The rise of electric bikes and the next safety frontier

In cities across the globe, a silent revolution is whirring past traffic. Electric bikes (e-bikes), once niche, now mainstream, are reshaping how people move. In 2025 alone, more than 100 million e-bikes will be on the road. By 2030, that number is expected to nearly double.

But this shift also raises a question too often left in the dark: are cyclists, and the people around them, truly safe?

The new normal: faster, farther, quieter

E-bikes offer a compelling blend of speed and accessibility. Riders can cover longer distances, tackle hills with ease, and replace car commutes without breaking a sweat. However, they also introduce new variables to public roads:

• Faster average speeds (20–28 mph).
• Heavier frames and longer braking distances.
• Quieter operation, making them harder for pedestrians and drivers to detect.
• Mixed traffic integration: e-bikes often share roads with both cars and traditional bicycles.

The result? A new safety landscape where visibility, predictability, and protection are more important than ever.

Safety under pressure: where the gaps are

Even as infrastructure catches up, several challenges remain:

• Outdated bike lanes often don’t accommodate faster e-bikes or cargo e-bikes.
• Helmet use remains inconsistent, especially in warmer climates and developing countries.
• Lighting and visibility are frequently overlooked, particularly in low-light conditions or winter months.
• Driver awareness is lagging, many motorists still don’t expect to see cyclists moving at e-bike speeds.

Recent studies found that most urban collisions involving e-bikes occur at intersections, and visibility, especially from behind, is a key contributing factor.

Visibility = Prevention

In cycling safety, visibility is prevention. That includes:

• High-quality rear tail lights to alert drivers, especially during dawn, dusk, and night
• Daytime running lights. A proven measure in reducing road crashes, now common in both cycling and motoring.
• Reflective gear and accessories for 360° visibility.
• Predictable behavior. Clear signaling, lane positioning, and adherence to traffic rules.

Ciclolux, a company focused on smart and stylish bike tail lights, is among the many innovators working to keep riders visible on the road. While not yet specialized in e-bike lighting systems, companies like Ciclolux are part of a broader push to ensure safety doesn’t fall behind innovation.

Education, infrastructure & tech must evolve together

Safety isn’t just about gear, it is also about awareness and systems.

• Cities must invest in protected lanes, bike-first signals, and signage for mixed-speed traffic.
• Drivers need training, not just cyclists. Public education campaigns can help close the gap.
• Digital tools like GPS-based crash alerts, ride data, and integrated smart lighting are emerging to give cyclists more control over their safety.

Governments are starting to respond. The Netherlands, Germany, and France are expanding cycling infrastructure to handle e-bike volumes. Some US states are offering safety rebates alongside electric bikes purchase incentives.

 Looking ahead: a safer ride for all

Electric bikes are not a passing trend, they are the future of short-distance mobility. But with that future comes responsibility.

• For riders: that means investing in safety gear, staying visible, and riding predictably.
• For cities: it means designing roads that reflect how people actually move.
• For brands like Ciclolux: it means anticipating how safety needs will change and staying ready to evolve.

The rise of e-bikes isn’t just a mobility revolution. It’s a call to action, for smarter, safer, more inclusive cycling for everyone.

Check Ciclolux’s blog to learn more about sustainable mobility and cycling accessories!