The world of transport has been quietly revolutionised in recent years by the availability of electronic bicycles. E-bikes are making it easy to get from place to place, and reducing our reliance on road vehicles. But they’re also creating new kinds of risk on the road. Let’s take a closer look at the phenomenon, and determine exactly what’s behind it.
Why E-Bikes Are Taking Over the Roads
E-bikes are popular largely because they’re convenient and easy to ride. You don’t have to worry about arriving at the office having worked up a sweat on the way – because e-bikes make use of batteries. What’s more, they can be used on existing cycle lanes, which means that you’ll be able to avoid sitting in a traffic jam, and you’ll be able to drive down your carbon emissions.
The Safety Concerns Surrounding E-Bikes
So, what are the downsides? Well, most of them stem from the speed that an e-bike can attain. Without pedalling, an e-bike in the UK can reach around 15mph, and have a motor that can continuously output no more than 250 watts. While a traditional bicycle can easily exceed these speeds, it can do so only with effort from the rider. With an e-bike, it’s easy to speed – and to do so carelessly.
We see this reflected in accident statistics, a growing portion of which involve vehicles of this kind. A freedom of information request recently revealed that more than 230 crashes involving electric bikes have occurred in the past five years.
The Environmental and Health Benefits of E-Bikes
The growing popularity of e-bikes results from their environmental and health advantages that exceed their convenient use and efficiency benefits. The surge in climate change and city traffic problems makes e-bikes an eco-friendly substitute for conventional vehicles during transport. Users who commute with e-bikes benefit from minimized carbon emissions because these vehicles generate no direct pollutions. The battery charging requirements for e-bikes use minimal energy which stands as lower than the fuel usage of conventional cars or motorbikes.
From a health standpoint e-bikes provide a means to exercise though they decrease physical bike riding intensity. E-bike riders have the option to utilize pedal power together with motor assistance which enables them to maintain physical exercise while avoiding demanding bicycle workouts. Such portable electric systems prove helpful for older people and those with mobility challenges as they serve as a sustainable method to maintain mobility during daily activities.
What Happens If You’re Involved in an E-Bike Accident?
What might make e-bike accident claims more difficult is the fact that it can often be difficult to attribute blame. Insurance isn’t a legal requirement if you’re riding an ebike. That doesn’t mean that riders are entirely without protection, however. If you’re involved in an accident that results in injury, and another road user is to blame, then it might be that you can pursue bike accident claims to help you cover medical costs, lost income, and damages.
The size of the payout will depend on the severity of any injuries suffered. For the best possible chance of success, you’ll want to secure a good, specialised lawyer. You’ll also want to keep records of any medical treatment you’ve received. This will help you when you come to evidence the claim.