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Cycling is on the rise, especially with electric drive. However, the risk is often underestimated: a third of fatal bicycle accidents in 2019 occurred with an electric bicycle.
Of 8134 bicycle accidents in the previous year, 0.07 percent were fatal; one third of these fatal accidents occurred with an electric bicycle. In 2018 it was even 41 percent. Accident statistics reflect the growing interest in cycling over the years. One in three bicycles sold is now electronically operated. In 2019, electric bikes accounted for 39 percent of total bike sales. This year alone, eleven fatal electric bicycle accidents have been recorded.
Accident researcher Jörg Kubitzki recently discovered, based on data from the German Federal Statistical Office, that the risk of a fatal accident with an electric bicycle is three times higher than with a conventional bicycle, by no means only for older people.
The fact that electric bikes continue to gain popularity is due, among other things, to the fact that more distant and higher destinations can be reached with little effort, says Othmar Thann, Director of the KFV Road Safety Board. But speed is often underestimated.
Too fast, too inexperienced
“People who have not used a bicycle for 20 or 30 years suddenly get on an electric bicycle. Increased speed and ignorance in driving the vehicle are a dangerous combination. ” With electric bikes, there is a greater stopping distance and different behavior when cornering.
The factors that favor bicycle accidents are diverse. Bicycles are often used not only for leisure, but also for commuting. According to Alexander Bernart, General Director of the General Accident Insurance Fund, AUVA, most accidents happen in the morning, between 7 and 9 am During this period, many people would be in a hurry to get to work. Also, the way of working is already known and, as a result, one becomes less careful.
Favorable weather conditions also lead to a “greater sense of safety,” according to a study by KFV and AUVA on the circumstances of accidents. Two-thirds of accident victims are men. Furthermore, most accidents do not occur on the bike path, but on the road. 78 percent of accidents occur during the day.
Courses for beginners
Of course, one can ensure that there are enough bike lanes and adequate infrastructure, but people’s behavior is no less important, says KFV director Thann. Therefore, your request is to know how to drive before using an electric bicycle. Courses are even offered.
The high speed of cyclists is also a challenge for traffic planning. “Higher speed also means less compatibility with pedestrian traffic,” Thann says. For this reason, bicycle and pedestrian traffic must be kept separate from each other. For conflict zones, such as intersections, consider how risk can be minimized. A study by AUVA and KFV shows that measures such as turn aids for multi-lane vehicles could also help. His conclusion: “Experience in risks must be acquired and the appropriate protective equipment must be used.” Consequently, the most important thing is to put on a helmet. After a proper workout, nothing stands in the way of a bike tour with the electric bike.
