25 km/h vs. 45 km/h e-bike – which e-bike is right for you?
25 km/h vs. 45 km/h e-bike – which electric bike is right for you?
You have decided on an e-bike, i.e. an electric bike – now the question is:
What speed should it assist you with?
Depending on the maximum speed you choose – 25 km/h or 45 km/h – different legal requirements and conditions of use apply. These not only affect the riding experience, but also issues such as insurance, helmet requirements and where you are allowed to ride your e-bike.
What is the difference between a pedelec and an S-pedelec?
The term pedelec stands for pedal electric cycle – in other words, a bicycle with electric pedal assistance. There are two categories:
- Pedelec (e-bike up to 25 km/h): These models assist you up to a speed of 25 km/h. They are legally classified as bicycles and can be ridden without a number plate, driving licence or special insurance.
- S-pedelec (e-bike up to 45 km/h): The ‘S’ stands for speed. These fast e-bikes provide assistance up to 45 km/h and are treated as mopeds in road traffic. Stricter rules therefore apply, such as compulsory helmets, a moped licence and a yellow number plate.
Both options have their advantages, depending on how fast and flexible you want to be on the road.
What type of rider are you? Find the right e-bike for you:
For sporty commuters and frequent riders: S-pedelecs up to 45 km/h
Do you cover longer distances – to work, in your free time or on tours – and want to get there quickly and powerfully? From a distance of around 15 km or 20 minutes’ riding time, you will save a noticeable amount of time with an S-pedelec. Whether you are sporty and ambitious or prefer comfort and speed, our fast models are made for everyone who likes to get around efficiently – even in rush hour traffic.
For local commuters, everyday riders and occasional users: e-bikes up to 25 km/h
Would you like to reach your destination comfortably, safely and with little effort – without breaking a sweat? Then the classic e-bike up to 25 km/h is ideal for you. Perfect for shorter distances, shopping, trips to the nursery with a child trailer or relaxed rides with your partner. It’s also a great solution for beginners or infrequent riders to stay mobile – with a tailwind at the touch of a button.
What kind of terrain do you ride on? The right e-bike choice for your route:
City traffic & flat routes under 10 km
Do you mainly ride in urban areas – with short distances, lots of 30 km/h zones and stop-and-go traffic? Then a classic e-bike with 25 km/h assistance is just right for you. It offers relaxed, safe travel in everyday urban life and is ideal for the daily commute to the station, the office or the shops.
Suburbs & slightly hilly terrain (10–15 km)
Do you regularly commute medium distances, ride through slightly hilly terrain or want more range? An e-bike up to 25 km/h with a powerful motor and large battery will get you to your destination reliably. If you are on the road more often or want to save time as a commuter, an S-pedelec with up to 45 km/h is a sensible choice.
Inclines, long distances & trailer operation (from 20 km)
Do you often ride longer distances, uphill or with additional loads – e.g. a child or transport trailer? Then we recommend a powerful e-bike with a powerful mid-drive motor and high battery capacity.
For frequent riders who want to get ahead quickly, an S-pedelec is the smart alternative – especially on long commutes.
Driving licence
In Switzerland, the minimum age for all e-bikes – regardless of whether they can reach speeds of 25 km/h or 45 km/h – is 14 years.
Anyone who wants to ride an S-pedelec (up to 45 km/h) must have a driving licence, at least category M – regardless of age.
For e-bikes up to 25 km/h, young people aged 14 to 16 require a category M driving licence (mopeds).
From the age of 16, 25 km/h e-bikes can be ridden without a driving licence.
Licence plate
No licence plate is required for standard e-bikes up to 25 km/h. The previous vignette was abolished in Switzerland at the beginning of 2012.
S-pedelecs (up to 45 km/h) require a yellow licence plate and a new vignette every year, as they are legally classified as motorcycles.
Helmet or no helmet? Safety first on e-bikes and S-pedelecs!
There is no legal requirement to wear a helmet on standard e-bikes (up to 25 km/h) – however, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended as it significantly increases your safety in road traffic.
For S-pedelecs (up to 45 km/h), however, wearing a suitable bicycle helmet is required by law.
Whether mandatory or not, modern helmets are lightweight, comfortable and available in many stylish designs. This allows you to combine safety and aesthetics on every ride.
Behaviour in road traffic: What is permitted with an e-bike?
In Switzerland, the minimum age for all e-bikes – regardless of whether they can reach speeds of 25 km/h or 45 km/h – is 14 years.
Anyone who wants to ride an S-pedelec (up to 45 km/h) must have a driving licence, at least category M – regardless of age.
For e-bikes up to 25 km/h, young people aged 14 to 16 require a category M driving licence (mopeds).
From the age of 16, e-bikes up to 25 km/h can be ridden without a driving licence.
E-bike insurance requirement: what you need to know
E-bikes up to 25 km/h
These models are legally considered normal bicycles. Special liability insurance is not required. In many cases, damage caused by bicycle accidents is covered by your personal liability insurance. However, it is still worth taking a quick look at your policy or talking to your insurance company.
S-pedelecs (up to 45 km/h)
The situation is different here: Compulsory third-party liability insurance is required by law. In addition, S-pedelecs are issued with a yellow licence plate as proof of insurance cover. These e-bikes may not be used on public roads without a valid vignette.
Rear-view mirrors: a better overview in traffic
E-bikes up to 25 km/h
No rear-view mirror is required by law for these e-bikes. At moderate speeds, you can usually keep an eye on what’s going on without any problems – especially in urban areas or on cycle paths.
S-pedelecs up to 45 km/h
At higher speeds, the handling changes – and so do the safety requirements. A rear-view mirror is mandatory and is part of the basic equipment of every S-pedelec.
Note from AureusDrive:
Whether you choose a 25 km/h e-bike or a 45 km/h S-pedelec, all AureusDrive models come with a rear-view mirror as standard. This means you always have an eye on the traffic and benefit from additional safety – at no extra cost.
Conclusion: 25 km/h or 45 km/h e-bike – which is right for you?
Whether you opt for an e-bike with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h or a fast S-pedelec with up to 45 km/h, both versions have their clear advantages.
The 25 km/h e-bike is ideal for everyday journeys, shorter distances, leisurely trips or pulling a child trailer. It is legally equivalent to a conventional bicycle and does not require a driving licence or number plate.
The S-pedelec, on the other hand, scores with speed and efficiency – ideal for commuters who regularly cover longer distances and want to save time. However, additional legal requirements apply here, such as a helmet, rear-view mirror and liability insurance.
Which e-bike is right for you? – Arrange a test ride now and find the right speed for you!
Nothing beats the feeling of riding your own bike: take a free test ride with AureusDrive to find out which speed suits your everyday life – 25 km/h or 45 km/h.
Visit us in one of our shops or book your test ride conveniently online. Our e-bikes stand for quality, Swiss development and excellent value for money.
Do you have any questions? We are happy to help.
Get in touch – our team will be happy to provide you with expert advice.
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