Fall from bicycle

Cycling is a wonderful way to stay fit, cut your carbon footprint, and get around towns and cities with ease. 

With the rise of electric bikes (e-bikes), more people than ever are taking to the streets, blending pedal power with motorized assistance. 

However, there are some risks in cycling, both on a classic bike and an e-bike. Falls can happen due to various reasons; some are preventable when you have the right knowledge and precautions. 

Having said this, here are some of the most frequent causes of why one might fall from a bicycle, ways to avoid them, and, finally, specific concerns related to e-bikes.

1. Uneven or slippery surfaces

The most insidious cause of bike accidents is, undoubtedly, the uneven or slippery concrete or other floor surface. 

A wet road, gravel, or ice significantly lowers friction, increasing the likelihood of skidding. 

The increased speed and potential weight of e-bikes could exacerbate this likelihood by making control more challenging on unpredictable surfaces.

How to avoid it:

• Keep a slow pace when riding in poor weather conditions, and always take your time across corners.
• Invest in a tire with outstanding grip and traction, especially if you ride on all types of terrain.
• Be aware of painted road markings and also metal surfaces like manhole covers; these are extremely slippery in wet conditions.

2. Equipment failures

A sudden brake failure or slipping chain normally presages disaster. Another possibility is flat tires or a weak frame that can't support you and your cargo.

In the case of an e-bike, a battery or motor failure can increase the risk factor. Poor maintenance is the main cause of such failures, which is why routine checks are necessary. 

How to avoid it:

• Take good care of your bicycle—check tire pressure, brakes, and chain before each trip.
• If you ride an e-bike, it must have a non-removable, properly fitted battery with a fully functional motor.
• Schedule professional tune-ups, especially if you’re a frequent cyclist or a delivery rider.

3. Lack of experience or improper techniques

Besides proper technique, balance and coordination are skills that take a while to build. 

For example, most bike fall injuries happen to children, probably because of a lack of experience. Fortunately, most of these injuries were mild, as only about 27% of these injuries resulted in a hospital visit.

Added to that, with the power boost, e-bikes could be intimidating for new riders, and that might affect bicycles in poor conditions or over-reliance on motors.

How to avoid it:

• Practice in a safe, open area before venturing into busy streets, especially if you’re new to biking.
• Learn to brake, corner, and balance at slow speeds.
• Start with a lower level of motor assistance on your e-bike until you’re confident.

4. Collisions with vehicles or other cyclists

Traffic-heavy streets and narrow, crowded bike lanes are dangerous. Collisions usually happen because of a lack of attention or miscommunication. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 1,105 bicyclists lost their lives in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2022, demonstrating the extreme danger of this type of accident.

E-bikes move faster compared to the conventional bicycle, and hence, the rider needs to be very careful.

How to avoid it:

• Always follow all traffic laws and ride predictably.
• Signal for turns or lane changes by using hand signals; signal by making eye contact at intersections as one crosses.
• Be aware of and avoid all other cyclists and cars.

5. Distractions and lack of concentration

Distracted biking, which involves checking one's phone, adjusting settings on an e-bike, or not paying attention to the road, has become a prevalent trend in the modern age.

Regrettably, these factors also contribute to a significant number of bicycle falls.

How to avoid it:

• Mount your phone on a handlebar holder if you need to navigate with it, and only adjust settings when completely stopped.
• Get familiar with your e-bike's controls before riding; don't fiddle with them while on the move.
• Pay close attention to your surroundings at all times, especially within the city.

6. Sudden obstacle on the road

Bicyclists may encounter unexpected hazards such as potholes, debris, and even animals. Individuals on e-bikes moving at increased velocities may not be able to react in time.

How to avoid it:

• Keep your eyes looking ahead and scanning the road for possible obstacles.
• When traveling on roads or pathways that are not in good condition, proceed at a slower pace. Go slower when passing through wooded paths.
• Warn others if necessary by ringing a bicycle's bell or blowing your horn.

7. Overconfidence and risky behavior

Overconfidence can lead to dangerous actions such as reckless speeding, abrupt turns, or even attempted stunts. 

E-bikes, powered by their small motors, may tempt their riders to overreach themselves, sometimes leading to dangerous consequences.

How to avoid it:

• Know your limit and ride within it.
• Use motor assistance responsibly, avoiding sudden acceleration or high speeds through crowded areas.
• If you’re riding an e-bike, ride within the legal limits.
• Safety above show, at all times.

8. Poor visibility and lighting

Cycling at night or in foggy conditions increases the likelihood of accidental falls and collisions due to impaired visibility, which can be dangerous for both you and others. 

This is indeed true, particularly considering that e-bikes are primarily used for early morning and evening commutes.

How to avoid it: 

• Make sure your bike's front and rear lights are bright enough to see in low light. 
• Wear reflectors or bright-colored clothes to be more visible. 
• If possible, avoid biking in extreme kinds of weather, such as snow, heavy rain, and strong winds.

The most endangered category

While any cyclist is susceptible to injuries, the number of falls from bikes seems to be unreported among delivery riders. 

The Lighthouse's research revealed that the number of bike-related injuries among delivery riders appears to be significantly higher than previously believed. 

Various sources cite varying percentages of injuries, but it appears that this is due to a small percentage of delivery workers reporting their injuries. 

This is likely as most riders lack health insurance other riders have, so they prefer to stay silent about their injuries, at least to officials.

Delivery riders are the most vulnerable group for several reasons. One of the reasons is that most delivery riders use their bikes or e-bikes daily, which increases the risk of accidents.

Another reason is that delivery workers typically work in the early morning or late evening, which are the most dangerous times for any cyclist.

Lastly, delivery riders cycle under pressure, which can decrease attention span and increase the number of injuries. 

In either case, it appears that we should take the safety of delivery workers more seriously.

Read also: How to get UL certified e-bike

Conclu sion 

With proper precautionary measures, you can prevent a fall from a bicycle and save yourself from heavy injuries.

Knowledge of the most common causes for falls will help you adopt best practices, which will reduce substantially the possibility of an accident. E-bike riders especially have to pay heed to the features of their bike—anything from motor power to battery security.

Remember, if the accident happens and you feel any discomfort, such as back, arm, or leg pain after a bike accident, or if you’ve fell down from a bike and hit head, contact your medical provider immediately.

Related: Are e-bikes easy to ride

‍