News: With increasing bicycle traffic and the e-bike boom, the number of accidents is increasing. Current accident statistics show that the proportion of e-bikers involved in traffic accidents is steadily increasing. Numerous accidents end with serious consequences or even death. In Switzerland, they now want to counter the problem with clear rules and compulsory helmets for e-bikes – a role model for Germany?
Prevent the consequences of serious accidents by making helmets compulsory for e-bikes
Just last week, the Swiss Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) published a statement on the rapidly growing number of e-bike accidents. These have quintupled in recent years. According to FEDRO. According to this, 90 percent of all fatal bicycle accidents and 75 percent of all accidents with serious injuries in Switzerland were caused by (slow) e-bikes with pedal assistance up to a maximum of 25 km/h.
In order to stop this worrying trend, which is also becoming apparent in Germany, the ministry is now bringing an amendment to road traffic law into play. The planned measures for e-bike traffic include:
- Lights switched on even during the day.
- S-Pedelecs (up to a maximum of 45 km/h) are required to have a speedometer.
- Helmets are compulsory for all e-bikers.
A role model for Germany?
In order to draw attention to "fast" cyclists on e-bikes, a "daytime running light" for e-bikes might make sense. However, it is doubtful whether compulsory helmets are the right way to go. After all, figures from countries with compulsory helmets for (e-)bikers show that the number of cyclists has decreased. Should the ministry prevail, the regulations of our neighbors could possibly serve as a model for German traffic legislation. What do you say? Helmets are compulsory on e-bikes, yes or no?