Updated: September 2026 · Reading time: approx. 9 minutes

In keeping with this topic, you can view all electric scooters and directly compare the City Go RS X3 e-scooter and Classico LI retro electric scooter models.

How fast is an e-scooter allowed to go in Switzerland? The short answer is: It depends on the type of vehicle and its registration in the vehicle documents. An e-kickscooter without a seat, an e-scooter with a seat, and a fast electric scooter may look similar, but they do not automatically belong to the same legal category.

E-scooter, e-kickscooter, or electric scooter: what is meant?

This is exactly where most of the confusion arises. In everyday language, "e-scooter" is used for both a standing kickscooter and an electric scooter with a seat. However, for Swiss traffic regulations, it is not the marketing name that is decisive, but the technical design and legal classification.

Rule of thumb: The number on the speedometer alone does not answer the legal question. Always check the vehicle registration document, type approval, and the specific model variant.

How fast is an e-scooter allowed to go in Switzerland?

E-kickscooter: maximum 20 km/h with motor power

For a compliant e-kickscooter without a seat, the design-related maximum speed with motor power is 20 km/h. A model that travels faster using its motor or exceeds the permissible technical limits cannot simply be used in public traffic like a normal e-kickscooter.

E-scooter with a seat: up to 25 km/h in the light category

An e-scooter with a seat can be considered a light motor bicycle if its electric drive produces a maximum of 0.5 kW and operates up to a maximum of 25 km/h. This distinction has been particularly important since July 1, 2025: the limit for e-kickscooters remained at 20 km/h, while other vehicles in the light category – including correspondingly classified e-scooters with seats – can travel up to 25 km/h.

E-scooters over 25 km/h: different vehicle class

For faster electric scooters, the regulations of the respective registered motorcycle category apply. Depending on the vehicle, this may require a driver's license, license plate, insurance, helmet, and other registration requirements. A blanket statement based solely on "45 km/h" or "90 km/h" would be unprofessional: the authorized version in the vehicle documents is the binding reference.

Which e-scooter rules apply in 2026?

A frequently searched phrase is "new e-scooter rules from 2026." Strictly speaking, this is misleading. The key new regulation for motor bicycles already came into force on July 1, 2025, and continues to apply in 2026. This includes the clearer subdivision of motor bicycles and the 25 km/h limit for certain vehicles in the light category; e-kickscooters remain limited to 20 km/h.

In 2026, stricter requirements for e-kickscooters and e-scooters were again discussed politically. However, this does not automatically result in a new obligation. In April 2026, the National Council rejected a motion for general driver's license, helmet, and license plate requirements for e-scooters. For everyday use, it is therefore the currently applicable vehicle category that counts – not a headline about a political proposal.

Do you need a driver's license or helmet for an e-scooter?

Light motor bicycle up to 25 km/h

• 14 to 16 years: Category M driver's license required.
• 16 years and older: No driver's license is required for this light category.
• Helmet: Not legally required, but explicitly recommended by the bfu (Swiss Council for Accident Prevention).
• License plate and type approval: Generally not required in this light category.

These statements only apply if the vehicle actually meets the requirements of this category. Different rules apply to faster models.

Faster electric scooters

A model like the Next Mojito electric scooter does not fall into the light 25 km/h category due to its higher power and speed. The specific requirements must be checked based on the authorized version and the vehicle documents.

Where can you ride an e-kickscooter or light e-scooter?

The traffic rules for bicycles generally apply to e-kickscooters and light e-scooters. You must use signaled cycle paths or cycle lanes. Riding on the sidewalk is prohibited. Riding in pedestrian zones is only permitted if an additional sign allows bicycle traffic; pedestrians have priority there.

Is riding two-up on an e-scooter allowed?

Since July 1, 2025, light motor bicycles may have two occupied seats, provided the vehicle is constructed and equipped for this purpose. This does not mean that a second person is automatically allowed to ride on every e-scooter. The authorized number of seats, the available equipment, and the vehicle documents are decisive. Carrying a second person on an e-kickscooter without a seat designed for this purpose remains prohibited.

Why tuning is legally and technically risky

Removing an electronic limiter doesn't just change the driving experience. It can cause the vehicle to lose its original classification. Possible consequences concern registration, insurance coverage, and liability; additionally, the brakes, tires, and suspension are put under stress beyond their intended design. Therefore, buy the appropriate authorized version instead of making a slower model faster later.

Which e-scooter suits your everyday life?

For short city trips and commutes, a 25 km/h version may make sense. Those who drive outside of town more frequently or need more power reserve should consider a faster, authorized variant. In addition to speed, the battery, real-world range, ergonomics, storage space, and service are paramount.

• Compare all electric scooters
• Estimate electric scooter range realistically
• Charging and maintaining your electric scooter battery
• Electric scooters for long distances and commuting

Sources and legal status

• bfu: Regulations for electric vehicles
• FEDRO: Vehicle-specific rules
• FOH: Traffic rules 2026
• Swiss Parliament: Decision of April 2026

Note: This guide provides a general overview and does not replace official or legal case-by-case assessments. For a specific vehicle, the official documentation and the relevant registration authority are authoritative.