Sales of speed pedelecs in Switzerland are increasing. These more powerful electric bikes are subject to registration with the Swiss authorities and require a licence plate. According to Bike Europe, whose report focuses on sales figures for Riese & Müller & Specialized, 82 Riese & Müller speed pedelecs have been registered in the first four months of 2014. By comparison, 30 Specialized Turbo speed pedelecs have been registered so far in 2014, doubling the 33 total given licence plates last year.
The country’s authorities have indicated they believe overall sales figures are higher, however, saying “There are indications that these vehicles are also sold simply as an e-bike without registration and license plate. We have no view on the extensity of this practice so we do not know exactly how many speed pedelecs have been sold and are currently driving around.”
Velosuisse, the Swiss association for bicycle suppliers, recently released sales figures showing that speed pedelec sales had increased 7.7%, while 25kmh e-bike sales dropped by 12% in 2013. The association estimates there are 230,000 e-bikes on the Swiss roads today, with every 7th bike sold being an electric one.
