Affirmative regarding the pedal electric bike.
The Kelheim Traffic Safety Association is taking steps to address the growing number of accidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters. The training offered by the association is available for not just Pedelecs, but also for e-scooter users and drivers over 65.
Participants of the training receive valuable tips for safe handling of Pedelecs, with the aim of reducing accidents due to lack of experience in their use. The training is not exclusive to Pedelecs, extending its reach to e-scooters and older drivers, in an effort to promote safety across all e-mobility platforms.
The increase in accidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters is primarily attributed to rising usage, risky rider behaviors, and insufficient safety infrastructure. In the U.S., e-scooter injuries increased nearly fourfold from 2020 to 2024, with an 80% jump from 2023 to 2024 specifically. In Canada, hospitalizations for e-scooter injuries rose by 22% overall, with a 61% rise among children aged 5–17 between 2023 and 2024.
Youth under 15 and people aged 15–64 are disproportionately involved in these accidents, with many injuries ranging from minor cuts to catastrophic trauma including brain injury and fatalities. Studies show e-scooter accidents leading to emergency care occur at a rate of 7.8 per 100,000 trips, notably higher than bicycle accidents at 2.2 per 100,000 trips.
User behavior such as negligence, riding outside bike lanes, and possible intoxication contribute heavily to accidents. Pedestrian collisions are also a concern. To mitigate these risks, safety measures beyond the Kelheim Traffic Safety Association's training involve infrastructure improvements, helmet and protective gear enforcement, regulations and compliance, public awareness campaigns, and technology integration.
Designing streets with dedicated, protected bike and scooter lanes; lowering speed limits in shared spaces; and implementing traffic-calming measures reduce collision risks. Mandating helmet use, especially for minors, significantly lowers head injury severity. Introducing clear rules for e-scooter operation (age limits, speed caps, parking regulations) and enforcing penalties for violations help curb risky behaviors.
Educating riders and pedestrians about safe e-mobility practices and risks raises caution and compliance. Some cities explore geofencing, speed governors on e-scooters, and improved lighting/visibility features to enhance safety. These multifaceted approaches tackle both user conduct and environmental factors to mitigate the growing rate and severity of e-bike and e-scooter accidents recorded globally.
In addition to the Kelheim Traffic Safety Association's training, the municipality of Saal has also initiated a cycling safety training for Pedelecs. Klaus Dieter Zerwes, a well-known figure in cycling safety training, conducted the event in Saal. Walter Dietz, a senior representative of the municipality of Saal, organized this event.
While the location of the Kelheim Traffic Safety Association's training was not specified in the article, it is clear that initiatives to promote safety in e-mobility are gaining momentum. By addressing both user behavior and environmental factors, we can hope to see a decrease in the number of accidents involving e-bikes and e-scooters.
Technology integration can be a crucial safety measure in reducing e-scooter accidents, with features like geofencing, speed governors, and improved lighting/visibility.Sports and technology intersect in the realm of e-sports, where virtual training programs might provide valuable insights for improving safety in real-world e-mobility usage.
