- Rising frequency of injuries in electric bicycle collisions
The frequency of injuries in incidents involving electric bikes, or E-bikes, has seen a substantial increase over the past few years. In 2021, the Statistical Office in Bad Ems reported 548 injuries in Rhineland-Palatinate, which marked a 16% rise from the previous year.
In the initial five months of 2024, a total of 186 injuries took place. One of these resulted in fatalities, while 42 individuals suffered severe injuries. Comparatively, only 110 injuries were recorded during the same period four years prior. This summer was marked by numerous E-bike accidents reported by police stations in Rhineland-Palatinate. Onlookers discovered an immobile cyclist beneath their E-bike in Kaiserslautern. In July, a 72-year-old cyclist in the Altenkirchen district suffered serious injuries after a crash on a steep hill.
Complimentary bike safety training
Starting from September, the German Cycling Club (ADFC) will provide free bike safety training in Rhineland-Palatinate, thanks to funding from statutory health insurers and Rhineland-Palatinate's accident insurance fund. The official launch event is scheduled for a Friday.
As per a recent survey published by energy supplier Eon this summer, roughly 25% of Rhineland-Palatinate residents use electric assistance when cycling.
The German Cycling Club (ADFC) is offering complimentary bike safety training from September, aiming to reduce the number of accidents involving electric bikes, as other modes of transportation also need careful handling. Despite the safety training, the other factors contributing to the increase in E-bike incidents need further investigation.
