Political demands for a return to the old regime
Against this backdrop, politicians from various parties are calling for a return to the previous age limits. SVP National Council member Nina Fehr Düsel and centrist National Council member Sidney Kamerzin are campaigning for the age limit for 125cc motorcycles to be raised back to 18. According to this proposal, small motorcycles would once again only be permitted from the age of 16. Their main argument is the significant increase in serious accidents involving young people. Kamerzin also points to the consequences for families, who would be burdened further by lengthy proceedings and low compensation payments.
The proposals are supported by members of parliament from various political parties. SP National Council member Min Li Marti emphasizes the importance of road safety and sees a higher age limit as a way to improve it. The Accident Prevention Advisory Center is also once again calling for stricter access rules and sees a particular problem in the lack of driving experience and the pronounced risk-taking behavior of young drivers.
Controversy over accident statistics and preventive measures
Criticism of the political demands comes from the motorcycle association “Swiss Moto.” President Walter Wobmann warns against a one-sided interpretation of the statistics. In his view, the increase in accidents is also due to the fact that since the change in the law, significantly more young people have a driver’s license and are therefore on the road more often. Wobmann does not see age as the sole risk factor and calls for the discussion to focus more on the quality of training. Other politicians are also calling for a more nuanced analysis: while Green Party National Council member Florence Brenzikofer supports a review of the age limit, she also sees the need for additional measures in driver training. SVP National Council member Sandra Sollberger urges that rural conditions be taken into account, as many young people in rural areas depend on motorcycles.
Federal Council analyzes situation and plans further steps
The Federal Council has now responded to the ongoing debate and is considering various measures. These include a possible increase in the minimum age and changes to driver training. With the lowering of the minimum age in 2021, the mandatory basic practical training for learner drivers in subcategory A1 was already increased from eight to twelve hours. Nevertheless, it is clear that the number of accidents has continued to rise despite increased training requirements. The original aim of the legislative amendment was to harmonize with the EU. Now, based on the current accident figures, various options are being examined. The Federal Council has not categorically rejected a further increase in the age limit; rather, a comprehensive report is to weigh up various measures.
Comparison with Germany: B196 regulation as a special case
In Germany, different regulations apply to riding 125cc motorcycles than in Switzerland. In principle, light motorcycles in class A1 (up to 125 cm³, maximum 11 kW or 15 hp) may be ridden from the age of 16. However, the so-called B196 regulation is a special case: Holders of a class B car driver’s license can also ride light motorcycles up to 125 cm³ and up to 11 kW (15 hp) after completing a special driver training course – without an additional theoretical or practical test – provided they are at least 25 years old and have held their driver’s license for at least five years. The B196 regulation has led to increased demand, but is also viewed critically by safety circles.
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