How do you insure your bike and e-bike correctly?
In short
Bicycles and slow e-bikes up to 25 km/h need no number plate.
Damage to others is usually paid by your personal liability, theft away from home only by the extension in your household contents insurance. Fast e-bikes up to 45 km/h count as mopeds and need a yellow number plate with a vignette.
GuideTo the answer in a few questions
What do you need for your bike or e-bike?
Different rules apply depending on the vehicle.
All answers at a glance
What do you ride? Bicycle without a motor
Personal liability and household contents. Damage to others is paid by your personal liability. For theft you need the extension for simple theft away from home in your household contents insurance.
What do you ride? E-bike up to 25 km/h
As with a bicycle. Slow e-bikes need no number plate. Liability is often included in personal liability, ask to be sure. Theft is covered by the extension in household contents insurance, and with expensive e-bikes it is worth checking the insured sum.
What do you ride? E-bike up to 45 km/h
Number plate and own liability. Fast e-bikes count as mopeds. They need a yellow number plate and a vignette that is renewed every year. Liability is regulated through it. Theft is covered by a vehicle or household contents insurance, depending on the provider.
According to FEDRO and bfu, as of 2026. Not advice.
Want to know more?
Which rules apply to your vehicle?
| Vehicle | Number plate | Liability | Theft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bicycle | No | Personal liability | Household contents with extension away from home |
| E-bike up to 25 km/h | No | Usually personal liability, ask to be sure | Household contents with extension or separate insurance |
| E-bike up to 45 km/h | Yellow number plate and vignette | Covered through number plate and vignette | Vehicle or separate insurance |
What do you do if your bike is gone?
- Report it to the police. The insurer needs this.
- Have the proof of purchase and frame number ready. Best to note the number now.
- Report the loss to your household contents or bike insurer.
What many people get wrong
- “My bike is always insured with household contents insurance.” Only at home against burglary. Away from home you need the extension.
- “An e-bike is an e-bike.” Wrong. From 25 km/h of pedal assistance the rules for mopeds apply.
- “Accident insurance always pays for a bike accident.” That depends on your work. Without an employer, your health insurer pays if accident cover is included.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need a bicycle vignette?
Not any more for bicycles and slow e-bikes. Liability runs through your personal liability. Fast e-bikes need a vignette that is renewed every year.
Is my expensive e-bike insured enough?
Check whether the sum for simple theft away from home in your household contents insurance is enough. It is often limited to a few thousand francs. For expensive e-bikes there are separate insurances.
Do I need a driving licence for a fast e-bike?
Yes. For fast e-bikes you need a driving licence of category M or higher. You can find the exact rules at FEDRO.
What comes next?
Sources and date 22 October 2026
This page explains in general terms and does not replace personal advice. Law and your policy are what counts.