Seven tips: How to ride an e-bike safely

The number of deaths on e-bikes is increasing. There are various reasons for this. One is: many a cyclist was overwhelmed by his pedelec. What helps.

The e-bike gets many people going who are no longer able or willing to get on a normal bike. However, the strong and fast Stromer are not harmless. A quick look at the statistics shows that.

In 2020 alone, the number of e-bikers killed rose by 20 percent. That was a new record – even though traffic was much quieter overall than before Corona. More recent accident figures are not yet available. But they should be anything but pleasant. Because the e-bike is spreading more and more on our roads.

There are, of course, several reasons for the high number of accidents. For example, the number of e-bikes in Germany (more than seven million) is higher than ever. Two million bikes were added last year alone. And some cyclists are overwhelmed by their e-bike. This quickly leads to tricky situations. Luckily most of them are not fatal. But the injuries are usually more severe on the fast e-bikes than on other bicycles. Seven tips to ensure you arrive safely.

Get good advice

Safety begins even before you get on the bike: when you buy it. Let your specialist retailer give you good advice and explain the technology thoroughly. Before starting, also read the manufacturer’s operating instructions carefully. Because you can only steer it safely in any situation if you are familiar with your bike.

Important: Spend the necessary money. The e-bike in particular needs high-quality components and good workmanship to withstand the forces that occur. And that’s not for free. But only from about 2,000 euros. A CE mark is the minimum, a GS seal (“tested safety”) is even better.

Familiarize yourself with the e-bike

Every new bike requires a period of getting used to: how does it react in bends? And when it’s wet? How aggressively do the brakes grip?

With an e-bike, getting used to it is even more important. Because it is significantly heavier than a normal bicycle and therefore behaves completely differently. Its powerful engine accelerates you to high speed in no time. As a result, many cyclists have already fallen off their e-bike when starting off. And if necessary, you have to come to a standstill just as quickly. You should practice this on safe terrain before venturing into traffic.

helmet on

Even if it is not mandatory in every case, but only for the particularly powerful S-Pedelecs (up to 45 km/h): always wear a helmet on the e-bike. Because even the weaker models are too fast for some drivers. Any falls are correspondingly painful. That’s why sturdy cycling clothing is by no means a bad buy.

Drive differently

The crazy acceleration, the high speed with almost no effort: An e-bike is of course a lot of fun. However, you can quickly lose control or get into a situation from which there is no safe way out. And pedestrians, drivers or other cyclists often only realize too late how fast you are going. You should therefore drive with foresight and only really turn it up when the situation allows it.

Always keep the overview. Otherwise you will become hectic and restless – and then it will be dangerous. In confusing areas, such as at a large intersection, it is safer to get your bearings first before you steer into the area without a clear view. And sometimes it’s best to get off the bike and push until you can move on in an orderly manner.

Put yourself in the other person’s shoes: How do they perceive the situation? What are you up to? Can they even perceive your approach? In many cases you can avoid tricky situations by thinking for others. And sometimes give up your privilege.