Do I need a driver’s license to use an e-scooter?
Which e-scooters, e-scooters, Segways and e-bikes require a driver’s license.
Tina Tempo:
We live in the countryside and my son has quite a long way to school. He would therefore like an e-scooter. Does he need a driver’s license to use such an e-scooter?
Answer:
Hello Tina
In legal terms, a distinction is made between motorcycles and light motorcycles. E-bikes with an output of more than 500 watts (faster than 25 km/h) are considered motorized bicycles. E-scooters, e-scooters, Segways and e-bikes up to a maximum of 500 watts, on the other hand, fall into the category of light motorized bicycles. The Federal Roads Office (Astra) has compiled a great overview of electric trend vehicles.
Young people between the ages of 14 and 16 require a category M driving license to use an e-scooter. From the age of 16, a driving license is no longer required for e-scooters. If your son is not yet 14 years old, the cantonal authorities can issue the category M driving license earlier in exceptional cases.
Important: Observe the traffic regulations that apply to e-scooters, which we have already covered in an earlier article.
Matthias Fricker
Attorney at law and partner at Fricker and Füllemann Attorneys at Law
Studied at the University of St. Gallen, graduating with a Master in Law (M.A. HSG in Law) in 2012, registered in the Bar Register of the Canton of Zurich, member of the Zurich Bar Association.
Fabian Füllemann
Attorney at law and partner at Fricker and Füllemann Attorneys at Law
Studied at the Universities of St. Gallen and Zurich, graduating with a Master of Law UZH in 2013, registered with the Zurich Bar Registry, member of the Zurich Bar Association.
