FAQ

About the Company

Is Velo Zürich a municipal insistution of Zürich?
Velo Zürich is a privately hold GmbH managed and owned by Thomas Ernst. Velo Zürich has always been an independent company.

For how many years has Velo Zürich been existed?
The company was founded 19.10.2007. The shop opening dates back to 15.3.2008.

Has Velo Zürich several stores?
Velo Zürich GmbH has one main store in Zurich at Rautistrasse 33. Thomas Ernst, founder and owner, holds a second bicycle store called Velo Winterthur GmbH, managed by Marco Kradolfer. The assortment in Winterthur is similar to the one in Zurich. 

Do you assemble bicycles by yourself?
Primarly, Velo Zürich is a bicycle dealer and repair center with highly qualified staff in this field. We do not manufacture, mount or weld frames or bicycles / e-bikes as such. We maintain a wide network of suppliers and manufacturers with many years' experience of production. Velo Zürich is specialized in final assembly, fine adjustments and quality checks.

About our Services

Do I need to set up an appointment to get my bicycle repaired or maintained?
We can deal with drop-ins (although we do appreciate a bit of notice). During high season a prior notice is advised. Please drop an e-mail message or give us a call.

How much does it cost to get my bicycle repaired?
There are examples and pricing structure overview. Please go to „Repair/Maintenance" under "Serivces".

How long does it take to repair my bicycle?
It largely depends on the seasonal workload of our staff and whether a replacement part has to be reordered or is on stock. Flat tires always get fixed within 24 hours.

About E-Bikes

Which is the best electric engine?
It all depends. We suggest you figure out yourself which e-bike fits best your needs. There are plenty of models and manufactureres. While each engine technology has its own pros and cons. Let our specialists advise you.

Which brand do you recommend?
This question is not easy to answer. Everyone has find out by her- or himself, which e-bike is most suitable. All our suppliers produce high-quality bicycles and parts. We stand behind all our products.

What is the range of my e-bike?
Some factors determine how far you can ride with electrical assistance. This links provides a reasonable calculator for e-bikes: https://www.bosch-ebike.com/en/service/range-assistant/

What is the lifespan of an e-bike battery?
On average, a rechargable e-bike battery can be used extensively during four years. The producers state 500 to 1000 full recharging cycles. This corresponds to one trip around the globe with one battery.

People say, batteries fixed under the luggage rack is detrimental. What about that?
No, this statement with respect to unbalanced weight is outdated. It dates back to the era, when e-bikes were equipped with a heavy back-wheel hub motor. With a battery and the luaggage rack and eventually a child's seat on top, the bicycle got tail-heavy adversely impacting a smooth ride. E-bikes with a mid-engine layout (battery weight 2-3 kg) do not have this problem at all.

How much does a e-bike weigh?
E-bikes weigh between 14kg (single speed e-bike without bicycle stand, mudguard, lamp, luggage rack) and 44kg (cargo e-bike with two batteries and all available options). On average, the weight of an e-bike is around 26kg. Please do not believe anything you are told in magazines! We correctly weigh every e-bike with accurate scales and have noticed that the manufacturers at times understate the weight.

Legal Basis

Am I allowed to mount a child's seat on my e-bike?
Definitely, child's seats are allowed to be installed in the front and tail position of e-bikes up to 25km/h and in the tail position only with e-bikes up to 45km/h.

Am I allowed to hook a trailer for children on a e-bike?
Yes, trailers are also allowed for S-Pedelecs, whose engines assist up to 45km/h unterstützen.

Am I allowed to carry children with fast electric cargo bikes?
No, unfortunately, this is forbidden by law. Velo Zürich is politically active to abolish such pointless regulations.

Am I allowed to ride through the forest with my S-Pedelec (e-bike up to 45km/h)?
Principally you are allowed to use your S-Pedelec as if riding a conventional bicycle. Where mopeds are forbidden, you are required to switch off the electrical assistance.

Note: Please see a summary about the most important regulations here (issued 15.1.2017)