Two years ago, sales of ebikes in Germany reached unprecedented heights as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. This hype has since died down a little. Basically, however, business is still going well. However, one type of ebike is still causing the bicycle industry concern. Speed pedelecs continue to lead a niche existence and are therefore unable to fulfil anywhere near their potential for the transport revolution. The German Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV) wants to change this urgently. A look at our neighbouring countries should help.
In Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland, the speed pedelec is much more popular than in Germany. It is better integrated into existing transport concepts, in many cases it is allowed to roll along on the bike lane and is therefore more popular with people. As a result, trips on speed pedelecs are increasingly replacing trips that were previously made by car. In addition, the share of speed pedelecs sold in the overall ebike market is sometimes twenty times higher than what is currently sold in Germany.
Looking for a basis for dialogue
The ZIV realises that boosting sales will inevitably require greater acceptance of fast ebikes among the population. From its perspective, legal regulations must be changed and traffic infrastructures improved. This requires discussions with decision-makers. And these discussions need verifiable facts and convincing arguments.
There is a lack of facts, which is why the ZIV itself commissioned a study. It asked the Dutch consultancy Mobycon to collate the legal provisions governing the use of speed pedelecs in Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland and the experiences of the people living there. The study focussed on four key questions. We summarise the answers to these questions for you.
1. How do the countries analysed regulate riding speed pedelecs in road traffic?
According to the study, each country is going its own way when it comes to harmonising emission-free, sustainable mobility with the safety of all road users. It is well known that Germany has ordered speed pedelecs onto the roads – apart from a few authorised exceptions in Baden-Wuerttemberg and North Rhine-Westphalia. In Denmark and Switzerland, however, they are allowed to share the same cycling infrastructure as pedelecs and regular bikes. In Belgium, they have the choice between the road and the bike lane on roads with a maximum speed limit of 50 km/h within built-up areas. After leaving the built-up area, riding on the bicycle path is compulsory.
Overview of the regulations governing the use of speed pedelecs in road traffic in Germany, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland
The situation is considered somewhat different in the Netherlands. There you will often find special bicycle paths in urban and rural areas that speed pedelecs are allowed to use together with mopeds. In urban areas, this means a speed limit of 30 km/h for speed pedelecs and 40 km/h outside urban areas. If there is only a “normal” bicycle path, this is reserved exclusively for pedelecs and bicycles without an electric drive. All speed pedelec riders then use the road.
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- Bicycle path approved for speed pedelecs in Germany
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- Bicycle path approved for speed pedelecs in the Netherlands
2. Is there a conspicuous accident pattern?
Sometimes the faster pedelecs have a negative image. Their higher speed would increase the risk of accidents on the bicycle path. On the road, on the other hand, they would not be fast enough and would therefore be a nuisance. “So far, we have seen a lot of half-knowledge and prejudices regarding the use of speed pedelecs and potential dangers for the users themselves and other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians in particular,” says Anke Schäffner, Head of Policy and Advocacy at the ZIV. Important findings for a more objective assessment could be derived from the study.
In none of the countries does the available data show an increased accident risk for speed pedelecs compared to regular bicycles. Neither between speed pedelecs and other bicycles nor between speed pedelecs and pedestrians are accidents particularly frequent. In this respect, there is no evidence to support the aforementioned prejudices. At the same time, this study also states that there is a demonstrable difference when looking at the consequences of accidents. The often higher riding speeds result in more serious injuries for those involved in accidents.
Anke Schäffner was in charge of the study on behalf of the ZIV. She considers that there is still a great need for more information on the subject of speed pedelecs.
3. Where are speed pedelecs safest to ride?
When it comes to safety, the study comes to the conclusion that the feeling on an speed pedelec is similar to that on a regular bike. This seems obvious, as both have to make do without a crumple zone and every collision is felt directly on the body and vehicle. As soon as the surrounding traffic is perceived as being much faster than the rider’s own speed, cyclists on an speed pedelec feel most comfortable on the bike lane. This is in line with what previous studies on conventional cycling have found.
In Belgium, the free choice for speed pedelecs between the road and bike lane in urban areas is enshrined in traffic law. Other countries are experimenting with this concept with a view to possibly establishing something similar, depending on the results. Corresponding initiatives in the Netherlands show that speed pedelec riders often opt for the bicycle path when given a free choice. The subjective perception of safety is usually highest there. However, objective results are another matter. At present, the study does not recognise a reliable database in any of the countries examined that would justify a general recommendation in favour of a particular concept.
4. What can Germany learn from other countries when it comes to regulating speed pedelecs?
The comparison clearly shows that traffic regulations in favour of cyclists in conjunction with well-developed bicycling infrastructure can sustainably promote the use of speed pedelecs. Switzerland is often cited as a prime example – and rightly so.
The study also debunks a few traditional prejudices. Speed pedelec riders are by no means reckless road users who vigorously push all slower riders aside. Despite the possible maximum speed of 45 km/h, the average travelling speed in the Netherlands and Belgium is between 29 km/h and 37 km/h, according to the authors. People travelling on this type of ebike do not cause more accidents than other cyclists and adapt their speed to the respective riding situation.
However, it is also true that speed pedelec riders do not always adhere to existing speed limits. This, in turn, is probably the least surprising. After all, even speed pedelecs still don’t ride autonomously, but need someone like you and me in the saddle. And how many of us ride according to the rules at all times?
Pictures: German Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV)
