High-speed e-scooters capable of reaching speeds up to 55 km/h are readily available for purchase in Switzerland, despite a legal limit of 20 km/h for public road use. This discrepancy raises significant safety concerns and legal questions for consumers and authorities alike.
Key Takeaways
- Swiss law restricts e-scooters to 20 km/h and 0.5 kW motor power on public roads.
- Retailers sell models like the VMAX R55 Pro, which reaches 55 km/h, exceeding legal limits.
- Authorities warn that fast e-scooters are unstable and dangerous at high speeds due to small wheels and rider position.
- Riding non-compliant e-scooters can lead to fines and severe insurance consequences.
- Consumers are responsible for checking legal compliance before purchase and use.
Legal Limits and Public Safety Warnings
Swiss regulations are clear: e-scooters operating on public roads must not exceed a maximum speed of 20 km/h. They also have a motor power limit of 0.5 kW. These rules are in place for safety. The Federal Roads Office (Astra) states that e-scooters become highly unstable at higher speeds. This instability is due to their small wheels and the rider's standing position.
The risk of accidents increases significantly when these vehicles go faster than their design intends. Furthermore, the braking systems on many high-speed models might not be adequate for the speeds they can reach. This adds another layer of danger for riders and others on the road.
Did You Know?
Recently, Zurich city police confiscated an e-scooter capable of over 100 km/h. This incident highlights the extreme speeds some modified or unregulated devices can achieve.
Retailers and Consumer Responsibility
Despite the strict legal framework, powerful e-scooter models are available from major retailers. For example, the VMAX R55 Pro, which can reach speeds of 55 km/h, is sold by Interdiscount. This availability creates a situation where consumers can easily purchase devices that are not legal for public use.
Retailers, like Interdiscount, argue they offer a wide range of products for different customer needs. They state that the responsibility for complying with legal regulations rests with the customer. However, this stance raises questions when a retailer also offers insurance for these potentially non-compliant devices through their online store.
"E-scooters are only allowed on Swiss roads if they travel at a maximum of 20 km/h and have a motor power of no more than 0.5 kW."
Risks of Non-Compliant E-Scooters
The use of unapproved or modified e-scooters carries significant risks. Riders face substantial fines if caught operating illegal devices on public roads. More critically, there can be severe insurance consequences in the event of an accident. Standard liability insurance may not cover damages caused by an e-scooter that does not meet legal requirements.
The Advisory Centre for Accident Prevention (BFU) also emphasizes that not all e-scooters sold are approved for road traffic. They advise buyers to confirm with the dealer that the vehicle complies with legal requirements before purchase. Ideally, this confirmation should be in writing.
Background Information
The rapid rise in popularity of e-scooters has outpaced regulatory adjustments in many places. Governments are now working to establish clear guidelines to ensure public safety while allowing for new forms of urban mobility. Switzerland's 20 km/h limit is one such measure.
Choosing the Right E-Scooter
Consumers interested in e-scooters should prioritize safety and legal compliance. Before making a purchase, it is essential to research Swiss traffic laws. Buyers should ensure any model they consider meets the 20 km/h speed limit and 0.5 kW motor power restriction if they plan to use it on public roads.
- Check speed limits: Ensure the e-scooter's top speed is 20 km/h or less.
- Verify motor power: The motor should not exceed 0.5 kW.
- Ask the seller: Confirm the e-scooter's road legality in writing.
- Understand insurance: Be aware of potential insurance gaps for non-compliant models.
- Prioritize stability: Consider the stability of the vehicle, especially at higher speeds.
Ignoring these rules can lead to legal penalties and put riders and pedestrians at risk. The convenience of an e-scooter should never come at the expense of safety or legal adherence.
The situation highlights a growing challenge for regulators: how to manage the sale of consumer products that can be used illegally. While retailers provide a choice, the ultimate responsibility for legal use falls on the individual. This dynamic requires consumers to be well-informed and cautious.