Road traffic: Ten serious injuries on e-bikes every week
The number of serious or fatal e-bike accidents has doubled on average in the last five years. 536 people had serious accidents on e-bikes in Switzerland last year. 15 lost their lives in the process.
©Depositphotos/Wadym
The e-bike boom in Switzerland continues and has intensified in the wake of the pandemic. 171,000 e-bikes alone were sold last year, up from 133,000 in 2019. According to the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU), there were "sad highlights" in 2020 with 521 seriously injured and 15 fatal traffic accidents last year.
In this context, the BFU has launched a new campaign launched. The goal: An e-bike rider should be aware that his speed exposes him to a higher traffic risk than, for example, a cyclist. At higher speeds, there is also a risk of serious injuries. In addition, approaching e-bikes would also often react too late.
Under discussion is a new revision package on road traffic. E-bike riders are to be better protected with helmets, even on slower e-bikes. In addition, a mandatory light at daytime and a speedometer light at over 25 km/h are also under discussion.
