E-bike rental in Switzerland for teenager without category M license?
A traveler shares their dilemma about renting E-bikes in Switzerland for their two 15-year-old kids, as they learned that one needs a Class M moped license to ride them. They are unsure if their kids’ learner's permits, which allow them to drive cars, will be sufficient for E-bike rental, and are waiting for a response from the rental provider.
- In Switzerland, children can ride E-bikes (up to 25km/h) from age 14 with a Class M license.
- For riders aged 16 and over, no license is needed.
- Confirm the specific licensing requirements with the rental company before booking.
- Ensure your kids meet the legal requirements to avoid issues during your trip.
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My family and I had planned two days of E-biking in our itinerary and have booked rental bikes for one of these days, with no issues. When I went to book the bikes for the second day (different provider, different location) they told me that my 15 year olds could only ride an E-bike in Switzerland if they were in possession of a Class M (moped) license for teens. The 17 year old does not require any license apparently. We live in the US and there is nothing equivalent to the Swiss Class M license in the state where we reside. The only licenses available here are full driving licenses for cars, full driving licenses for actual motorcycles or learning permits for both. My 15 year olds are in possession of a drivers permit – this is a learners drivers license that allows them to drive a car on the road, with an adult in the car (they have completed driving school, they just don’t yet have enough supervised road hours to get a full license, and aren’t eligible for that until 16.) Will this permit work to allow them to ride E bikes in Switzerland? (The provider I was communicating with hasn’t replied to this question.) Or can tourists under 16 just not ride an E bike in Switzerland if their country doesn’t offer an equivalent moped type license? (My kids own E-bikes and have since they were much younger, no license is required to ride them here.)
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Hi WTandBeyond,
Yes, in Switzerland young people are allowed to ride slow e-bikes (up to 25km/h) from the age of 14. Though, they will need a category M driving licence. Persons over 16, do not require.
In regard to learners license that your younger son has, I suspect it may not comply to what is required. Did the rental company reply as yet?
Kind regards,
Yolanda
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