Statistics
Numbers don't lie
Too many accidents happen each year
1,166 bicyclists and 6,335 motorcyclists killed in 2023
The rate of injuries for e-bikes rose by 293 % between 2019 and 2022.
Another study found that e-bike injuries grew from 751 in 2017 to 23,493 in 2022.
“Over 20,000 people are injured while riding electric bicycles annually, with ~3,000 requiring hospitalization.”
Injured e-bike riders were male ~82.5% of the time; the age group most common for e-bike injuries was 10-13 years (44.3%). Also helmet use extremely low (~2.7%).
A report for New York City found that per-vehicle e-bikes had 19 × the rate of collision fatalities vs regular bicycles.
Knowing more about the risks
When: “Weekend & evening rides are riskier”
Highest proportion of fatal bicyclist crashes occur in dawn/dusk/night conditions ~6-9 p.m., especially on weekends.
Where: Urban settings & non-intersections major sites
~85% of bicyclist fatalities occur in urban areas; ~62% at non-intersection locations.
Who: Male riders; young-to-middle age adults over-represented
Injured e-bike/micro mobility riders skew male; many in 18-44 age range (or younger for scooters).
How: Helmet non-use, inexperience, speed, distractions, alcohol common modifiable risk factors
Safety recommendations: helmet, lighting/visibility, training experience, sober riding, avoid distractions.