Understanding Road Risks
Couriers on e-bikes, motorcycles, and mopeds face daily exposure to road hazards. Utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) helps minimize the impact of collisions and regular road risks during every delivery run.
Helmets: Primary Head Protection
Under Swiss road traffic law, wearing a certified helmet is legally required when operating motorcycles, mopeds, or fast e-bikes (speed pedelecs up to 45 km/h). For slow e-bikes (pedal assist up to 25 km/h), helmet use is not legally mandated for the general population, though Swiss labor safety guidelines strongly advise helmet protection for commercial delivery operations. Choosing an ECE-approved helmet (ECE 22.05 or ECE 22.06) for motorbikes, or an EN 1078 certified helmet for e-bikes, ensures adequate compliance and safety. Fastening the strap securely on every trip and replacing helmets every three to five years—or immediately following any impact—maintains structural integrity.
Protective Clothing and Professional Safety Standards
While general Swiss traffic regulations only mandate helmets on the road, employer duty-of-care standards under Swiss labor safety rules emphasize comprehensive protective gear for professional couriers. Wearing full-coverage gloves, a long-sleeved motorcycle jacket, durable long trousers, and supportive ankle-high boots helps safeguard against abrasion and impact injuries. Utilizing abrasion-resistant fabrics reduces road rash, while reinforced footwear and gloves offer critical shielding for joints and hands in the event of a slide.
High-Visibility Outerwear
Wearing a high-visibility vest or jacket meeting EN ISO 20471 standards over regular outerwear significantly enhances driver recognition, particularly during dusk, dawn, or bad weather. Securing visibility garments properly keeps reflective materials visible to surrounding traffic. Fluorescent fabrics improve daytime contrast, while retroreflective strips maximize nighttime visibility.
Eye Protection and Climate Adaptation
Using shatterproof eye protection or a closed helmet visor shields vision from wind, rain, insects, and road debris. Maintaining clean, scratch-free lenses ensures an unobstructed field of view.
Adapting gear to Swiss weather conditions helps sustain driver concentration and reaction times:
Summer conditions: Applying sunscreen and selecting light, long-sleeved layers offers UV protection while maintaining airflow.
Winter conditions: Layering thermal, windproof, and insulating garments alongside a neck gaiter helps retain core body heat.
Rainy conditions: Utilizing waterproof outer jackets and trousers prevents dampness, avoiding the rapid drop in body temperature that leads to fatigue and delayed reaction times.
Footwear Stability and Control
Avoiding open-toe footwear, such as sandals or flip-flops, prevents severe foot injuries and loss of vehicle control. Opting for closed-toe, non-slip shoes or specialized protective boots provides stable traction on pedals, footrests, and wet road surfaces during stops.
Support when you need it
If you need assistance while delivering, contact our team through the live chat feature in your app. In an emergency, always call 112.
