E-Bike Riders Face Higher Crash Risk Than E-Scooter Users

A recent study from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden reveals that e-bike riders are eight times more likely to be involved in crashes than those using electric scooters in urban areas. This finding challenges the prevailing notion that e-scooters are more dangerous than e-bikes, suggesting a need for a reevaluation of safety perceptions related to these modes of transport.

The research, which analyzed crash risk based on trip distances with rental vehicles in cities, indicates that e-scooters have a significantly lower rate of accidents compared to e-bikes. Despite previous studies highlighting e-scooters as a greater safety concern, the new data suggests that those assessments may have been flawed.

Prof Marco Dozza, a leading researcher on the study, emphasized the importance of context in comparing these two forms of transportation. He stated, “Previous studies have often compared apples with oranges. They have lumped together e-bicycles with ordinary bicycles and haven’t taken into account where, how, and how much these vehicles are used—whether they are rented or privately owned.”

The implications of these findings are significant for urban transport policies. As cities increasingly embrace alternative modes of transportation to reduce congestion and carbon emissions, understanding the safety dynamics between e-bikes and e-scooters becomes crucial.

The research team concluded that when factors such as usage patterns and vehicle ownership are considered, e-scooter riders demonstrate a lower crash rate than e-cyclists. This challenges the stereotype of e-scooters being inherently more perilous and could lead to a shift in how cities approach the regulation and promotion of these vehicles.

As cities worldwide continue to adapt to the rise of micro-mobility, these insights could inform better safety measures and regulations. By focusing on the unique characteristics of each mode of transport, policymakers can create more effective strategies that prioritize safety and encourage the use of environmentally friendly transportation options.

In summary, the findings from Chalmers University highlight the complexities of urban transport safety and the need for a nuanced understanding of the risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters. As the debate over their safety continues, it is clear that more comprehensive studies are essential to guide future urban mobility initiatives.