Two- and four-wheeled vehicles

In the car, small passengers must be properly restrained. For children under 12 years of age or less than 150 cm in height, a restraint device is required in the vehicle. On seats equipped only with lap belts, a child seat is mandatory only for children under seven years of age.

The Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) provides useful advice regarding car seats:

• choose a car seat suitable for the child's height and approved for ECE R44/03, 04, or R129 (orange label)
• follow the manufacturer's and vehicle's instructions for use
• if possible, car seats should always be secured in the rear seats
• the belt should fit snugly around the child's body, and the jacket should be removed

More information is also available on the Cantonal Police web pages.

These types of vehicle-like transport are equipped with wheels or rollers powered solely by the physical strength of the user, such as roller skates, inline skates, skateboards, scooters, and bicycles for preschool children.

As a rule, their use is permitted on sidewalks, pedestrian streets and bike paths, longitudinal pedestrian lanes, pedestrian zones, meeting areas and zones with a speed limit of 30 km/h, secondary roads with little traffic if they lack sidewalks, pedestrian paths, and roadside bike lanes.

BFU provides some useful tips:

• learn how to properly use skates, skateboards, or scooters
• wear protective equipment: helmet, wrist guards, elbow and knee pads
• adjust speed, always be ready to brake, and use caution
• comply with the different regulations governing their use for play and as a means of transport, and follow the rules aimed particularly at preschool children

In recent years, the Swiss market has seen the arrival of various innovative forms of electric vehicles, including e-bikes, electric scooters, cargo bikes, segways, and other self-balancing devices. According to current regulations, these vehicles, which are particularly popular in the city, can only operate in areas where bicycles are allowed, while they are prohibited in areas reserved for pedestrians.

Riding these types of vehicles on public roads involves certain risks to oneself and others, so in Switzerland there are precise regulations regarding speed and braking system, minimum age of the driver, helmet requirement, etc.

There are also unapproved types, which are therefore not allowed on the road, such as hoverboards, solowheels and electric skateboards.

It is recommended to inquire before purchase: what uses is the vehicle approved for? What are the rules to be followed? Also, in order to avoid unnecessary risks to yourself and others, make sure you have full command of the vehicle before using it on the road.

More information is available on the web pages of the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) and the Swiss Touring Club (TCS).

Children like bicycles, so much so that cycling is the favorite sporting activity for children between the ages of 10 and 14. Each year, however, several thousand children are injured on bicycles.

BFU provides several suggestions:

• children should always wear helmets, even for short trips
• cycling without pedals is good preparation for transitioning to a real bicycle
• teach children basic techniques in a protected space
• have maintenance work on the bicycle performed by a specialist
• in road traffic, children's bicycles must be equipped in accordance with the law