The proportion of electric bikes on the road is growing. More and more people, especially in the older generations, are swapping their conventional bikes for models with electronic pedal assistance. Reason enough for us to summarize all the important information about e-bikes, pedelecs & co. and the associated key regulations, but also the dangers, in a flyer. The document is available for download.
Pedelec is not just an e-bike
"The definition is important. Although the term e-bike is used colloquially, it is not strictly speaking correct for all bikes," says Martina Betzel. The police superintendent works as a road safety advisor at the Paderborn district police authority. According to the correct definition, an e-bike is a bicycle that keeps going even when the rider is not pedaling. In contrast, a pedelec is a bicycle that supports the rider's pedaling movement with an electric motor. When the rider stops pedaling, the motor also stops.
Danger due to increased speed and braking distance
The dangers of using an e-bike or pedelec are the unfamiliar new speed and the increased braking distance of the bike, which requires a different reaction behavior. "Most bikes of this type have a maximum motor power of 250 watts and therefore reach a speed of up to 25 km/h. Older riders in particular have to get used to this and the longer braking distance. We therefore advise sufficient practice before riding in heavy traffic," says Betzel, referring to the increasing number of cycling accidents in the Paderborn district. Last year, 363 cyclists were involved in accidents. The number of seriously injured pedelec riders rose from 24 to 35. Just over half of the accidents were the fault of the cyclists themselves.
A bicycle helmet protects against head injuries
One way to protect yourself is to wear a bicycle helmet. Although wearing a helmet is not compulsory and it does not prevent accidents, it does protect against serious head injuries and their consequences. The flyer also contains information on when an insurance sticker is required for a two-wheeler with electronic pedal assistance. "It's important to take enough time to find the bike that suits you and that you feel comfortable with. Once you know the most important rules and follow them, there's nothing standing in the way of your ride," says Betzel.
The Paderborn district police authority's road safety advice service offers free events on the subject of "E-Bike, Pedelec & Co.". Information on this can be obtained by calling 05251 306-43 50. Printed flyers are also available from the Paderborn police road safety advisors.