Safe with e-bikes in the Vogelsberg district: Free senior courses!

Safe with e-bikes in the Vogelsberg district: Free senior courses!

The trend is obvious: more and more seniors are discovering the advantages of Pedelecs and e-bikes. Especially in the Vogelsberg district, the numbers show that older people are happy to switch to two wheels. Safety while driving is at the top of the priority list. Dominic Günther, exercise coordinator, is keen to meet this trend and is offering two free training courses on August 23rd especially for seniors aged 55 and over. The courses are already an integral part of the “Exercise in old age – safe through everyday life” initiative, which aims to promote health literacy and mobility among seniors. This information is provided by oberhessen-live.

Safety training is crucial because e-bikes enable riders to reach speeds of up to 45 km/h with minimal effort. But while technology advances, the number of e-bike accidents in recent years raises significant concerns. According to [ZDF]. A third of the accident victims were at least 65 years old, highlighting the need for training and other safety measures.

Safety through training

The courses on August 23rd start at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Eichbergschule in Lauterbach. Participants can register for one of the two training courses until August 8th. The number of places is limited to ten seniors per course and participation is at your own risk, including the obligation to wear a helmet. During training, seniors can hone essential skills under professional guidance: from a bike check to special driving techniques to driving tests in challenging situations.

The Duisburg police have also already actively campaigned for the safety of older e-bike riders by offering free driving safety training for people over 65, which can be attended multiple times. These training courses are aimed primarily at seniors who would like to get back to driving after a long break. Theoretical and practical basics are taught here, from the correct sitting and handlebar posture to behavior in critical situations, according to ZDF.

A good way to more security

The fact that more e-bikes were sold in 2023 than existing classic bicycles illustrates the growing importance of these vehicles in the everyday life of seniors. After 53% of buyers had already decided on e-bikes last year, the trend remains unbroken. But the associated challenges are also real. According to a survey, participants in e-bike safety training courses, such as the one that has been offered in Ansbach since 2019, report an increased feeling of security and a reduction in personal insecurities. Here the positive feedback also refers to practical exercises such as slalom riding, braking exercises and training to look over your shoulder, which is often neglected and can lead to serious accidents, according to BR.

The concerns about the increasing number of accidents are justified. In 2023, almost 160 accidents were registered in Germany among seniors aged 65 and over alone - an increase of 10% compared to the previous year. Training and education are obviously crucial tools for reducing these numbers and helping older people be more safe on their e-bikes. Anyone interested in one of the free courses should register quickly, as space is limited and demand is high.