They look more like mini-walks than bikes. And yet, on the handlebars, pilots must bend to the same requirements as cyclists. Electric scooters are among these two-wheelers increasingly popular with the Swiss, as well as scooters as well. A craze that Laurent Pignot recognizes, spokesperson for the TCS. “We see more and more these electric models, including hybrids, such as scooters with seats,” he admits.
In the region either, observing these vehicles on the roads is not uncommon, a simple promenade in Biel allows it to be seen. In the Selendaise city, specialized stores have been still existing for a few years. What surprises more, on the other hand, is to see drivers sometimes without a helmet or plate. And behind these clearly visible details, there is sometimes even more surprising: no permit is necessary to ride some of these models. An argument that one of the Biennese resellers also puts forward on his website.
A category question
Nothing abnormal nevertheless according to Laurent Pignot. “What matters is their legal category and not their appearance,” said the TCS spokesperson. Power, speed or even weight of the vehicle are thus part of the criteria that determine the rules of the road to follow. Consequently, if the conduct of an electric scooter obliges the wearing of the helmet and the detention of a license, another almost identical may not require so many conditions.
In such a situation and faced with as many variants of the rules to follow, there is something to get lost … Laurent Pignot recognizes it: “It is the same problem that we had at the very beginning of soft mobility with bikes”. Last September, moreover, the Bernese cantonal police were able to see it during a “targeted action” carried out in Biel. During this operation, around sixty vehicles were checked and 22 fines were drawn up. The police noted that users were not informed enough of the rules and duties to follow.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, Laurent Pignot recommends any potential buyer to find out before buying one of these devices. “We must understand what is the use that we will be able to make of the vehicle and what are the obligations,” he lists.