E-bikes: Tips for beginners and answers to key questions

E-bikes are available from around CHF 1,000 to over CHF 10,000. If the price is between CHF 3,000 and 5,000, you can usually assume that an electric bike is good for everyday use. How much an electric bike costs depends, among other things, on the power of the motor. E-bikes that offer assistance up to 25 kilometres per hour are usually cheaper than those that assist up to 45 kilometres per hour. Slightly more expensive, higher quality batteries usually allow longer journeys with more assistance, and generally maintain their performance for longer. In addition, you can usually assume that more robust components are installed on more expensive bikes, and the parts are usually easier to repair or replace.

E-mountain bikes and e-cargo bikes are more expensive because they are more robust. E-racing bikes are also slightly more expensive than conventional e-bikes because they are fitted with particularly lightweight and high-quality components.

Before you buy an e-bike, consider what you want to use your it for, how often, and how far you will be wanting to go and how much assistance you will need. Are you likely to use your e-bike for trips that last several days, or will you be using it to commute to work every day? This will help you determine which model you need and roughly how much it will cost.

There are two types of electric bicycles: slow e-bikes (lightly motorised) with no more than 500 watts of assistance and fast e-bikes with up to 1,000 watts of motor power. You will need a number plate for the latter.

The most highly motorised electric bicycles permitted provide pedal assistance of up to 45 kilometres per hour. A speedometer has been mandatory for these faster models since 1 April 2024. If you have already registered your e-bike, you must retrofit the speedometer by 1 April 2027.

According to the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU), Swiss law treats e-bikes like motorcycles. Different regulations apply depending on the power of the motor. For example, helmets are not required for slow electric bikes, but are mandatory for bikes with a power of 500 watts or more. However, a helmet is recommended for all bikes – whether with or without electric assistance.

Cycling helmets that comply with the EN 1078 standard are mandatory for e-bikes with a maximum speed of 45 kilometres per hour. Helmets in this category are ordinary bicycle helmets. It might be worth having a visor to protect your eyes from the wind.

Helmets that also comply with the NTA 8776 standard offer a little more safety. They are adapted to the higher speed of electric bikes, with more effective damping, neck and temple protection. Many models in this category also have a built-in visor that protects your eyes from wind, insects and dust. If you’re travelling abroad, find out which helmet standard is mandatory in each country.

The more you are carrying, the more work the battery has to do. Extra weight makes a big difference, especially on uphill routes. That’s why it’s important to consider where you can charge your e-bike when planning. Shift your weight forward when you’re going uphill. This will keep the front wheel securely in contact with the ground so that it does lose traction. Engage a low gear and pedal steadily to support the motor. You should be pedalling about 80 times per minute on an incline.

Before you set off, make sure that the tyre pressure matches the dealer’s recommendation. This is important because keeping your tyres at the right pressure ensures that the e-bike corners safely. It also saves energy because it reduces the friction between the tyres and the road surface.

Make sure to keep an even pace while riding as strong acceleration requires a lot of energy. The battery then runs out more quickly. If you still need to brake at a junction or a traffic light, try to anticipate, let the bike roll out and engage a lower gear before braking as you would with a non-powered bike. This makes it easier to set off again and uses less power.

You can also save power by selecting a lower assistance level. It’ll mean you have to pedal harder, but as long as you’ve still got the energy, it’s worth it.

Most people ride a lot faster on an e-bike than on a conventional bike. Be sure to take the higher speed into account when braking, as the braking distance increases significantly. For example: on a leisurely bike ride, you'll be travelling at around 15 kilometres per hour. At that speed, the braking distance is about 2.25 metres. However, braking distance is almost three times longer, or around 6.25 metres, if you’re travelling at 25 kilometres per hour.

Your e-bike battery will last longer if well maintained. Between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius is ideal. Extreme temperatures reduce battery performance and service life unless you take the necessary precautions.

This depends on the brand and model. Most bike computers display the speed, level of assistance and current battery charge. Some also display your pedalling rate or calorie consumption, for example.

Make sure to familiarise yourself with your on-board computer before your first e-bike tour. Then you’ll know how to check and switch each function on or off while riding.