E-Scooters Surge Ahead: New Data Reveals They’re Safer Than E-Bikes in City Rentals
For years, e-bikes have been touted as the safer micromobility option. But a groundbreaking new study from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden flips that narrative on its head. Researchers found that, when comparing rented e-scooters and e-bikes under controlled conditions, the crash risk is a startling eight times higher for e-bikes. This isn’t just a minor adjustment to existing data – it’s a fundamental reassessment of how cities should approach micromobility planning and regulation.
The Problem with Previous Research: Comparing Apples and Oranges
The discrepancy stems from how previous studies were conducted. “They have lumped together e-bicycles with ordinary bicycles, and haven’t taken into account where, how and how much these vehicles are used—or whether they are rented or privately owned,” explains Marco Dozza, Full Professor in Active Safety and Road-User Behavior at Chalmers. Simply put, comparing a leisurely weekend bike ride in the countryside to a fast-paced rental e-bike trip through a busy city center doesn’t provide a meaningful comparison. This new research meticulously controlled for these variables, focusing solely on rented vehicles in urban environments.
How Chalmers University Achieved a More Accurate Comparison
The Chalmers team analyzed data from over 700 crashes involving rented e-scooters and e-bikes across seven European cities – Gävle (Sweden), Berlin & Düsseldorf (Germany), and Cambridge, Kettering, Liverpool & Northampton (UK). The key to their success? GPS data. This allowed them to measure “exposure” – how much a vehicle is actually used – with unprecedented precision. Exposure was measured by the number, duration, and distance of trips, providing a comprehensive view of risk.
The Role of GPS Data in Understanding Crash Risk
Traditionally, assessing micromobility safety relied on reported crash data, which is often incomplete. GPS data provides a crucial layer of context. It reveals how frequently vehicles are used, the routes taken, and the overall distance traveled. This allows researchers to calculate crash risk not just based on the number of incidents, but on the actual amount of time and distance spent riding. As Dozza notes, “With more detailed data, we can make better decisions about transport for the future.”
Why E-Bikes Prove More Dangerous in Rental Scenarios
While e-scooters were involved in a higher number of crashes (reflecting their greater overall usage), the rate of crashes per distance traveled was significantly lower. The study found that e-cyclists were 8.3 times more likely to crash than e-scooterists when calculated by trip distance. Several factors likely contribute to this. E-bikes, with their higher speeds and often less stable design, may be more prone to losing control, particularly in congested urban environments. Riders unfamiliar with the power and handling of an e-bike may also contribute to increased risk.
Implications for City Planning and Regulation
The findings have significant implications for urban planners and policymakers. Cities that have actively promoted e-bikes as a safer alternative to e-scooters may need to reconsider their strategies. “Now that it turns out that isn’t correct, decision-makers may need to think again,” says Dozza. This data suggests that regulations should focus on rider behavior and infrastructure improvements – such as dedicated bike lanes and speed limits – rather than simply favoring one vehicle type over another.
Beyond the Study: Future Research and Data Needs
The researchers emphasize that this study isn’t the final word. They acknowledge potential underreporting of crashes and variations in riding behavior. However, it provides a crucial foundation for future research. They call for more comprehensive data sets, including more e-bicycle journeys, from diverse geographic locations. Furthermore, future studies should consistently incorporate GPS data and detailed information about vehicle usage to ensure accurate risk assessments. Chalmers University’s press release provides further details on the research methodology and findings.
This shift in understanding demands a more nuanced approach to micromobility. It’s no longer enough to assume one vehicle type is inherently safer than another. Data-driven insights, like those provided by the Chalmers University study, are essential for creating safer, more efficient, and more equitable transportation systems for the future. What changes do you think cities should make to their micromobility policies based on these findings? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
