E- bikes and scooters are now common mobility options in most major urban centers. We have had cars in the urban environment for more than 100 years, so users and authorities are aware of benefits and risks, but nimble e-bikes and e-scooters …
➡️ The Impact of Speed on Accidents
Speed is a well-documented factor in traffic safety, and e-bikes are no exception. Studies show that:
- 🟧 Higher speeds increase stopping distances. An e-bike traveling at 25 km/h (15.5 mph) requires more than twice the stopping distance compared to one at 15 km/h (9.3 mph).
- 🟧 Collision impact is exponentially greater at higher speeds. The likelihood of severe injury increases dramatically when speeds exceed 20 km/h (12.4 mph).
- 🟧 Rider reaction times are strained. At higher speeds, riders have less time to react to obstacles, uneven surfaces, or traffic changes.
➡️ Rider Control and Stability
Rider control diminishes as speed increases. Stability issues are compounded by:
- Center of Gravity: Many shared micro-mobility vehicles have a high center of gravity, making them less stable at higher speeds.
- Lack of Training: Unlike traditional bicycles, e-bikes often attract casual or inexperienced riders who may lack the skills to handle sudden stops or turns.
- Variable Load Conditions: Shared e-bikes and scooters frequently carry riders of varying weights and skill levels, further affecting balance and control at speed.
➡️ Infrastructure Compatibility
Urban infrastructure often struggles to accommodate the growing number of e-bikes and scooters. Speed plays a critical role in:
- Shared Path Safety: Paths shared by pedestrians and e-bikes are particularly dangerous when speed differentials are high.
- Road Design: Many cities lack dedicated bike lanes, forcing e-bikes to mingle with motor vehicles, creating hazardous conditions.
- Drainage and Surface Quality: Higher speeds increase the risk of accidents caused by potholes, uneven surfaces, or poor drainage.
The United States: A 2022 report found that e-bike-related injuries increased by 70% in areas without dedicated bike lanes. Conversely, cities with speed limits and designated infrastructure saw a 30% reduction in accidents.
➡️ Best Practices and Regulations
Governments and cities worldwide are implementing speed regulations to address these challenges:
- Speed Governors: Many shared e-bikes and scooters are equipped with speed-limiting technology, capping speeds at 20-25 km/h (12.4-15.5 mph).
- Geofencing: Some rideshare systems use GPS-based geofencing to reduce speeds automatically in high-risk areas such as pedestrian zones or crowded urban centers.
- Dedicated Infrastructure: Investments in protected bike lanes and smooth, well-maintained paths can help accommodate safe speeds.
The Netherlands: With an extensive network of bike lanes and a maximum speed limit of 25 km/h (15.5 mph) for e-bikes, the country reports lower accident rates compared to nations with less stringent infrastructure and regulations.
➡️ Recommendations for Urban Planning
- 🟧 Set Clear Speed Limits: Enforce speed limits tailored to the local environment—lower limits in pedestrian-heavy zones and higher ones in segregated lanes.
- 🟧 Enhance Rider Education: Offer training programs for new riders, emphasizing safe speeds and hazard awareness.
- 🟧 Improve Infrastructure: Build and maintain infrastructure that supports e-bike use at safe speeds, including dedicated bike lanes and well-lit paths.
- 🟧 Encourage Data Sharing: Collaborate with rideshare companies to analyze usage patterns to refine speed limits and geofencing options.
