Bicycle Saving Tips for Cyclists in Switzerland

Whether commuting to work, rolling around town or navigating a downhill biking trail, the chances of your sitting on a bike seat in Switzerland are high. But the costs of buying, renting, sharing or maintaining a bicycle can also be high. Check out these tips for cutting the cost of cycling in Switzerland.

1. Buy secondhand

Like cars, new bicycles typically lose a hefty chunk of their value the moment they leave the store. Use that to your advantage by buying second hand.

Classified websites like Anibis and Tutti, and auction sites like Ricardo, are great places to find good quality bicycles being sold for a fraction of their new value. Many Swiss towns and cities host bicycle exchanges – typically in the spring – and these are another prime destination for good deals on used bicycles.

Bicycle stores often sell used bikes as well. Although the price tags may be higher than privately-sold bikes, the bicycles sold by shops have normally been serviced. Rent A Bike, Switzerland’s largest bicycle rental service, offers high-quality former rental bicycles on Occasionsvelo.ch.

2. Cut your bike’s public transportation costs

When you take your bicycle on Swiss public transportation with you, you pay 50 percent of the standard adult ticket price for a bicycle ticket. A day pass costs 15 Swiss francs. Getting an annual bicycle pass (260 francs) can save you a lot of money if you and your bicycle ride a lot of trains together.

If the front wheel of your bicycle is easy to dismount, consider investing in the Tranzbag offered by the Swiss federal railway SBB/CFF for 119 francs. Sticking your bicycle and its dismounted front wheel in this nylon bag relieves you of your obligation to buy a bicycle ticket.

3. Do you need bicycle insurance?

If you have Swiss household insurance, take time to review the coverage included in your policy. If your household insurance includes coverage against simple theft away from home and accidental damages, your bicycle is probably adequately covered.

Some credit cards – like the LibertyCard Visa and the LibertyCard Plus Visa – provide complimentary bicycle insurance. If you have one of these credit cards, buying bicycle insurance may not be necessary. You can find more information in the moneyland.ch guide to bicycle insurance.

4. Consider bike sharing services

Owning your own bicycle has its advantages, but if you only use bicycles occasionally, using a bike sharing service can make more financial sense (no initial purchase, no service costs).

A fair number of bike sharing services operate in Switzerland – each with their own pricing. Comparing pricing is key. You can learn more about bicycle sharing in the moneyland.ch guide to Swiss sharing economy platforms.

5. Make sure your liability is covered

Anything that moves has the potential to generate liability claims. Getting personal liability insurance before doing any serious amount of cycling is highly recommended. Liability resulting from driving bicycles (including e-bikes with up to 500 watts or 25 kph of power) is covered by all Swiss personal liability insurance policies.

Premiums vary broadly so taking time to compare personal liability insurance can save you money.

6. Use Reka money for bicycle rentals

You can pay for bicycle rentals from Rent A Bike (SBB/CFF) using Reka money, which cuts two percent off the cost. 

7. Rent out your bike

Do you own a well-serviced bike but only use it occasionally? Why not let it earn money for you by renting it out? In addition to classified sites and billboards, specialized peer-to-peer rental platforms like Sharely make it easy to put bicycles up for rent.

8. Take advantage of membership discounts

If you are a member of an association, consider looking into whether your association offers bicycle-related discounts. For example, TCS members get a 50 percent discount on Carvelo bike rentals. Pro Velo members get a 20 percent discount on PubliBike bike sharing plans. Members of many regional bicycle associations benefit from discounts (typically 10 percent) on services and repairs at local bicycle shops.

9. Avoid fines

In Switzerland, there are many minor and major offenses for which you as a cyclist can be fined. Examples include riding a bicycle with faulty lights or worn tires, or failing to comply with traffic rules (like right of way). Wearing a bicycle helmet is obligatory when using an e-bike with a capacity of more than 500 watts or 25 kph. Fines in Switzerland are typically hefty, so avoiding them is definitely in your best financial interest.

More on this topic:
Bicycle insurance guide
Saving tips for car owners in Switzerland
Tips for getting cheaper gym memberships
Financial tips for hiking in Switzerland
Tips for saving on gas in Switzerland
Tips for saving on dining out in Switzerland