In 2020, the usage of electric bikes (e-bikes) surged and e-bike companies hit 500,000 sales at the end of 2021. This spike in sales was caused by Coronavirus, a pandemic that caused most individuals to be quarantined for a long duration of time. As the virus spread, people began to feel uncomfortable with public transportation and decided to take matters into their own hands. The rise of e-bikes during quarantine resulted in a 9% increase in e-bike-related deaths compared to 2019.
As e-bikes became increasingly popular, the death toll continued to rise. From 2021 to 2022, there was a 31% increase of e bike-related deaths. These fatalities can result from errors made by bike users, but in some cases, they are caused by mistakes made by other road users sharing the space with cyclists.
These risks call attention to the importance of ensuring that all road users, including e-bike riders, are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate and share the road safely. Implementing a permit system for e-bike riders is a crucial step to ensuring the safety of all individuals sharing the road. By requiring a permit, riders would undergo proper training and education, helping to reduce accidents caused by inexperience or poor decision-making.
This permit would follow the same footsteps as a normal driving permit and would require riders to complete a training program covering traffic laws, safety practices and bike maintenance. The permit system for a typical license would begin to require drivers to demonstrate a clear understanding of road-sharing rules, emphasizing safe interactions with cars, pedestrians and other cyclists. By educating all road users and ensuring their competence, this system could reduce e-bike-related accidents while fostering a safer and more cooperative environment on the roads.
To ensure accessibility, the e-bike permit system should be designed to be affordable and widely available to riders of all backgrounds. Training programs could be offered online and in-person, allowing participants to choose the format that best suits their needs. Community centers, bike shops and local government offices could serve as places for in-person training, while online courses would make the process convenient for those with limited time or mobility. Additionally, financial aid could be introduced for low-income individuals to ensure that cost is not a barrier. By prioritizing accessibility, the system would encourage broader participation and contribute to safer roads for everyone.
E-bikers without a riding permit would be given a designated time period to obtain the necessary permit before being penalized, giving them an adequate amount of time to complete their certification. Once this time period has passed, if a rider is caught violating a traffic law, officers would be able to ask to see an official permit. If the rider has not gotten a permit, they could have their riding privileges taken away or limited. This would reduce the number of ignorant bikers and maintain a safe environment for everybody on the road.
To get more of the community involved, e-bike companies could offer free or discounted training or safety courses with a purchase through their brand. Some companies could also get more publicity by partnering with local organizations or government programs to spread education and awareness on the dangers of using e-bikes incorrectly.
With the usage of e-bikes continuing to rise, the death toll will continue to rise alongside it if a change is not made. Requiring permits and training courses in order to use an ebike is a step towards making roads safer for everybody. While e-bike riders must be educated on road rules, it is equally important for drivers to understand how to share the road safely. Integrating e-bike education into all forms of road safety training is essential for fostering meaningful change.
