E-bike driver flees after accident: Who knows the stranger?

E-bike driver flees after accident: Who knows the stranger?

A traffic accident involving a Pedelec driver is currently causing a stir in Kirchheim an der Weinstrasse. The incident occurred on October 30, 2025 at around 7:30 p.m. on Bissersheimer Straße. A car had to stop due to traffic when the driver of an e-bike hit the stationary car and fell. This incident could play a role in the current debate about cyclist safety and the increase in Pedelec accidents.

Surprisingly, after the accident, the e-bike driver fled the scene without permission before the police arrived. According to MRN News, the driver was drunk and was wearing conspicuous black clothing. It is a slim person with longer dark hair who was riding a fat bike, which is faster than a conventional e-bike due to its thicker tires. The police ask witnesses to contact the Grünstadt police station.

Sustained increase in Pedelec accidents

The incident is just one example in a worrying trend. According to Destatis, the number of Pedelec accidents resulting in personal injury increased from 2,200 in 2014 to 23,900 in 2023. This means a more than tenfold increase within just under a decade. The proportion of Pedelec riders under the age of 45 who had an accident also increased significantly during this period - from 10.7% to well over 30%.

In comparison, non-motorized bicycles are showing a downward trend, with accidents decreasing from 76,600 in 2014 to 72,200 in 2023. It is also interesting that Pedelec accidents are often fatal. In 2023, 188 Pedelec riders lost their lives, while the number of people killed on non-motorized bicycles fell to 256.

Safety situation in road traffic

Another alarming sign is the general security situation on the roads. In 2024, 441 cyclists died in traffic, which represents a decrease compared to 2023, but represents an increase on a long-term average. According to Tagesschau, e-bike riders were among the fatally injured cyclists in 43.5% of cases, which represents an alarming trend, especially for the older generation: almost two thirds of these victims were in the age group 65 and over.

It is clear: Pedelecs are very popular and are becoming increasingly popular, which is also reflected in the statistics. According to data from 2022, 15.5% of households in Germany owned at least one Pedelec. But as usage increases, so does the risk. The accident statistics in particular clearly show us that there is an urgent need for action to ensure the safety of all road users.

The events in Kirchheim an der Weinstrasse are another wake-up call for decision-makers and authorities to seriously address the issue of bicycle and Pedelec safety. Hopefully those responsible will soon find solutions to avoid such incidents in the future.