Switzerland brings in new road safety rules for cars and electric bikes
Switzerland has rolled out new laws in April for drivers as well as those who ride fast electric bikes.
Electric bikes are very popular in Switzerland, and from April 1st certain e-bikes are subject to a new safety rule.
Speedometer
All high-speed e-bikes, that is, the ones that exceed 45 km/h, have to be equipped with a speedometer when they are put into circulation for the first time.
Owners of fast electric bikes that are already in circulation, on the other hand, have until April 1st, 2027 to equip their bikes with a tachometer — an instrument which measures the working speed of an engine.
This measure aims to prevent cyclists from speeding in areas limited to 20 or 30 km/h, the government said.
This rule, which applies to all public traffic areas, seeks to increase visibility and therefore improve the safety of electric bicycle drivers, according to the government.
It is an addition to the already existing electric bike regulations:
READ ALSO: Switzerland's laws that electric bike owners need to know
Driver assistance systems
From April new vehicles have to be equipped with new driver assistance systems.
They will make it possible, for example, to alert the driver in the event of drowsiness or distraction, to carry out emergency braking, or to provide assistance when reversing and changing direction.
New vehicles must also be equipped with an accident data recorder.
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Electric bikes are very popular in Switzerland, and from April 1st certain e-bikes are subject to a new safety rule.
Speedometer
All high-speed e-bikes, that is, the ones that exceed 45 km/h, have to be equipped with a speedometer when they are put into circulation for the first time.
Owners of fast electric bikes that are already in circulation, on the other hand, have until April 1st, 2027 to equip their bikes with a tachometer — an instrument which measures the working speed of an engine.
This measure aims to prevent cyclists from speeding in areas limited to 20 or 30 km/h, the government said.
This rule, which applies to all public traffic areas, seeks to increase visibility and therefore improve the safety of electric bicycle drivers, according to the government.
It is an addition to the already existing electric bike regulations:
READ ALSO: Switzerland's laws that electric bike owners need to know
Driver assistance systems
From April new vehicles have to be equipped with new driver assistance systems.
They will make it possible, for example, to alert the driver in the event of drowsiness or distraction, to carry out emergency braking, or to provide assistance when reversing and changing direction.
New vehicles must also be equipped with an accident data recorder.
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