Don’t switch to turbo mode too quickly
19 May 2026 Mobility Stories / Safety on the roadMore and more cyclists are switching to e-bikes. In Germany, for example, around 17.2 million bikes with electric motors were on the roads in 2025. That is nearly seven times as many as ten years ago. An e-bike makes cycling easier; you can tackle hills more effortlessly than with a ‘regular bike’ – not to mention the fact that it’s great fun. “This ease of use can tempt new riders to switch to turbo mode too quickly at first,” says Jochen Hof, a cycling expert at DEKRA. “Newcomers need to be aware that a pedelec differs significantly from a bicycle without a motor in terms of weight, handling and ride characteristics.” Older people, in particular, face an increased risk of accidents.
E-bikes are considerably heavier than normal bicycles and are therefore not quite as easy to balance as a normal bicycle. Anyone who underestimates this is more likely to fall over when stopping or even whilst stationary. The powerful acceleration and higher riding speed in particular take some getting used to. This calls for more anticipatory riding and a secure grip on the saddle. The motor assistance also increases the turning radius. It takes practice to coordinate all of this.
Many people also need to get used to handling the powerful hydraulic brakes on e-bikes. The greater braking force needs to be applied in a controlled manner so that you can brake quickly in critical situations without losing your balance. So, take it a bit easier at first until you feel confident in the saddle. A special safety training course is particularly recommended for those switching to e-bikes and complete beginners.
To ensure safe e-bike riding, expert Jochen Hof recommends taking particular care when turning, at junctions and in areas with poor visibility. It is also a good idea to wear high-visibility clothing and switch on your lights in good time. This ensures you are not easily overlooked by other road users. You should also allow for mistakes made by others and adapt your own riding style accordingly. This is because other road users often underestimate the greater acceleration and speed of e-bikes. For your own protection, wearing a helmet is, of course, essential.