Police Unveil Tiny Device to Catch Illegally Fast E-Bikes & E-Scooters

Last Updated on October 31, 2025 by Kristina

Police in Zurich, Switzerland, have a new tool that fits inside a small briefcase — and it’s designed to catch e-bikes and e-scooters that go beyond the legal limit.

During a roadside check, officers lift a wheel onto a small drum inside the device. When the rider accelerates, the tool measures the wheel’s top speed under load and shows the result instantly.

In one example, a scooter tested was capable of 110 km/h (68 mph) — while Switzerland’s public-road limit for e-scooters is only 20 km/h. Once the speed limiter was removed, the scooter essentially became a motorbike, but without the registration, insurance, or equipment that a motorbike requires.

This small machine gives police a quick, reliable way to spot illegal modifications right at the roadside. If the display shows a number above the legal limit, the vehicle can be seized and the rider reported.

Why This Matters

For the average e-bike rider — whether commuter, recreational, or homeschooling parent — this kind of enforcement matters.

• Know your class. If your e-bike or scooter’s top assisted speed or power exceeds the limit for your category, different rules apply.
• Modding can make your ride illegal. “Unlockers” and speed-boosting apps can remove caps, but that can also void warranties and violate laws.
• Roadside checks are fast and simple. Police no longer need a lab or track to prove a modification.

Staying within your class keeps you safe, legal, and welcome on bike paths.

---

Quick Guide: E-Bike and Scooter Classifications

United States

• Class 1: Pedal assist only, motor stops at 20 mph.
• Class 2: Throttle + pedal assist, also limited to 20 mph.
• Class 3: Pedal assist only, up to 28 mph. Usually needs a speedometer; path access varies by state.

Europe & Switzerland

• Pedelec: 250 W max, assistance cuts off at 25 km/h (15.5 mph).
• S-Pedelec: Assistance up to 45 km/h (28 mph). Treated as a moped, so registration, insurance, and helmets are required.

If your bike or scooter exceeds those limits, it’s no longer legally a “bicycle.”

---

Safety Basics

Even if you ride legally, extra speed means extra care:

• Check brakes and tire condition often.
• Use bright lights and reflective gear.
• Always wear a helmet and protective clothing.
• Respect bike path rules and slow down near pedestrians.

---

Buyer & Owner Checklist

• Confirm the bike or scooter’s class, top assisted speed, and motor power.
• Make sure your display isn’t “unlocked” past local limits.
• If you want higher speed, upgrade legally to a moped or motorcycle category.
• Keep proof of purchase and documentation handy.

---

If You’re Stopped

1. Be polite and follow instructions.
2. Show your bike’s class label or spec sheet.
3. Don’t adjust settings during the inspection.
4. If reclassified as a moped, ask what steps you need for compliance.

---

My Take

As the blogger behind Electric Bike Explorer, I think this new testing device highlights how fast e-mobility is evolving. What started as simple pedal-assist bikes are turning into light electric vehicles with real power — and that’s exciting.

But with power comes responsibility. If you’re riding an e-bike or e-scooter, know what you have and stay within the rules. A few extra miles per hour may not seem like much, but it can mean your frame, brakes, or tires aren’t built for those speeds — and that puts everyone at risk.

For brands and regulators, this is a signal to improve labeling, education, and maybe create clearer middle-ground categories for faster e-bikes. Until then, the best rule is simple: Ride smart. Ride legal. Ride safe.

For more news on electric bikes click here

Editor’s note: The feature image is an AI-generated illustration created to represent the Zurich police testing device described in this article. It is not a real photograph of the actual equipment