America’s outdated infrastructure weathers the e-bike boom

E-bikes are growing in popularity around the world. According to the Light Electric Vehicle Association, e-bike sales have outsold electric and hybrid vehicles combined in the United States.

Mike Radenbaugh, founder and chairman of Rad Power Bikes, said: “And given that rising fuel prices and other challenges to transportation will only get worse, I don’t think that will slow down in the next few years.”

A large part of this trend is due to the variety of options that have entered the market. Some are made specifically for specific jobs such as food delivery, while others are designed to fold up or even have extra seating for children.

It is now used as a convenient micro-mobility transportation option for those who dislike the inconvenience and cost associated with cars.

In the US, some e-bikes can go up to 28 mph, but most peak around 20 mph.

This speed is often blamed for the increased hazards seen with electric bicycles compared to conventional bicycles.

“It’s really simple physics. If a car going 45 or 40 mph hits someone, it’s almost certain to kill them. Whereas if the same car were only going 10 mph, , the odds are less than half, said Charles DiMaggio, a professor of surgery and public health at New York University who led the study on e-bike injuries.

The severity of injuries among the various forms of micromobility has proven that e-bikes are far more dangerous.

“E-bikes are three times more likely to be hospitalized for injuries compared to traditional bicycles,” said DiMaggio.

But while e-bikes and cycling enthusiasts argue that speed doesn’t matter, cars do.

“Cars are the biggest threat to other road users,” says Radenbaugh. “Whether it’s a pedestrian, a regular cyclist or an e-bike.”

In places like the Netherlands, where cycling infrastructure is a priority, it’s much safer to use an e-bike.

“The big difference we see here in Holland compared to most other places, with very few exceptions, is that everyone rides bikes here. Riding a bike.” A city planning YouTube channel called Not Just Bikes.

To make the U.S. safer for e-bikes, an approach similar to that used in many Dutch countries — replacing roads with cycle paths and pedestrian squares — could be a solution. there is.

“Also, bicycle infrastructure is not expensive. But North America as a network needs to start thinking seriously about this,” said Slaughter.

https://ift.tt/xeb6Aop America’s outdated infrastructure weathers the e-bike boom

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