If you've been following the news or recently spent time in an urban center, electric bikes might have come up.
E-bikes can be dangerous. Given their power, speed, and increasing prevalence, it should come as no surprise they are considered potentially hazardous.
Let's examine e-bikes more closely to decide whether they should be banned or given more consideration.
Addressing the Problems with E-Bikes
Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are experiencing unprecedented popularity both globally and in the US; the American Bicycle Dealers Association estimates that imports exceeded 1 million units in 2022-2023 alone! This number is still 25% higher than in 2021, and this global phenomenon reflects similar trends.
Since their widespread adoption, several serious issues have surfaced.
Safety Concerns and Incidents
Multiple reports of defective batteries exploding and catching fire, posing serious safety concerns and incidents. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, multiple recalls have been implemented due to battery issues on e-bikes, with some recalls leading to severe injuries or property damage.
E-bikes have also caused internal disruption. Cities like New York and San Francisco are currently plagued with improperly parked e-bikes blocking sidewalks and creating hazards for pedestrians with disabilities, especially those walking to school or work.
Crime and Speed Regulations
Speed regulations on high-speed e-motorbikes are of prime concern, both on roads and when used for criminal acts like quick thefts and assaults in Los Angeles, where these bikes have become a favored getaway vehicle due to their agility and speed.
Separating Facts From Fiction
While we often hear negative statements about e-bikes, it's essential to distinguish facts from myths.
Regulatory Gaps and Solutions
No one disputes the dangers of bad batteries and personal e-bike conversion kits; however, regulation remains an unsolved problem in the U.S. Even complete units must meet federal safety standards; however, regulations currently do not extend to conversion kits, which allow easy assembly of potentially dangerous kits that do not comply. Tackling this problem requires tighter regulations and enforcement of existing laws.
E-bike batteries require special care when being charged and should not be handled by anyone who lacks expertise.
Speed Limitations and Enforcement
Regarding speed, measures are already in place to limit e-bike speeds in the U.S.; Classes 1 through 3 e-bikes are limited to 20 MPH, while Class 3 models may reach 28 MPH. Unfortunately, regardless of these regulations, it remains accessible for riders to bypass them by turning off speed limiters or making modifications that exceed these restrictions - an act often done unknowingly in many areas.
Read more: How Do E-Bikes Work?
Examining the Statistics
Did you know that of the 3,700 people killed on roads daily globally, more than half are vulnerable road users, according to the U.N.? Road traffic injuries are the number one killer of people aged 5-29 worldwide.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that, in the U.S., over 98% of road pedestrian injuries are caused by motor vehicles, with only 2% coming from bicycles/e-bikes causing injuries. Furthermore, over 999% of pedestrian fatalities result from collisions with motor vehicles - far exceeding that caused by bicycles/e-bikes combined.
According to NHTSA statistics, in 2020, there were 932 bicyclists killed in motor vehicle traffic collisions - an 8.9% increase from 856 deaths in 2019. Furthermore, 325,173 preventable non-fatal bicycle injuries occurred that year.
Data provided by New York City's Department of Transportation indicates that between 2019-2022, there was only one reported pedestrian fatality caused by collision with an e-bike - this number stands in stark contrast to hundreds of pedestrian deaths caused by cars annually in this city.
Living in a society focused on cars can make us overlook their shortcomings. All vehicles should be used responsibly - when an e-bike is recklessly used on the roads, that falls to its owner; when cars are driven recklessly, it falls to its driver alone.
There will always be bad apples, but that does not equate to electric bikes being as dangerous as cars. The comparison doesn't even come close when factoring in the pollution impact of vehicles alone.
E-bikes may receive widespread negative press, but imagine if cars were held responsible every time someone was injured or killed in one. It would be impossible to justify their existence!
Overcoming Infrastructure Challenges
One major impediment to the adoption of e-bikes is an inadequate infrastructure base. Bike lanes may be insufficient, and on-street parking for e-bikes is limited, leading riders to park irresponsibly and causing inconvenience and potential safety risks.
Cities such as Portland and Seattle are making strides toward creating more bike-friendly infrastructure, but much remains to be done. The federal government can play an integral role in funding and overseeing these developments to facilitate safer e-bike use.
Considering the Environmental Impact
E-bikes provide an eco-friendly alternative to cars, producing no emissions during operation and helping reduce traffic congestion. According to research by the Transportation Research Board, switching car trips for e-bike trips could significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions; not only is this beneficial to the environment, but it can also improve urban air quality and public health.
The Final Verdict
Contrary to some media reports, electric bikes will be essential in shaping our urban environments for years.
Electric bikes represent a fantastic mobility solution and bring many other advantages over cars: cleaner emissions, quieter operation, increased safety features, and greater environmental sustainability. Banning them seems unnecessary.
Though there will always be stories about improperly parked e-bikes or riders exceeding speed limits, one thing remains true: we must alter our lives to protect the environment.
As part of our efforts to address environmentalism, overpopulation, and health challenges, we must alter our relationship with cars; electric bikes provide an ideal means of taking on some traditional car roles within urban settings.
Banning e-bikes outright would be absurd; like all new technologies, their development remains ongoing, yet they provide an eco-friendly mode of transport that has established itself as viable.
FAQs
Are e-bikes safe to use?
Yes, but they require proper regulation and responsible usage to ensure safety.
What are the common problems with e-bikes?
Issues include battery fires, improper parking, high speeds, and use in crimes.
How can cities improve e-bike usage?
By developing better infrastructure, such as bike lanes and parking solutions.
