such as helmets, mirrors, or license plates.
The goal: protect cyclists while facilitating coexistence in public spaces.
🔧 New categories for a wider range of vehicles
Electric bikes are now divided into 3 major regulated categories:
- Light electric bike (≤ 25 km/h, ≤ 250 kg)
- Speed bike or fast bike (≤ 45 km/h, ≤ 200 kg)
- Heavy electric cargo bike (≤ 25 km/h, up to 450 kg)
Each category comes with its own rights and obligations: insurance, license, helmet, road access. These rules are crucial for models like our e-bike Cargo 45km/h or the Classy Beast 45 km/h.
👨👩👧👦 Passenger transport: up to 4 children now allowed on cargo bikes
Good news for families! Certified electric cargo bikes can now carry up to 4 children or 2 adults + 2 children. 👏 This rule applies to cargo bikes up to 450 kg. ⚖️ All passengers must be seated on approved child seats and protected by side guards.
🚦 New traffic rules: bike lanes, pedestrian zones & restrictions 🚧
📍 Bike lanes become mandatory for fast e-bikes (45 km/h) and heavy bikes, unless otherwise indicated.
🚷 "No mopeds" signs also ban fast e-bikes, even when the motor is off.
🏙️ Pedestrian areas with the mention "🚲 bikes allowed" are now accessible to more vehicles… including certain electric mopeds.
⚙️ Mandatory equipment for fast bikes (45 km/h) 🎯
Fast bikes and 45 km/h cargo e-bikes must now be fully equipped with: ✅ Certified helmet (NTA8776)
✅ Liability insurance
✅ Yellow license plate
✅ Left-hand rearview mirror
✅ Fixed front/rear lights
✅ Powerful 4-piston brakes
🛡️ At Miloo, our electric bike are already 100% compliant.
🅿️ Parking: the "Vélocargo" symbol is here 🅿️
🚗 Parking cargo bikes is getting easier! A new official symbol “Vélocargo” now designates dedicated parking zones for utility, family, or professional bikes.
📌 Ideal for shops, schools, or public spaces looking to support soft mobility.
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