Tag Archive: Switzerland

1. Cargo bikes one of the bright spots for Swiss bike market as it faces pressure

   30/06/2025 13:49 Comments Off on Cargo bikes one of the bright spots for Swiss bike market as it faces pressure

   Source: SAZ Bike

   Although figures from 2024 reveal that Switzerland’s bike secctor has experienced a decline in revenue, its cargo bike segment remains promising, with a 22% increase in sales.

   2024 bicycle sales results in Switzerland

   The Swiss bicycle market saw a surprising trend in 2024, with higher unit sales but reduced overall revenue. According to the latest Velohandel Schweiz 2025 market bulletin, published by the Swiss bicycle communications office Dynamot, approximately 453,000 bicycles and e-bikes were sold in Switzerland, an increase of around 7% compared to the previous year. However, total revenue fell by over 6% to CHF 1.81 billion, marking the lowest turnover for the sector since 2018.

   Overstock and discounts undermine profitability

   The primary factor behind the decline in sales revenue was the widespread liquidation of overstocked inventory, a consequence of the pandemic-era supply surplus. To clear excess stock, both retailers and manufacturers resorted to steep discounts, significantly compressing profit margins. The closure of specialist stores under the Migros Group – namely SportX and Bike World – intensified the market’s price competition, with some manufacturers slashing their own suggested retail prices by up to 50%.

   Workshop services and accessories offer stability

   Despite challenges in retail sales, several areas provided a measure of stability for the Swiss bike trade. Sales of accessories and spare parts rebounded following a sluggish performance in the previous year. Notably, the workshop and service sector saw record revenues in 2024, underlining the growing importance of after-sales services in the overall business model of specialist retailers.

   Cargo bikes: a promising standout in the Swiss market

   While traditional mountain bikes saw declining interest, certain niche categories delivered promising growth. Sales of gravel bikes rose by 15%, while cargo bikes surged by 22%. The popularity of cargo bikes was driven by the introduction of more compact, urban-friendly models. These segments not only showed strong sales momentum but also experienced healthier inventory levels and more stable pricing conditions.

   Regional comparison with Germany

   Switzerland’s market dynamics closely mirrored those in neighbouring Germany. The German Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV) reported a 2.5% drop in unit sales and a 10% decline in turnover, bringing total 2024 sales to €6.33 billion. Like in Switzerland, German retailers contended with warehouse overhangs and aggressive discounting, leading to an average e-bike price drop of more than 10%.

   Despite the downward pressure on margins, the German workshop sector remained a vital source of revenue, and product trends followed a similar trajectory: classic mountain bikes lost traction, while gravel and cargo bikes gained popularity, aided by leasing models and municipal subsidy programs.

   Outlook for 2025

   Looking ahead, both the Swiss and German markets anticipate further adjustments in 2025, with expectations for more stable pricing in high-demand segments. In Germany, initiatives such as service bike leasing, public funding, and improved cycling infrastructure may help to enable growth.

   In Switzerland, the importance of workshop services is expected to increase further, and industry stakeholders are anticipated to focus toward higher-margin product groups to counterbalance the revenue shortfalls seen in recent years.

2. Swiss research shows speed pedelec riders have different cycling infrastructure preferences

   23/06/2025 16:44 Comments Off on Swiss research shows speed pedelec riders have different cycling infrastructure preferences

   Source: CROW Fietsberaad

   As part of a research project, “E-Biking in Switzerland”, researchers at ETH Zurich examined the preferences of various groups of Swiss cyclists and non-cyclists, with regard to cycling infrastructure choices.

   The project was established to better understand the role of electric bikes in Switzerland, where they are a popular sustainable transport choice, with 1 in 5 households owning an e-bike or speed pedelec.

   Research method

   Almost 3,000 Swiss cyclists and non-cyclists took part in a questionnaire, in which they were presented with a selection of 13 out of 52 choices between two situations. The situations represented a main or neighbourhood street, with variations in the car traffic intensity, width of cycle path or lane, and available parking spaces. Images generated from a cyclist’s perspective represented the situations, and were accompanied by the travel time associated with the infrastructure shown.

   Participants had to choose which was their preferred situation, which in turn would determine how many extra minutes of travel time they were prepared to accept with the chosen or avoided infrastructure.

   Speed pedelec riders

   Participants who were frequent speed-pedelec riders attached least value to bicycle-friendly infrastructure, being the least likely to accept extra travel time in exchange for travelling on a cycle path. One factor in this choice is the ability of speed pedelec riders to keep pace with traffic. Although they appreciate cycle paths, they place more value on lower traffic levels and fewer parked cars in neighbourhood streets.

   More occasional e-bike riders have the strongest preference for cycle-friendly neighbourhood streets, while frequent e-bikers prefer cycle paths.

   Gender differences

   Research results showed a greater sensitivity among women to bicycle-friendly infrastructure than men, a possible explanation for the lower numbers of female cyclists in Switzerland. Non-cyclist women are the most sensitive towards road design and car traffic in neighbourhood streets, making them a significant target group for tailored cycling incentive schemes.

3. Study highlights potential for safer cycling in the DACH region

   14/02/2025 16:43 Comments Off on Study highlights potential for safer cycling in the DACH region

   Source: SAZ BIKE

   A recent cross-border study conducted in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland has investigated methods to enhance cycling safety in confined spaces.

   The research, undertaken as part of the Radbest project, focused on the overtaking distance of motor vehicles when passing cyclists, revealing significant disparities in adherence to prescribed safety measures.

   Measuring overtaking distances

   The study employed specialized bicycles fitted with multiple sensors to measure the lateral distance maintained by motor vehicles during overtaking maneuvers. Over 7,000 instances of overtaking were analyzed across the three countries. While Germany and Austria mandate a minimum overtaking distance of 1.5 meters, Switzerland lacks such a regulation. The findings indicate that, despite existing laws in Germany and Austria, cyclists are frequently overtaken with insufficient space. In Switzerland, where no minimum distance is enforced, the prescribed safe distance was even more frequently undercut.

   Perceived danger and cycling behavior

   The study’s findings suggest that inadequate overtaking distances contribute to a widespread perception of cycling as unsafe, which discourages many individuals from using bicycles as a primary means of transport. Survey responses from cyclists using the test routes highlighted that a significant portion of the population views cycling as a risky activity. Notably, the statement “Cycling on the road requires courage” found stronger agreement among Swiss respondents compared to their German and Austrian counterparts, reflecting a heightened sense of vulnerability among cyclists in Switzerland.

   Proposed safety measures

   Given the challenges of ensuring cyclist safety in constrained urban environments, the Radbest researchers emphasize that there is no single optimal solution. Instead, they recommend a tailored approach based on specific spatial limitations. One proposed measure involves the introduction of narrow core lanes with wide bike lanes on both sides. However, the study also cautions that roads featuring two-sided cycling lanes without a central guiding line tend to result in significantly more close passes by vehicles.

   As an additional safety measure, the researchers advocate for the clear marking of designated cycling spaces and the enforcement of a speed limit of 30 km/h in areas with limited road width. These measures, they argue, could help mitigate the risks associated with cycling in confined spaces and encourage more people to consider bicycles as a viable and safe mode of transportation.

   The Radbest study underscores the necessity of continued efforts to improve cycling infrastructure and regulations across the DACH region. By addressing safety concerns, policymakers can foster a more inclusive and cyclist-friendly transport environment, potentially increasing bicycle usage and promoting sustainable urban mobility.

4. New website and service partners for AureusDrive

   06/05/2024 13:54 Comments Off on New website and service partners for AureusDrive

   The Swiss developer of affordable, robust and stylish electric bicycles has debuted a fresh new website and announced additional partners in the brand’s home country

   Founded in 2017, AureusDrive develops, designs, conceptualizes, configures and assembles e-bike systems with a focus on the commuter. Following on from successful past expansion, the brand has shared its new website redesign, aimed at making the user experience clearer, easier and more enjoyable. The company stated:

   “The new website has a modern look and a clear shop layout. These and many other adjustments have been made to increase your comfort when using it. We hope you like the new features and look forward to offering you an even better shopping experience in the future!”

   AureusDrive also announced the addition of four new Swiss workshop and service partners to its network, in a further commitment to serving the needs of riders. The locations are: Cycle Grenat Sàrl in Grand-Lancy, RIDERSCAVE in Poliez-Pittet, Merkli 2-Rad Sport in Wetzikon ZH, and Veloservice Fertal in Willisau.

   “With these new partners, we are not only expanding our geographical reach, but also our service expertise. They now offer you more workshop options for repairs, maintenance and advice on all aspects of your AureusDrive e-bike. We are excited about this new collaboration and look forward to continuing to offer you the best possible service.”

5. AureusDrive visits partners in Belgium and Switzerland

   16/10/2023 13:40 Comments Off on AureusDrive visits partners in Belgium and Switzerland

   Swiss electric bike and e-bike drive systems brand AureusDrive has shared updates from recent workshop and repair and test centre visits in nearby regions.

   AureusDrive develops, designs, conceptualizes, configures and assembles e-bike systems with a focus on the commuter. Last week, the company’s two founders and managing directors, Sergio Tresch and Gabriel Barroso, embarked on a visit to seven partner workshops in Belgium. During this excursion, they not only explored picturesque landscapes and cities but also gained valuable insights into their partner market.

   The trip provided AureusDrive with an opportunity to strengthen relationships with esteemed partner workshops and collaborate on future improvements and innovations. This collaboration proved to be invaluable, enabling them to implement various optimizations and ensure that the brand’s high-quality Power45 S-Pedelec fully aligns with the needs and requirements of the Belgian market.

   

   In addition, AureusDrive is pleased to introduce new partners, bikesLab and Vélochouché in French-speaking Switzerland. They are currently available for service and repairs, and soon they will also offer test drives.

   The team eagerly anticipates reaping the rewards of this journey and further fortifying partnerships.

   

   About

   AureusDrive, founded by Sergio and Gabriel in 2017, envisions ecological mobility for everyone. The startup specializes in developing, designing, conceptualizing, configuring, and assembling e-bike systems, with a particular focus on the commuter. The brand’s affordable, sturdy, and stylish e-bikes aim to encourage commuters to make the switch from cars to e-bikes. Currently, AureusDrive boasts a team of 12 employees and is experiencing rapid growth. Its e-bike community is approaching four digits, collectively covering an impressive seven-figure mileage. As a result, AureusDrive has already reduced CO2 emissions by 150,000 kg.

   AureusDrive’s mission is to provide affordable, sturdy, and stylish electric vehicles for all. In addition to this core mission, AureusDrive offers services in Lucerne and extends its support to partners throughout Switzerland. AureusDrive provides delivery and collection services for e-bikes (free of charge for warranty cases) and offers cost-effective replacement rental e-bikes.

6. Aureus Drive further expands its partner network

   19/12/2022 16:18 Comments Off on Aureus Drive further expands its partner network

   The LEVA-EU member continues to grow its test drive and service partners, ensuring customers have easy access to service options.

   Swiss-based Aureus Drive produces robust 45km/h e-bikes, aiming to provide ecologically sound mobility to all. The manufacturer has recently announced six further test drive and service partners:

   • Münsigen – sport2go
   • Biberist – sport2go
   • Wädenswil – sport2go
   • Stans – sport2go
   • Bern Bollwerk
   • Genf rive gauche

   By densifying its partner network, Aureus Drive provides nearby servicing options for a larger number of customers, allowing any warranty work or service requirements to be met more easily. The brand’s full service network can be found, here.

   

7. AureusDrive celebrates 5 year anniversary

   10/10/2022 21:59 Comments Off on AureusDrive celebrates 5 year anniversary

   AureusDrive develops, designs, conceptualises, configures and assembles e-bike systems with a focus on the commuter. As they celebrate 5 years in business of ecological mobility, the Swiss e-bike brand recently shared a couple throwback photos from their early days of development.

   The update detailed how almost exactly five years ago, Gabriel Barroso and Sergio Tresch founded AureusDrive GmbH. The first prototypes were built and tested a little more than 5.5 years ago, and as seen in the photo below, the first prototype with a rear wheel hub motor was still painted by hand. Later, the first two Classic prototypes were picked up from Rhenus in Basel with a Peugeot Partner. At that time the model was still called g45c, as seen in the lower picture.

   

   

   The brand wrote: “We look back on an exciting time and are happy to have put around 2,000 e-bikes on Swiss roads and thus make a contribution to more ecological mobility.”

   E-bikes from AureusDrive’s new 2023 Classic and Comfort series are now available for ordering. New orange and mint colorways feature for the season, along with some technical improvements.

8. Switzerland: new e-bike & speed pedelec requirements

   31/01/2022 10:24 Comments Off on Switzerland: new e-bike & speed pedelec requirements

   Source Velosuisse – From April 1, 2022, there will be a general daytime running light obligation for all e-bike riders and from April 1, 2024, a speedometer obligation for fast e-bikes (up to 45 km/h, called speed pedelecs in EU). For S-pedelecs already in circulation,there will be a transition period until 2027. The Federal Roads Office, FEDRO, has clarified the new regulations at the request of Velosuisse. The most important facts in brief:

   • The daytime running light applies to all e-bike types without exception, including e-MTBs and e-road bikes.
   • The existing lighting can also be switched on as daytime running lights; no special or separate daytime running lights need to be fitted.
   • The daytime running light on e-bikes does not require type approval in Switzerland.
   • For (daytime) running lights, clip-on battery lights that can be removed (for theft protection and recharging) are also accepted.
   • The daytime running light must not flash or dazzle and should be visible at 100 meters. The light intensity is not specified in more detail.
   • The speed display on fast e-bikes does not have to be calibrated. However, it should at least display the actual speed and may not deviate more than 10 percent plus 4 km/h above the actual speed.
   • Even slow e-bikes, for which there is no speed limit, can in future be fined CHF 30 for speeding.

   Questions about daytime running lights in detail:

   Is there an exception to the mandatory daytime running lights for sport e-bikes or e-MTBs?
   No, there are No exception for sports vehicles. The obligation to ride with lights also during the day applies to all slow and fast e-bikes (motorcycles incl. light motorcycles, see Art. 18 VTS). However, there is no change to the equipment requirements for the lights (i.e. there is no obligation to equip with daytime running lights). From April 1, 2022, only the obligation to drive with lights during the day will be newly introduced. If there is no daytime running light, the minimum lighting already prescribed today can be switched on.

   On which roads and streets should the mandatory daytime running lights apply? 
   The lighting obligation applies to all public traffic areas. A traffic area is public if it is not used exclusively for private purposes and can therefore be used by an undefined group of users. A forest path or a bike trail is therefore usually a public road and the lighting obligation also applies there.

   Does the daytime running light only apply to the front, as it does to cars?
   Yes, if so-called daytime running lights (special lights) are fitted for driving with lights on during the day. If there are no daytime running lights, the minimum lighting already prescribed today can be switched on. This means at least one white light directed to the front and one red light directed to the rear, resting light (Art. 178a Para. 1, resp. Art. 179a Para. 1 VTS).

   Is a light intensity defined for the daytime running light?
   In the case of low-speed e-bikes (light motorcycles), the lighting equipment does not require type approval (with the exception of any direction indicators, the installation of which is optional. However, if they are present, they must be type approved). The lights must not dazzle and must be visible from a distance of 100 meters. 
   Also for fast e-bikes (in contrast to the other lighting devices) there is no obligation for type approval for the daytime running light (see Annex 1 No. 2.1. TGV). However, the luminous intensity should be roughly equivalent to the state of the art, as is otherwise the case for daytime running lights (e.g. on small motorcycles).

   Are removable lights allowed during the day?
   According to Article 178a Paragraph 1 VTS, the lights must also be permanently attached to slow e-bikes. We consider lights with a click lock (or comparable attachment) to be permanently attached lights (they can be removed when the vehicle is parked, e.g. to protect against theft).

   The regulation comes into force on 1.4.2022. Is there a transition period?
   The obligation to drive with lights on during the day will apply immediately from April 1, 2022.