Older e-bike riders have a higher risk

 

Stuttgart electric bicycles are an attractive option for many older people to stay mobile. But you should be particularly careful when entering - because your risk of accidents is higher than with others.

 

According to the expert organization Dekra, older users of electric bicycles have a particularly high risk of serious falls. The reasons are that seniors have often not been on a normal bicycle for a long time and consequently they lack exercise. Also, the acceleration performance of bicycles with electric motor assistance is often underestimated, and not only by seniors explains Dekra accident researcher Luigi Ancona.

 

Also, there are declining abilities in eyesight, sense of balance, and ability to react. Also, older cyclists injured themselves more quickly and, above all, more severely than younger ones.

 

In general, but all the more important for older pedelec riders, it is to ride with foresight and consideration and wear a helmet. Reflective clothing or a high visibility vest will help other people see you in the dark.

 

Sales of e-bikes have been growing for years and, according to industry information, increased again during the corona pandemic. One possible explanation is that many people - including older people - use it as an alternative to bus and train in times of Sars-CoV-2 because of the lower risk of infection.

 

According to the Federal Statistical Office, 72 percent of the pedelec drivers killed in road traffic in 2019 were 65 years of age or older.