Don’t switch to turbo mode too quickly

19 May 2026News & Campaigns

More and more cyclists are switching over to e-bikes, so much so that there were around 17.2 million electric bicycles in use on German roads in 2025 – seven times as many as ten years ago. A pedelec makes cycling easier than a traditional bike – it takes less effort to go up an incline, and they’re great fun to ride. “The fact that they make things so easy means that when people switch over to them, they may initially be tempted to switch to turbo mode too quickly,” says Jochen Hof, bicycle expert at DEKRA. “Newcomers need to know that a pedelec differs significantly from a traditional bike in terms of its weight, handling, and riding characteristics.” Senior citizens in particular are at higher risk of an accident.

Pedelecs are much heavier than normal bikes, meaning they are not as easy to hold. Anyone who underestimates this may well fall over when stopping or at a standstill. In particular, the powerful acceleration and higher speed take some getting used to and will require the rider to think ahead more and take greater care. Furthermore, the turning radius increases under electric power. Coordinating all these different aspects takes practice.

Many people also have to get used to using the powerful hydraulic brakes on e-bikes.

The higher braking foce needs to be applied carefully in order to ensure you can brake quickly in critical situations without losing your balance. Therefore, be more cautious initially until you feel confident in the saddle.

A special rider safety training course is recommended, in particular for newcomers and anyone switching over from a traditional bike.

To ensure you stay safe on an e-bike, expert Jochen Hof recommends taking particular care when turning off, at intersections, and in places with restricted visibility. It is also a good idea to wear bright clothing and switch on your lights at an early stage as this will make it easier for other road users to see you. Furthermore, you should assume that other people will make mistakes and adapt your own riding style accordingly, as other road users often underestimate the faster acceleration and higher speed of pedelecs. For safety reasons, it goes without saying that you should also wear a helmet.