Pedelec Crash Testing Research

[SRS]

An interesting read from the German Insurers Accident Research Unit

http://www.udv.de/uploads/tx_udvpublications/CAR_30_Pedelec.pdf

Seems that the Germans are taking the added risks seriously. Sorry if posted before but cannot find a previous reference.

 

[amigafan2003]

Good.

Only with proper analysis of the risks posed (both by the rider and to other people) can we then decide on proper usage requirements.

Although I take any report written by a Motor Insurer on cycling issues with a pinch of salt

 

[neptune]

A very interesting and informative article. It particulary highlights the dangers that can arise on shared paths. Do not rely on pedestrians staying on their half of the path. Y`all take care now.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

I think it was a little amateurish and biased. Look at the crash of the cyclist into a pedestrian. It was arranged so that they came head to head, which, although poosible, is not that likely. Normally, you knock them flat and then run over them (talking from my own and Cwah's experience). Maybe speed makes a difference. What did they think would happen if you drove a bike into a car door at rightangles at 45kph? That's the very worse case scenario and not that likely to happen. Can those bikes with 250w motors really do 45kph? Mine has a 500w motor and it can't maintain that speed. On the other hand a normal bike can do that speed down-hill. When they test cars, they don't crash-test them at their maximum speeds, so why do that for bikes - especially if they can't actually do that speed.

The other thing that can start an interesting debate was their brake tests. In order of effectiveness (worst first): rim brakes; hydraulic rim brakes; hydraulic disks. I'm just off down to the shops to get some pop-corn.:

 

[GaRRy]

I thought this was the most interesting thing.

In the opinion of the UDV, high-speed pedelecs (up to 45 km/h) must be viewed in the same way as a moped (category L1e), as defined by European Directive 2002/24/EC, and all the technical consequences of that must therefore be taken into account. That means, for example, that a type approval is required, insurance is mandatory (evidence of insurance must thus be displayed on the vehicle), and a moped driving license is required. In addition, they must be ridden on the road, and the rider is required to wear a suitable protective helmet pursuant to section 21a of the German road traffic regulations (StVO). That means a motorcycle helmet in this case.

and

The high-speed pedelecs currently on the market do not meet these requirements. This is now the subject of intense debate among experts and politicians.

Which means even in Germany there are doubts about the safety aspects of "S" class bikes

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Which means even in Germany there are doubts about the safety aspects of "S" class bikes

No, it just means that someone has a hidden agenda. The report was totally loaded to try and prove a point.

 

[GaRRy]

No, it just means that someone has a hidden agenda. The report was totally loaded to try and prove a point.

So whats new

 

[amigafan2003]

Which means even in Germany there are doubts about the safety aspects of "S" class bikes

Nope.

There is however some concern in the German insurance industry that their main revenue stream could dry up if more people leave their cars at home and get on ebikes

EDIT:-

I see d8veh is on the same wavelength as myself

 

[tillson]

I detect the stench of the insurance industry's presence in the construction of that report.

 

[GaRRy]

I detect the stench of the insurance industry's presence in the construction of that report.

Oh I have no doubt of that. What im trying to do is point out that "S" class in Germany is not this wonderful idea that every one has no problems with and thinks is a good idea. Whether agree or not politicians will take of note of what they say and it will influence decisions.

 

[103Alex1]

I detect the stench of the insurance industry's presence in the construction of that report.

It's positively stinking like a blocked cesspit all around ....

 

[mike killay]

No doubt this will lead to more German Laws.
But they love being bossed about!

 

[Scimitar]

No doubt this will lead to more German Laws.
But they love being bossed about!

They like a bit of order, they do.
No disrespect to any Germans here, I know many of them who left the Fatherland to get away from the control freaks in charge.