Federal Council encounters resistance: minimum age of 12 years for slow e-bikes is controversial

class=”sc-29f61514-0 icZBHN”>

The Federal Council proposes to lower the minimum age for driving e-bikes up to a maximum of 25 km/h to 12 years without a driver’s license if an adult supervises the ride. However, the proposal met with resistance during the relevant consultation.

The SVP, the Swiss Transport Club (VCS), the environmental organization Umverkehr, the Automobile Club of Switzerland (ACS), the Swiss Automobile Trade Association, the Association of Cities and the Advisory Center for Accident Prevention (BFU) say no to the reduction. They cite safety reasons and do not consider a reduction to be wise from the perspective of health policy.

Adults could not intervene in time

An e-bike is always faster than a normal bicycle, says the ACS. He recommends a transition period of at least 14 years without an electric motor. According to the BFU, children cannot yet meet the higher demands of riding an e-bike due to their motor and cognitive development and a lack of experience with traffic situations compared to cycling.

The VCS points out the great responsibility of the accompanying adult. The Association of Cities also expresses doubts about the ability of the accompanying adult to actually intervene in time in the event of an accident.

Tourism supports proposal

The legislative change proposed by the Federal Council is based on a motion by Valais FDP national councilor Philippe Nantermod (39). Their goal was to facilitate the use of electric bicycles in tourist mountain areas.

Although this is not appropriate in cities according to a majority of cities, the adjustment is expressly supported by the Swiss Association for Mountain Areas (SAB). The measure is in the interest of tourism. Cycling tourism continues to enjoy increasing popularity.

The age reduction also receives support from the Greens, the pedestrian association Fussverkehr Schweiz, the cycling interest group Pro Velo and the bicycle dealer association 2radschweiz.

Pedestrian Switzerland is also calling for the age at which children can ride on sidewalks to be lowered to 10 years. Otherwise there is a risk that 12-year-olds on motorized bicycles will be on the sidewalk. According to Pro Velo and 2radschweiz, the accompanying person may only be at least 16 years old.

New rules also for cargo bikes

The proposed revision also includes adjustments to cargo bikes, such as increasing the overall weight and vehicle width of heavy motor vehicles and marking new parking areas with the ‘cargo vehicle’ symbol. These proposals are expressly welcomed by the Greens, the Association of Cities, Swiss Foot Traffic, ProVelo, the Automotive Industry Association, SAB and 2radschweiz.

This expands the scope of Cargovelos for the transport of goods and children. SAB also emphasizes that transporting goods with e-bikes is becoming increasingly important in mountain areas and rural areas.

The BFU sees benefits for road safety if heavy motorized bicycles partially replace trucks in the fine distribution of goods in cities. However, she recommends offering a practical test here.

The SVP, on the other hand, warns of traffic chaos and a threat to security of supply in cities by “shifting urban freight logistics to cargo bikes”. Only modern trucks and vans met criteria such as high capacity and weather resistance.

The ACS also speaks out against the adjustments to cargo bikes. Cargo bikes are too dangerous given the existing infrastructure and traffic density and hinder the flow of traffic. (SDA)

Source:Blick