Doubling of Deaths in E-Bike & E-Scooter Accidents: More Controls Announced

According to Karner, the reasons for the increase are mainly "excessive speed or overestimation of one's own abilities." With e-bikes, for example, "it's relatively easy to get to the top of the mountain and often too fast back down," he noted, referring to the associated risk of very serious accidents. In Tyrol, for instance, there have already been over 30 percent more injuries compared to the same period last year.

Numerous Deaths in E-Bike & E-Scooter Accidents: Amendment to the Road Traffic Act

He welcomed the draft for the amendment to the Road Traffic Act (StVO) developed by Transport Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ), as well as changes to the Motor Vehicle Act (KFG) and the Driving License Act (FSG). As announced, "e-mopeds" are to be banned from bike paths to the road, and new regulations for e-scooters and e-bikes, including an expanded helmet requirement, are to be introduced. E-scooters would thus be clearly defined as vehicles in the future - no longer as small vehicles. In addition, a helmet requirement up to the age of 16 and the obligation to equip with indicators and a bell will be introduced. For e-bikes, a helmet requirement will apply up to the age of 14. Karner stated that he accepts the decision not to introduce a general helmet requirement and, in return, "very intensively appeals to the personal responsibility" of the drivers.

The media event in Innsbruck included an on-site inspection of the focus actions or controls initiated by the police regarding bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters. An action had already been carried out in Linz on Monday, now it was the turn of the Tyrolean state capital, Vienna will follow, as well as further focus actions in all federal states, according to the minister.

The head of the Tyrolean State Traffic Department, Enrico Leitgeb, referred to the cooperation with the district and city police commands. More checks "at eye level" - for example, by the bicycle police - will be carried out. "The equipment, driving behavior, the condition of the driver, the load, and of course primarily the safety equipment such as lights, brakes, etc." will be checked. In the case of e-scooters, there is also the possibility of carrying out a technical inspection.

(APA/Red.)

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