USING CYCLE PATHS ON AN E-BIKE – WHAT IS ALLOWED?

From the daily commute to work to the leisurely ride to the nearest café, e-bikes have long since become part of everyday bicycle life as an eco-friendly alternative to cars. But there are still plenty of uncertainties when it comes to using e-bike in road traffic. One of the most common points of contention: Can I ride my e-bike on a cycle path? Or is that forbidden? In this article, we will give you the answer to this question and look at the legal regulations for e-bikes in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, state March 2023.

CYCLING IN SWITZERLAND ON AN E-BIKE

In Switzerland, e-bikes are not only allowed to ride on a cycle path – they are actually obliged to do so. The Swiss Road Traffic Act stipulates that cycle paths and lanes are not only reserved for cyclists, but that cyclists must also use them. The use of cycle paths is therefore mandatory for both slow e-bikes (without a yellow number plate) and fast e-bikes (with a yellow number plate). As in all other traffic situations, other road users must not be put at risk under any circumstances. S-pedelec riders in particular should adjust their speed according to the traffic and the conditions of the respective cycle path.

And one more thing: new road laws for e-bikes have been in place in Switzerland since December 2021. According to the ordinance issued by the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO), both fast e-bikes (with pedal assist up to 45 km/h) and classic e-bikes (with pedal assist up to 25 km/h) must now be equipped with a daytime light. This also applies to the equipment of your e-bike on the cycle path. For more information, see the blog post on  Daytime lights mandatory for e-bikes: Change to Swiss legislation.

CYCLING IN GERMANY ON AN E-BIKE

In Germany, e-bikes are divided into three categories: The first group are the classic pedelecs with assistance of up to 250 watts during pedaling and assistance of up to 25 kilometers per hour. The second group is fast pedelecs with assistance up to 45 km/h, which are considered to be small motorcycles in the Federal Republic of Germany. The third group is e-bikes or electric mopeds, which can only be ridden with a twist grip, even without pedaling.

Only pedelecs up to 25 km/h may ride on the cycle path. This also applies if the cycle path features the signs  «Mofas frei» or «E-Bikes frei» which means the paths can be used by mopeds and e-bikes. So-called S-pedelecs, which can reach speeds of up to 45 kilometers per hour and are considered to be small motorcycles, are not allowed to ride on cycle paths in Germany.

And one more thing: in Germany, bicycles and pedelecs only have to ride on the bike path if it is really usable and a blue cycle path sign obliges them to do so. If a cycle path is unusable – for example, because it is icy or there are vehicles parked on it – there is an exception to the obligation to use the cycle path.

CYCLING IN AUSTRIA ON AN E-BIKE

In Austria, the Bicycle Ordinance defines the regulations relating to riding an e-bike. This states: If there is a cycle path, it must also be used. However, pedelec riders on cycle paths must always take into account the speed of other road users and must not endanger them. The exceptions are e-bikes, which take up more than one lane and are up to 80 centimeters wide, or which are towing a trailer up to 80 centimeters wide: They are also allowed to drive on the road.

S-pedelecs are classified as mopeds in Austria and are expressly forbidden to ride on cycle paths. You will need an operating license, an insurance plate and a class AM or B license.

SUMMARY – CAN I RIDE MY E-BIKE ON A CYCLE PATH?

In summary, it can be said that the use of e-bikes on cycle paths is regulated in different ways in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It is therefore important that you know exactly what regulations apply in your country. Special care should be taken with S-pedelecs, which in most cases are not allowed to use cycle paths in Germany and Austria. But whatever the situation, the following applies: You should always watch out for other road users to avoid accidents.

28.03.2023