Are the e-bikes more dangerous than traditional bicycles?

Abstract

This paper deals with the problematic of road safety of e-bike in comparison with traditional bicycles in the Slovak republic. In the paper is examined the first pilot study in Slovakia focused on the comparison between traditional bicycle and e-bike in naturalistic approach but also from the perspective of users. Because the rate of e-bike is in Slovakia lower than in other countries, for instance, in Germany, or in the Netherlands, we have decided to use the analysis and test the comparison in our condition. In the study was used small representative sample due to limited ownership of e-bike. First the speed of these two types of bicycles has been compared. Second the user experience had to report if they how they have perceived the ride on the e-bike form the perspective of the road safety. The additional factors or parameters which was reported, was issue regarding the quality of the road surface which had a significant effect to the perceiving the comfort or discomfort on the e-bike.