Guide · 2026
A1 licence at 16: the best Chinese 125s from CHF 3'490 (2026 guide)
The A1 licence is the ideal gateway into the world of motorcycling: accessible from age 16, it allows machines up to 125 cm³ and 11 kW. Good news for young Swiss riders: Chinese brands Zontes, QJ Motor and Kove offer A1-approved 125 cm³ bikes starting at CHF 3'490, officially imported into Switzerland. Here's what you need to know about the A1 licence, Swiss regulations and the best models available from CHF 3'490.
The A1 licence in Switzerland: what it allows from age 16
In Switzerland, the A1 licence can be obtained from age 16 and authorises riding motorcycles and scooters up to 125 cm³ and 11 kW. It is the key category for young riders who want to ride a real motorcycle without waiting for the restricted A licence (35 kW, from age 18) or the unrestricted A licence (after 2 years of practice on a restricted A).
Since the reform that came into force in 2021, the mandatory basic practical training for the A1 licence has increased to 12 hours. This training, provided by a recognised driving school, is a prerequisite before the practical exam. The official information remains that of admin.ch, which prevails in case of doubt.
The A1 licence covers both 125 cm³ combustion motorcycles and certain equivalent electric scooters. It is therefore a versatile category, ideal for the city as well as for suburban journeys, and perfectly suited to the Chinese offering that dominates this segment in Switzerland.
Why Chinese 125s are so competitive in Switzerland
Since 1 January 2024, Switzerland has abolished all industrial customs duties, including on two-wheelers (chapter 87 of the customs tariff). In practice, a motorcycle manufactured in China only pays Swiss VAT of 8.1% on import. No customs duty is added to the price.
This favourable customs context explains why Chinese 125s display particularly aggressive prices in Switzerland. By comparison, the European Union has applied anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Chinese-made electric bicycles since 2019 (anti-dumping duties of up to 70.1%, extended in January 2025 for five years) — a measure that does not target Chinese motorcycles or scooters, but illustrates a more tense EU-China trade climate than in Switzerland, where customs policy remains stable and at zero industrial duty.
The result: brands such as Zontes, QJ Motor and Kove can offer A1-approved 125 cm³ bikes from CHF 3'490, with equipment that is often generous for the category. These models are officially imported into Switzerland by established importers, which guarantees a distribution network and after-sales support.
The best Chinese A1 125s from CHF 3'490
QJ Motor SRK 125 S (CHF 3'490): the entry price of the selection. This single-cylinder 125 cm³ roadster produces 15 hp (11 kW) and comes with an upside-down fork, ABS and a TFT screen, plus a 3-year factory warranty. Imported by Fun-Car (Bevaix), it is, together with the SRV 125 at the same price, the cheapest Chinese A1 125 motorcycle in our catalogue.
Zontes 125 GK ALU (CHF 3'990): this 125 cm³ develops 10.8 kW and stands out for its aluminium frame and rich equipment. Imported by Mosport SA, it is available through the official Zontes Switzerland network. It is one of the references in the A1 segment in terms of equipment-to-price ratio.
QJ Motor SRT 125 DX (CHF 3'990): with 11 kW, this 125 cm³ urban trail is, alongside the SRK 125 S, the most powerful in the selection. Imported by Fun-Car (Bevaix), it offers an elevated riding position and appreciable versatility for daily use as well as for rides.
Kove NK 125R (CHF 3'990): this 125 cm³ roadster with 10.2 kW completes the trio at CHF 3'990. Imported by Mosport SA, it appeals for its naked style and lightness, ideal for a first motorcycle. These three models share the same entry price, leaving the choice according to the style and equipment sought.
How to choose your A1 125: practical criteria
The first criterion is use: for the city, a light roadster like the Kove NK 125R or the Zontes 125 GK ALU is perfect; for mixed journeys and secondary roads, the QJ Motor SRT 125 DX with its 11 kW offers a little more versatility. All comply with the 11 kW limit imposed by the A1 licence.
The second criterion is the network: favour models officially imported into Switzerland, as this facilitates maintenance, parts and warranty. Zontes (Mosport SA), QJ Motor (Fun-Car) and Kove (Mosport SA) all have an identified official importer, with direct purchase links to Swiss sites.
The third criterion is equipment: between CHF 3'490 and CHF 3'990, the four models are positioned in the same price bracket, but differ in style and finish. The best approach is to try each machine at a network dealer to get a concrete idea of ergonomics and behaviour.
After the A1: the logical next step towards the A licence
The A1 licence is not an end in itself: it opens the way to the restricted A licence (35 kW) from age 18, then to the unrestricted A licence after 2 years of flawless practice on a restricted A. The Chinese offering also covers this entire progression, with models such as the CFMoto 450NK (34.5 kW, CHF 5'290) or the Zontes 350 R (29 kW, CHF 5'390) for the restricted A.
For those who wish to stay on a 125 cm³ longer, the A1 licence remains valid without time limit. It also allows riding certain equivalent electric scooters, which offers an interesting alternative for urban journeys.
In summary, the A1 licence at 16 is an excellent gateway, and Chinese 125s from CHF 3'490 make this step particularly accessible. With zero customs duty and official importers in Switzerland, the price-equipment ratio is hard to beat in this category.