E-Bike Speeders Fined; Referendum Looms

News For 15 September 2020

Since the start of 2020, over 135 E-Bikers have been fined for operating unlicensed motor vehicles.  The Police are now on the offensive with an information campaign and traffic stops to help enforce the rules.  It seems most people assume that all E-Bikes fall into the category of normal, run-of-the-mill bicycles as far as traffic rules are concerned.  However, this is not the case.  E-Bikes with motors whose power does not exceed 500 watts, or a speed of 25KMH do not require any special licensing, and anyone over 16 can ride them freely.  However, E-Bikes with power in excess of 500 watts or able to exceed 25 KM/H speed require licensing and possibly insurance for those bikes with power in excess of 1000 Watts.  The police warn that many manufacturers apply stickers to the Ebikes stating they can not exceed 25 KM/Hour, however this does not certify which class of regulation applies.

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On September 27th Swiss Citizens will be heading to the polls to cast their ballots for referendum issues such as child care and paternity leave.  In addition, and perhaps more importantly, an initiative backed by the SVP seeks to reverse Swiss bilateral agreements with the EU regarding the free movement of its citizens.  As usual, proponents seek to limit what they deem as uncontrolled "mass immigration".  Support in polling however seems low and its likely, the referendum will fail and Swiss commitments to bilateral European agreements will remain in force.