Central Switzerland, 25.11.2022

E-scooters are not suitable gifts for children

The Central Swiss police are asking the population to refrain from buying e-scooters, as they often do not comply with the regulations and children are not permitted to use them.

With the run-up to Christmas, the stress around finding suitable Christmas presents has also begun. You do not yet know what the right gift for a child is? The Central Swiss police would like to offer a bit of advice here: together, they appeal in a statement that under no circumstances should trendy, powered vehicles, such as e-scooters, be given to children as Christmas gifts.

The Central Switzerland Police Concordat writes: "We ask the population to refrain from buying trendy, powered vehicles such as e-scooters for children. Their use on public roads is illegal, and children are developmentally unable to safely control these vehicles."

E-scooters are not suitable gifts for children, according to the Central Swiss police.       Symbolic image: Central Switzerland Police Concordat

Children under the age of 14 are not allowed to use e-scooters, according to the Central Switzerland police. A category M or G driving licence is required from the age of 14, and use is only free of a licence requirement from the age of 16. In addition, a large proportion of e-scooters do not comply with the applicable regulations, the statement continues.

The following rules apply to the use of e-scooters on roads

- It must have a bell
- Front and rear lights on the vehicle
- Brakes on both wheels
- A maximum speed of 20 km/h or 25 km/h with the assistance of muscle power
- The power of the motor must not exceed 48 volts or 500 watts
- Use by persons under 14 years of age is not permitted
- 14- to 16-year-olds may only drive with a driving license of Cat. M or G
- No driver's licence is necessary from age 16
- Only one person may ride on an e-scooter
- The use of bike lanes is mandatory
- If there is no bike lane or cycle path, you must drive at the right edge of the road
- The wearing a helmet is recommended

Authorised riders should inform themselves exactly about the applicable regulations before making a purchase. Otherwise, there is a high risk of acquiring and using an illegal vehicle on public roads. In addition to the criminal consequences, an accident would result in costs that will  not covered by the insurance.