Short answer:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n An e-bike with pedal assistance up to 45 km\/h (S-pedelec) is classified as a motorised bicycle in Switzerland. You therefore need a vehicle registration certificate, a yellow number plate and an insurance sticker that must be renewed annually. The sticker confirms that you have the compulsory third-party liability insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The costs are not the same throughout Switzerland. They are set at cantonal level and often include collective third-party liability insurance as well as the insurance sticker. In the canton of Zurich, for example, the annual renewal for a high-speed e-bike costs<\/p>\n\n\n\n CHF 22.10, whilst in the canton of Bern it costs CHF 32.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional theft, comprehensive or all-risk insurance is voluntary. However, it is often advisable for an S-pedelec worth several thousand francs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The exact fees vary depending on your canton of residence. Premiums for voluntary insurance also depend heavily on the purchase price, the chosen sum insured, the excess and the scope of cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Covers damage you cause to others:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Damage to your own S-pedelec is not covered. Nor are your own injuries covered by motorised bicycle third-party liability insurance. Depending on your personal circumstances, this may be covered by your employer\u2019s accident insurance, a private accident insurance policy or your health insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A high-speed e-bike must be registered before it is used on public roads. When buying a new bike, dealers can sometimes handle the registration process directly. Otherwise, the Road Traffic Office in your canton of residence is responsible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The vignette is generally valid from 1 January of the year printed on it until 31 May of the following year. From 1 June onwards, you may only ride with the vignette for the current year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you already have a registered S-pedelec, in many cantons you will automatically receive an invoice for the next vignette. Once payment has been made, the new registration sticker will be sent to you.<\/p>\n\n\nCompulsory vs. optional \u2013 an overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Insurance<\/th> Compulsory?<\/th> Approximate annual costs<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Third-party liability (sticker), from 45 km\/h<\/td> Yes<\/td> CHF 40 (sticker)<\/td><\/tr> Number plate, from 45 km\/h<\/td> Yes<\/td> one-off fee CHF 40\u201360<\/td><\/tr> Theft insurance<\/td> Not compulsory, optional<\/td> CHF 100\u2013250, depending on the value of the bike, cover and excess<\/td><\/tr> Comprehensive insurance<\/td> Not compulsory, optional<\/td> CHF 150\u2013300, individual premium<\/td><\/tr> Breakdown assistance \/ roadside assistance<\/td> Not compulsory, optional<\/td> CHF 40\u201380, sometimes available as an add-on<\/td><\/tr> Accident insurance for the rider<\/td> To be arranged personally<\/td> Via employer, accident or health insurance<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Compulsory e-bike third-party liability insurance: what it covers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The e-bike number plate and insurance sticker in Switzerland (only for speeds of 45 km\/h or above)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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