This is what Swiss law states

Cargo bikes are classified as light motorized bicycles. The relevant rules are set out in the Ordinance on the Technical Requirements for Road Vehicles (VTS).

According to Article 175, Paragraph 2, cargo e-bikes may be no more than one meter wide. If the bicycle is equipped with rear-view mirrors – or already features mirrors that yield under moderate pressure – these are not included in the maximum width measurement and may be measured in their folded-in position. However, when it comes to transported goods, no exceptions are made: the load must not exceed the maximum permitted width. There are no legal restrictions regarding the length of the cargo bike.

• The minimum age for operating a cargo e-bike is 14 years.
• Cargo e-bikes are subject to the same regulations as bicycles and must therefore use designated bike lanes and marked cycle paths.
• Cargo e-bikes must be equipped with daytime running lights.
• The total weight must not exceed 200 kg.
• Cargo e-bike riders are not legally required to wear a helmet. However, for safety reasons, SNOOQ strongly recommends wearing a bicycle helmet.
• No more than two children may be carried on the luggage rack. 
• Children must be secured in child seats with seat belts.

Press Release, March 26, 2024

The City of Zurich has developed new bicycle standards. The Steering Committee for Urban Transport 2025 has adopted the planning framework, marking another important step in promoting cycling.

« Velostrategie 2030 » With the “Bicycle Strategy 2030,” the City also initiated an update of the 2016 cycling standards. The new standards were adopted by the Steering Committee for Urban Transport 2025 on March 22, 2024. They serve as a planning foundation for both city authorities and external partners. The standards include guidelines on aspects such as the dimensions of bike lanes, bicycle navigation at intersections, and route classifications. The goal is to implement well-designed solutions that allow cyclists to move safely and easily through the city. “Cycling promotion is successful when the public understands how we plan. That’s why these cycling standards are so important,” says City Councillor Simone Brander.

The cycling standards present many standardized solutions for bicycle traffic that have proven effective in practice. In addition, they include new approaches such as the “priority cycle crossing” and “indirect left turn as a junction system.” The content of the cycling standards is the result of a broadly supported process that involved all relevant municipal departments and took into account input from the Cycling Commission and the City Council. The dimensions and solutions outlined in the standards are based on those used in Basel, Bern, and the Canton of Zurich. They serve as reference values and are applied according to the specific context. 

You can find the cycling standards at « stadt-zuerich.ch/velostandards » 

More Information

For further information please contact:

Roger Schaad, Projektleiter Kommunikation, Tiefbauamt, T  +41 44 412 25 19 » , E-Mail roger.schaad(at)zuerich.