The reasons that led to the mandatory use of lights for e-bikers are understandable and honorable. Accidents have increased with the boom in electric bikes because the acceleration, speed and braking distance of pedelecs are underestimated. They are easier to spot when the lights are on, which should prevent collisions. The obligation to ride with the lights on at all times also applies in the forest or on signalized bike trails. "On all public traffic areas" is the official wording. Riding over a trail or pump track with lights on is a strange idea, but it will be mandatory from April 1, 2022. So from today.

Light vest obligation comes into force at the same time as mandatory lights

If you thought the introduction of mandatory lights was an April Fool's joke, you didn't count on those responsible for road safety at the Federal Roads Office FEDRO (which is also responsible for forest roads and bike trails). The permanent light is not enough for them, which is why they had the responsible committee of the National Council approve a further tightening of the regulation at the last minute. At the same time as the introduction of mandatory lights, all e-bikers, including e-mountain bikers, must also always wear a luminous vest.

The regulation has been applauded from an unexpected quarter: Hans-Franz Hirschenegger, Head of Wildlife Disturbance at Jagd Schweiz, says: "The more visible bikers are, the sooner wild animals can get to safety. This reduces their stress and increases their health and fertility." While hunters wear a green camouflage vest, mountain bikers will have to wear a yellow fluorescent vest in future.

The e-mountain biker camp has a different view. Kevin Sauer from Baden, for example, sees an inequality of rights: "What's the difference between an e-mountain biker and an organic biker on the trail? Both are exactly the same speed going downhill. Racing cyclists are even faster than e-bikers. If anything, the rule should have been introduced for all cyclists. I would have been really pleased with the reaction of the Gümmeler!" At Astra, however, they don't want to know anything about it. E-bikers are responsible for the increase in bicycle accidents, which is why they need to be targeted in order to achieve something. According to an Astra spokesperson, collisions also occur in the forest because e-mountainbikes are so unexpectedly fast on flat terrain and slight inclines. The luminous vests would not only increase the visibility of e-bikers, but also make them aware that they pose a risk to others. The vest also has an educational function.

Nothing available because of the gilet jaunes

The retailers are laughing up their sleeves as they can sell a luminous vest in addition to the lamp. But they rejoiced too soon. Larissa-Luana Brandstätter, buyer at bicycle wholesaler BikeWelt, says: "Manufacturers and importers are completely surprised by this new regulation, because there are almost no such light vests in stock." Online retailer Bikestar and other chain stores with a bicycle range have a similar view. Due to the high demand for fluorescent vests in France as a result of the gilets jaunes, they are practically no longer available here, with no improvement in sight.

Unsurprisingly, the bike industry is also not happy with further restrictions on the freedom of e-bikers. "I wouldn't be surprised if many e-mountain bikers switched back to organic bikes to avoid making a fool of themselves on the trail," says Martin Flacher from the industry association Suissevelo.

Whether it makes sense in terms of increasing safety or a prank from Bern, the fact is that the regulation for the mandatory wearing of a light vest on e-bikes will apply from April 1, 2022, just like the mandatory use of lights.

This article was published on April 1, 2022