Electric bikes have taken off in popularity over the past decade, leading many to wonder, “Are electric bikes as safe as regular bikes?” You can spot shared electric bikes for rent in major cities around the globe, and more people are choosing to own them privately, too.
Since 2020, e-bike sales and imports in the US and Australia have nearly tripled! It’s clear that more and more Americans are embracing this eco-friendly mode of transportation.
In Germany, e-bikes are making a big impact—almost half of all bike sales now consist of electric models. This trend shows no signs of slowing down as more people discover the benefits of battery-powered riding.
With their battery-powered motors that assist riders, e-bikes are poised to replace many conventional car and bike trips. They offer a convenient alternative for getting around town.
However, there are still serious questions about safety. We lack comprehensive data on how many injuries or fatalities are linked to e-bikes. This gap in information raises important concerns that need to be addressed.
What International Data Tells Us?
The Netherlands: A Cycling Paradise
The Netherlands is often dubbed a “cycling paradise,” and for good reason. With its extensive cycling infrastructure and a high number of bike riders, it’s a haven for cyclists of all kinds.
A Treasure Trove of Data
For researchers, the Netherlands offers another advantage: the country keeps detailed records on cycling injuries and fatalities across all types of bikes. This wealth of data is invaluable for understanding cycling safety.
Stable Fatality Rates—Until Recently
Data collected since 2000 shows that cyclist fatalities in the Netherlands remained relatively stable for nearly two decades. This consistency provided a sense of security for riders.
A Concerning Trend Emerges
However, since 2018, that trend has started to shift. In 2022, cyclist deaths reached a record high, with 291 fatalities reported—an alarming nearly 25% increase from the previous record of 233 deaths in 2000.
E-Bikes on the Rise
This increase in fatalities coincides with the rapid rise in e-bike usage. Between 2018 and 2021, the number of Dutch e-bike owners surged from 2.2 million to 3.1 million, while the number of regular bike owners actually declined. This shift raises important questions about safety in this evolving landscape.
Are Electric Bikes More Deadly?
Cycling Crashes: Regular Bikes vs. E-Bikes
The Dutch data reveals that more cycling crashes still involve regular bikes compared to e-bikes. But this is likely due to the sheer number of regular bikes on the road.
Analyzing the Data
When we adjust the data to account for the number of e-bikes versus regular bikes, as well as the distances they typically travel, we can get a clearer picture of the risk involved.
E-Bike Risks on the Rise
A concerning trend emerges: e-bike riders face a higher risk of fatal accidents. This isn’t just a local issue; data from other countries shows similar patterns.
Insights from Guangzhou
For example, data from China highlights this trend. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of accidents and fatalities per 100,000 people in Guangzhou increased for e-bikes, while it decreased for regular bikes.
Continuing Concerns
Since 2018, e-bike fatalities in Guangzhou have continued to climb, whereas deaths linked to regular bikes have plateaued. This raises important questions about safety as e-bike usage grows.
What About Injuries?
Non-Fatal Risks of Cycling
Cycling comes with its share of non-fatal risks, too. To understand the types of injuries associated with electric bikes and how severe they are, we can dive into hospital data and compare it to that of regular bikes.
Insights from Swiss Trauma Centers
One clinical study examined 557 patients who were treated at a Swiss trauma center between 2010 and 2015. The findings showed that traumatic brain injuries were more common and more severe among e-bikers compared to regular bike riders.
Mixed Findings in Other Studies
However, not all studies agree on the severity of injuries. Some clinical research suggests that the patterns of injury severity are similar for both e-bike and regular bike riders. For instance, a Dutch study found no significant difference in the frequency or severity of traumatic brain injuries between the two groups.
Are Electric Bikes More Unsafe?
Variability in Study Findings
It’s clear that there’s a lot of variability across individual studies. However, when we look at findings from multiple countries, some distinct patterns start to emerge.
Injury Trends for E-Bike Users
E-bike users tend to sustain more injuries to their spine and lower extremities, including hips, legs, ankles, and feet, compared to regular cyclists. This trend highlights the unique risks associated with riding e-bikes.
Hospitalization and Severity of Injuries
When e-bike riders do get injured, they’re more likely to be admitted to hospital wards or intensive care units. Unfortunately, this also means they have a higher chance of needing surgery—and an increased risk of fatal outcomes.
Do We Know Why Electric Bikes Have Greater Risks?
Is Speed the Only Factor?
Not exactly. While speed is a significant factor, it’s not the only one at play. E-bikes can reach higher speeds with less effort, with e-bike riders averaging around 13.3 km/h compared to just 10.4 km/h for regular cyclists.
The Demographics of E-Bike Riders
E-bike riders are often older and may be less experienced cyclists. This combination of increased speed and potential physical limitations, along with the heavier weight of e-bikes, raises the risk of crashes and injuries.
Age and Injury Risks
In the Swiss study mentioned earlier, injured e-bike riders admitted to the hospital were significantly older than their regular cycling counterparts. Similarly, Dutch data shows that e-bike fatalities increase with age, particularly for those aged 60 and older.
Risky Behaviors Linked to E-Bikes
Electric bikes may also be associated with other risky behaviors, such as not wearing helmets, breaking traffic rules, and riding under the influence of alcohol. However, we don’t have concrete data to determine if e-bikers engage in these behaviors more than regular cyclists.
Helmet Use Among Shared E-Bike Riders
Interestingly, riders on shared e-bikes are often less likely to wear helmets compared to those on their own bikes. Many hesitate to use shared helmets due to hygiene concerns, which can further increase their risk on the road.
What Needs to Change?
E-Bikes: A Green Future
Trends indicate that this eco-friendly mode of transport is here to stay. However, two key changes are essential to make e-bikes safer for riders, pedestrians, and other road users.
Establishing a National Registry
There is a need to establish a national registry to track injuries and fatalities related to e-bikes. Right now, we don’t collect these statistics, which means policymakers have to rely on international data that may not accurately reflect our situation.
Tailored Regulations for E-Bikes
Second, we need regulations that are specifically designed to address the unique risks associated with e-bikes. This could involve stricter enforcement of helmet use, speed limits, and better oversight of shared e-bike services—like ensuring helmets are readily available and well-maintained.
Raising Awareness About Risks
As e-bikes continue to gain popularity, it’s crucial to raise awareness about their risks. Educating riders and the public will help create a safer environment for everyone on the road.