Velosuisse supports the manifesto «for a Safe and Compliant European E-Bike Market» issued by the European industry association ECI and is one of its approximately one hundred co-signatories. At the ECI meeting in Brussels at the end of September, Velosuisse was represented by its President, Nathalie Schneitter, Vice-President Christian Bättig and board member Reto Meyer.
E-bikes have transformed everyday mobility: they replace car journeys, promote health and create jobs in retail, services and industry. However, as the market grows, more and more e-bikes are coming into circulation that do not meet legal requirements or can be easily modified using so-called tuning kits. Many of these are sold directly to consumers from third countries via major online marketplaces – often at prices that are only possible because savings are made on material and technical testing, conformity assessment, warranty and service provisions, and after-sales support.
For Velosuisse, one thing is clear: this also affects Switzerland. The country is closely intertwined with the European market. Trendy bikes and products of dubious quality that slip through the checks in the EU also end up on public roads here. Tampered-with and non-compliant e-bikes endanger their riders and other road users, distort competition to the detriment of reputable suppliers and specialist retailers who abide by the rules, and undermine confidence in the e-bike as a safe mode of transport.
The manifesto calls for four measures:
- a ban on the sale of tuning kits, modelled on the French system;
- a European database on non-compliant e-bikes and their implications for safety and the economy;
- consistent market surveillance, including joint liability on the part of online marketplaces;
- training and equipping law enforcement agencies so that the police and inspection bodies can identify tampered vehicles.
«The rules are in place, but enforcement is lacking,» says Nathalie Schneitter. «Those who take care in developing, testing and selling their products should not be put at a disadvantage compared to low-cost suppliers who couldn’t care less about local rules and laws.» Velosuisse will campaign to ensure that the concerns set out in the manifesto are also taken on board in Switzerland – through dialogue with the authorities, politicians and the retail sector.
Aarau, 12 October 2026
