Guide · 2026
Electric scooter legal in Switzerland: the 20 km/h rules and compliant models (2026)
The electric scooter has become an essential urban transport mode in Switzerland. But beware: Swiss legislation is strict and differs from that of the European Union. To ride legally, your scooter must be limited to 20 km/h and its motor must not exceed 500 W. In this guide, we detail the official rules from OETV and OFROU, and we present the compliant models available on the Swiss market, especially those of Chinese design.
Official rules: 20 km/h and 500 W maximum
Under Swiss law, the electric scooter is classified as a 'light moped' (Art. 18 let. b OETV). This implies a maximum speed of 20 km/h in purely electric mode and a motor limited to 500 W. Models legally sold in Switzerland - such as Xiaomi's special 'CH' editions, Segway-Ninebot's 'D' series, or NIU KQi - are limited to 20 km/h, unlike European versions at 25 km/h which are not compliant on Swiss roads.
This regulation aims to ensure the safety of users and pedestrians, while regulating the use of these vehicles in public spaces. Any exceeding of these limits exposes you to fines and confiscation of the vehicle. It is therefore essential to check the technical specifications before any purchase.
Compliant scooters are generally equipped with a certificate of conformity and a nameplate indicating the maximum speed and motor power. Make sure this information is clearly visible and that the seller is a recognized official importer.
Age and license: from 16 without a license, M license between 14 and 16
One of the big questions concerns the license. Good news: from 16, no authorization is required to drive an electric scooter at 20 km/h. Teenagers aged 14 to 16 must hold an M license (mopeds), which is obtained with a theoretical exam.
This distinction is important: it means that 20 km/h scooters are accessible to a wide audience, without administrative procedures. However, wearing a helmet, although not mandatory, is strongly recommended for your safety.
Note: unlike seated electric scooters (which, since July 2025, may reach 25 km/h under a different regime), a true electric kick scooter - without a seat - remains capped at 20 km/h regardless of the rider's age. A model limited to 25 km/h is therefore not a legal kick scooter in Switzerland, even with an M license.
Where to ride and what equipment?
Electric scooters are subject to the same traffic rules as bicycles (Art. 42 al. 4 OCR). You must therefore use the cycle path when it exists (Art. 33 al. 1 OSR), otherwise the road. It is forbidden to ride on the sidewalk. No liability insurance is legally required to ride an electric scooter in Switzerland, but private liability insurance is strongly recommended to cover damage to third parties in case of an accident.
Regarding equipment, the law requires two independent brakes, a bell, fixed white lighting at the front and red at the rear, as well as reflectors. These elements are mandatory to be in order and ensure your visibility, especially at night.
Failure to comply with these rules exposes you to fines. It is therefore crucial to equip yourself properly and respect the highway code, as for any other vehicle.
Compliant models: Xiaomi, Segway, NIU and other Chinese brands
The Swiss electric scooter market is dominated by Chinese-designed brands, which offer models specifically limited for Switzerland. Among the most well-known are Xiaomi (via Xiaomi Switzerland, mi-store.ch), Segway-Ninebot, and NIU (via Mobilize/niumobility.ch). These brands are officially imported and their models comply with Swiss legislation.
Prices vary depending on the models and performance. For example, the Xiaomi E-Scooter 6 is available from CHF 449, while other models like the NIU KQi3 Pro are offered 'price on request' on the official importers' websites. It is recommended to consult the technical sheets and verify compliance before purchasing.
Other brands like Ecooter (imported by ETRIX) or Yadea (via Emovemotors) offer electric mopeds approved for Switzerland, but no kick scooters in their current range. For a kick scooter, always make sure the model is approved for Switzerland, with a maximum speed of 20 km/h and a motor of 500 W maximum.
Finally, remember that since January 1, 2024, Switzerland has abolished industrial customs duties on two-wheelers, making these products even more affordable. Only the VAT of 8.1% applies, a definite advantage compared to the European Union.
Conclusion: ride legally and serenely
In summary, to be in order in Switzerland, your electric scooter must respect the 20 km/h limit and the maximum power of 500 W. From 16, no license is necessary, but between 14 and 16, the M license is mandatory. Respect traffic rules and equip yourself properly.
Choose a compliant model from an official importer, and you can enjoy your scooter with complete peace of mind. Chinese brands offer excellent value for money, and with the abolition of customs duties, it's the ideal time to equip yourself.
For more information and to compare models, consult our comparator on SinoRide, which lists Chinese-designed two-wheelers available in Switzerland, with verified prices and direct links to official importers.