Author(s):
Sandra Burgert, Hartmut Blaich & Max Hermanutz

Institution:
Polizeipräsidium Mannheim & Hochschule für Polizei Baden-Württemberg

Title:
Cycling E-bikes and Pedelecs – Aspects concerning the Police, Psychology and Society

Abstract:
The production and sales figures of electric bicycles, and especially pedelecs, show a steady growth. According to the Zweirad-Industrie-Verband there are already 1,6 million on German streets in 2014. The increasing use of pedelecs goes hand in hand with a growing number of accidents. This paper concentrates on accident scenarios and on social as well as psychological aspects concerning the use of pedelecs. Based on an evaluation of accident statistics, expert interviews and questionnaires, the circumstances of accidents, subjective speed estimations and cognitive, motoric or sensory problems of cyclists will be analysed. It shows that injuries caused while cycling a pedelec are more severe than those caused while cycling a normal bike. Further, psychological processes of change arising with age have negative effects on cycling electric bikes. Various prevention measures in order to improve road safety are provided.

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