E-bikes more dangerous than e-scooters: study
E-bikes have an eight times higher crash risk than e-scooters, a new study finds, challenging previous assumptions.
Why it matters
- Challenges common belief that e-scooters are more dangerous.
- Provides data for city regulations on micromobility.
By the numbers
- 686 e-scooter crashes vs. 35 e-bike crashes analyzed.
- E-bikes had eight times higher crash risk per trip distance.
- Data from seven European cities (2022-2023).
The big picture
- Previous studies mixed vehicle types and settings, skewing results.
- GPS data allowed more accurate exposure measurement.
- Findings could influence city regulations and consumer choices.
What they're saying
- Tourists inexperienced with biking may cause more crashes.
- Injury severity is important beyond crash numbers.
- Results surprised some who thought scooters were riskier.
Caveats
- Study limited to rented vehicles in urban areas.
- Potential under-reporting of crashes and usage differences.
What’s next
- More global data could improve understanding.
- Future studies may focus on injury severity.