Are e-bikes more dangerous than usual?

While some countries are cracking down on the use of electric bicycles, and in particular speed-bikes, a German study has just shown that the electric bicycle would not represent more risks than a traditional bicycle.

Carried out by the German association specializing in accidentology bringing together insurers (UDV) and the Technological University of Chemnitz, the study made it possible to analyze the behavior of three groups by distinguishing between electric bicycles, classic bicycles and speedbikes.

In total, some 90 users - including 49 Pedelec users, 10 speed bikes, and 31 regular bikes - participated in the study. Particularly discreet, the analysis method was based on a data acquisition system based on cameras mounted directly on the bikes. These made it possible to observe, in real time, the possible risks associated with each user on their daily journey.

Each participant was observed for four weeks and had to complete a “travel log” each week to record all their trips, including those for which they did not use their bike.

While the study did not demonstrate a greater risk for electric bikes, the faster speed of speedbikes generally causes greater damage in the event of an accident, a theory already verified in Switzerland.

Thus, if the report recommends that electric bicycles remain assimilated to conventional bicycles, it advises to assimilate speed-bikes to mopeds, recommending that they must wear helmets, registration and mandatory use off cycle paths.

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