Rising motorcycle injuries among young riders highlight need for stricter age limits

Switzerland’s Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) – an ETSC member – reports a worrying increase in serious motorcycle crashes among young riders since recent changes to licensing laws. In 2021, the minimum age for riding mopeds up to 45 km/h was lowered to 15, and 16-year-olds gained access to 125cc motorcycles. Since then, the number of severe injuries among riders under 18 has more than doubled.

Each year, approximately 135 young riders aged 15 to 17 suffer serious injuries, with around four deaths annually. Before the law change, these figures were about 51 serious injuries and one death per year. The BFU attributes this spike to limited riding experience combined with increased access to more powerful vehicles.

Young riders often lack sufficient practice to handle real-world traffic risks, and age-related factors such as impulsivity and risk-taking further increase their vulnerability. The BFU therefore recommends raising the minimum age for operating small motorcycles back to 16 and delaying access to 125cc bikes until age 18.

Implementing stricter age limits aims to reduce the number and severity of crashes among young riders, improving road safety for this high-risk group.