Why Ebike Crashes Are So Fatal And How to Avoid Them
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- When I saw the news and the statistics about electric bike accidents, I put on my thinking cap and thought of some ways we could reduce the risks when we mount our ebike.
I walk on sidewalks with my dogs. I had so many near misses by bikes and ebikes that speed by at 15 to 25 mph only inches away from me or one of my dogs. When I rode my bike to work and back, I never would go were a walker would be. In US, bikes and the such must yield to someone on foot.
It apears to me that the worst offenders are the road bike riders, all decked out for a Tour de France, rushing to work in the morning and back home at night.
Logical, explicit and clear as glass. Thank you for this excellent discussion on this very relevant topic.
Glad you liked it!
7:33 that happened to me, except it wasn't a car, it was an 18 wheeler. VERY good advice about green lights, Robert.
Could have ripped your head off!!!
I think another factor is that ebikes can go much faster than most manual bicycles, but people don't wear correspondingly more protective gear. Many ebikes are capable of speeds approaching those of motorcycles, but people still wear bicycle helmets instead of motorcycle helmets on ebikes, never mind wearing any padded jackets or pants. Just my thoughts. I proudly wear ATGATT (all the gear, all the time) when riding my motorcycle.
Good point. An electric bike rider does have the option of ATGATT, but it would seen like an excessive precaution if you stay within the legal speed limit for ebikes, considering that most falls don't result in more than scratches.
Funny because I usually get passed by regular bikes when I'm on my ebike.
While I'm a new ebike rider, I'm very aware of my surroundings. Any place I wouldnt ride my regular bike I won't ride my ebike there either. My guess is a big part of the problem with crashes are people that act like they own the road no matter if they are walking, biking or in a car. The stakes are a lot higher on a bike, and high risk and idiots that don't pay attention are a self fulfilling prophecy.
Well said
Thanks for making such a well-thought out and comprehensive video! Even seasoned riders can use a reminder from time to time, and for new riders - it's always better to learn from others than experience. (ouch!)
Glad it was helpful!
As a long standing motorcycle rider with many years under my belt and many hundreds of thousands of miles, i would say the one thing i see many people do when riding my bike is that often people either forget or wilfully neglect the fact that they have no protection and often take unnecessary risks.
I see this and must admit have done so myself in the past.
As a ecyclist no matter if you are in the right have the law on your side always give way, always go at a speed you are able to stop the bike at, and always wear gloves, helmet and eyes protection.
Watch out for pot holes and sand or grit.
But always give way, because you can alway mend your ego but fixing broken bones take a long time and sometimes never mend.
EXCELLENT ADVICE! I hope many people will read your comment.
Great video, sound advise....I agree with what was said in a prior video regarding online purchases and the availability of distributorships and servicing
centers when
problems arise. I ride an electric unicycle.....just imagine that for a moment, I never ride without protective gear and footware, safety is always Perimount in todays multitasking society. Generally I
go to a
park and make a day of it but not everyone does. Your safety should always be the 1st thing to consider when doing anything don't
Take on more
risk then you can handle.
Thank you for your input. Appreciate hearing from one those brave unicyclists.
Robert, I took that solo journey over the handle bars once due to grabbing the front brake and broke my wrists and elbows ! The right brake lever on motorcycles operates the FRONT brake, but somehow I never coRnfuse the moto for the bicycle when it comes to this. Lol.
It would be tricky switching from one to the other. And dangerous! I think right rear and left front only apply in North America. I think the opposite is the case for the rest of the world. Can someone confirm this for me?
No required training, no protective gear, not separated from autos, speed, inadequate brakes, no insurance, recipe for disaster. 😅
Agree
4:19 there are many options for aftermarket cable actuated hydraulic brakes too. I have a set for my Lectric XP 2.0, but it has electric problems right now. Oddly enough, the cycling computer had a tiny scratch in the bezel surrounding the faceplate, not enough to see the scratch, (although you CAN feel it with your thumbnail) but just enough to let water ingress. it shorted out and also damaged internal componants.
Thanks fo reminding me. I want to order a set of those hybrid hydraulic brake calipers. It's a bummer about the display.
Good advice & reminders!
My 2 cents worth:
-) an orthopedic implant machinist gave me spare scrap parts, I keep these in view from where I park my bike in the garage as a reminder of what is possible.
-) Avoid rushing, rushing & inattention have caused my incidents. Double-triple check cross traffic.
-) I don't ride any faster than I am willing to fall.
-) use front/rear lights night & day, especially on longer rides. The roadside shadows here in Oregon render bikes invisible.
-) ebike throttles are a safety feature, overcoming inertia at critical junctures.
-) you have a choice about clothing, choose Hi-Viz, dark-colors, esp. black is stupid at night, stupid.
-) I keep my brakes soft, and ride appropriately. Locking brakes is for tricksters.
-) bike bells are appreciated by those you pass & kids dig them.
-) Helmets may or may NOT help, they create a false sense of security. Seems mostly they are used for victim blaming.
Great insight and advice. Thank you.
I think that _pedal assist only_ eBikes are more dangerous than ones with throttles! There are many times when we are maneuvering in tricky circumstances, and a slight, measured instantaneous eBoost to the back wheel is far more dependable than using the pedals. This is because the eMotor typically only kicks in after 2 or 3 pedal rotations, and when it kicks in.... IT KICKS IN! Ready or not. This is dangerous, IMO. Also, when taking off from a stop, such as at an intersection, the same logic applies. The eThrottle is instantaneous and dependable, costing me no wasted time in crossing the street or avoiding a threat. Law makers must remember that alot of eBike riders are not in robust athletic condition. Motors enable us.... throttles make it safer. _( my eRide is the Letric xp. )_
Thank you for your excellent comments on the uses of a throttle.
Have you tried a pedal assist only e-bike? They are impressively responsive! I am 63 years old and commute with my Trek e-bike 32 kilometers a day. Here in Vancouver, a class 1 e-bike (speed limited, no throttle) can use bike lanes… and there are many of them! IMO, throttle e-bikes are more prone to accidents as they have to share the road with motor vehicles.
@@edteach3r 👍 I have tried PA-only eBikes and from I recall, the power delivery is immediate upon pedaling, as you mention. As it happens, I live in the USA where we have yet to invent bike-lanes. Lol.
Doesn't surprise me that woke Canadian government officials feed us throttle users to the wolves in the name of safety! Best to kill us off in the name of "progress."
The answer is simple, we have driving licence with different categories based on what driving test you have done, which categories you are allowed to drive, eBikes fall into the same categories as mopeds or motorbikes and some of them are electric, so you are required to pass a test for moped/motorcycles to ride an eBike as a way forward.
Ebike riders tests might one day become compulsory. In the meantime, perhaps bicycle stores could offer such training.
Lots of good, sensible advice here!
Glad you think so! Thanks for following me.
The only way to improve rider safety on any bike is through training and practicing that knowledge.
Thank you for this valuable information, I advice similar being NSIQ certified.. the rught brake is the rear brake here, we also ride on the right side...being the left side ❤
🖖🏾☮☯️🕉
Well said!
Very good points! One thing I found out [while riding a motorcycle] at a stop at an intersection; the word STOP that is painted on the road can be slippery in the rain. Water just beads on the smooth surface paint (and residual oil}. Needed a brand new bar-end mirror after the bike went sideways on my transitioning to put foot down. So stay away from paint surface on rainy days.
Researching e-bikes now. Still a bit on the fence. Pedal powered CANNODALE MTB for now. In my reserch I now COMPREHEND E-bikes are different from bicycles and motorcycles.
Can you do a video on large wheel vs small wheel bikes? Any difference?
Liked and Subscribed.
Thank you for your interesting point about painted surfaces. I never gave it a thought , but in makes sense that they could be hazardous. As for small vs large wheels, I can think of plusses and minusses (why is this not a word?😊) of each. I'll have to research that issue. Thanks for the suggestion.
A big part of the problem in the US is bikes are considered toys.
Certain individuals don't treat them with caution, for sure.
8:25 or potholes in the CENTER of the road. (we have very bad roads here.)
I thought that Gatineau must be the world's capital of the pothole!
@@RobertBeriault753 Oh no, Mississippi rules the world in potholes. There is a string of them, basically a trough now, in the road in front of my house. Logging trucks.
Here it's Mother Nature and the City's poor construction technique that create them. Frost that reached 3-4 feet deep and the inadequate base for the asphalt. Only about 4 inches of crushed stone for the streets and the trails.
No, Ebikes are not dangerous. Many of the people who ride them are idiots. Most do not wear a helmet. And some of the Ebikes are more like Electric Mopeds. The faster they go, the more dangerous they are. And yes I've ridden an Ebike since 2019. If a Ebike can go over 28mph using throttle alone, the rider needs to wear a better helmet. I always wear a helmet.
Good points. Thanks for your input.
I just had a crash about 6 months ago, still recovering. damaged my rotary cuffs I think, or maybe pulled a tendon? it's aggrivating when you can't use your arms.
Sorry to hear that, Matt. Six months is a long time. Hope it gets better soon.
it will, if I can get my insurance to let me get a scan on my shoulders. they are fighting me.@@RobertBeriault753
Easy - have tests for seniors and do not let children ride them.
According to the Canadian Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Statistics, the group of 25 to 34 year olds has the most accidents.
%100 incompetent is right !
Sounds like you've had your share of close calls.
Life long biker. 60 + years. The best & surely most reliable safety device you have is between your ears. If it seems wrong it probably is! People that ride anything without a helmet are IDIOTS. I currently ride close to 35 mph when it's Safe. I pull a trailer to get groceries. My brain thinks I'm still 20 years old. I'm 69. Don't be your own victim. Slow down if your not sure. Ride as fast as you want when you know it's safe. Most people become Idiots when they get into the drivers seat of a car. Watch for them because they damn sure are not watching for Us.
Thanks for your opinions
Thank you
You're welcome!