Due to the record number of accidents involving e-bikes: the federal government wants to send seniors to the driving test

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The federal government is investigating mandatory courses for e-bike riders. The Federal Roads Office (Astra) has commissioned a catalog “on the necessary fitness for driving, driving skills and driving skills”, as the “SonntagsZeitung” writes. Depending on your age, different rules may apply. The agency will only respond substantively once the results of the work are available and have been assessed. According to this, this should be the case next year.

Electric bicycles from category M, both fast (up to 45 km/h) and slower (up to 25 km/h), are enjoying growing popularity. Nearly 220,000 e-bikes were sold last year alone, compared to around 57,000 a decade ago. However, the boom also has a downside: the number of accidents has almost doubled within five years, and older drivers are particularly affected.

New high in deaths and serious injuries

Because: The Accident Prevention Advisory Center (BFU) states that e-bikes cause twice as many serious or fatal accidents as conventional bicycles for the same number of kilometers. Last year 2,267 people had accidents, and the BFU recorded a new record of 23 deaths and 560 serious injuries.

To counter this trend, Astra is investigating the possibility of driving tests or mandatory training, writes the “SonntagsZeitung”. Currently, e-bike riders only need to be 14 years old, wear a helmet and have a yellow number. The office plans to create a differentiated catalog of riding suitability depending on age group to improve the safety of e-bike riders.

The proposal has supporters and opponents. In the article, Karin Huwiler from the BFU warns against excessive restrictions for the elderly because the electric motor allows them mobility. However, she proposes a voluntary training to practice driving techniques and difficult maneuvers. Beatrice Steinegger of Pro Senectute is also in favor of education, but argues that it should be mandatory from the age of 65.

Focus on handling, cornering and braking

Traffic experts and driving school operators also see the need for a mandatory course for e-bike riders. They propose a course that is similar to basic motorcycle training, with special attention to driving behavior, mounting and dismounting, cornering and braking. The duration of the course can be approximately four hours.

Safety experts compare the discussions surrounding such courses with those surrounding the introduction of seat belts. Ultimately, these also saved people’s lives, she concluded. (oco)

Source:Blick