CDV researcher Lukáš Kadula discussed e-bike and e-scooter crash trends on TV Nova, focusing on alcohol, helmet use, user behaviour and road safety.
E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming an increasingly common part of everyday mobility. Their growing use is also changing the pattern of crashes involving cyclists. Lukáš Kadula, a researcher at the Transport Research Centre (CDV), discussed current data, the specific characteristics of these vehicles and the factors influencing user safety in an interview with TV Nova.
According to data for January–June 2026, 20 cyclists were killed in crashes in the Czech Republic. Eight of these fatalities involved electrified vehicles – five e-bike users and three e-scooter users, accounting for 40% of cyclist fatalities during the period.
E-bikes are not inherently more dangerous
Lukáš Kadula stressed that e-bikes should not generally be considered more dangerous than conventional bicycles. They do, however, have specific characteristics that users need to take into account. E-bikes are typically heavier, have a different weight distribution and make it easier to reach higher speeds. These factors can become important when reacting to a conflict situation or braking.
Another specific group consists of people returning to cycling after a longer break. Among e-bike fatalities, people over 65 are significantly represented. E-scooter crashes, on the other hand, more often involve younger people and those of working age.
Alcohol remains a significant issue
Alcohol and other substances were another major topic of the interview. According to the data discussed, alcohol was detected in more than 40% of injured e-scooter users. A substantial proportion of these cases involved a blood alcohol level above 1.5‰.
Alcohol is also a long-term issue among cyclists more generally. According to the interview, alcohol or other substances are detected in more than 30% of cyclists who cause a crash.
Helmets, anticipation and appropriate speed
Helmet use is another important factor. More than half of injured e-bike users reportedly were not wearing a helmet. Among children under 14 injured on e-scooters, more than 60% were not wearing one, according to the data discussed in the interview.
Lukáš Kadula therefore highlighted individual responsibility as a key element of road safety. His basic recommendations include wearing a helmet even for short trips, avoiding alcohol, anticipating potential conflicts, planning routes and adapting speed to the conditions. He also emphasised visibility, not only in low-light conditions but during the day as well.
Road safety is not only about infrastructure
The interview also addressed whether Czech roads and cycle paths are prepared for the growing number of e-bikes and e-scooters. According to Lukáš Kadula, road safety needs to be approached comprehensively. Where possible, separating cycling from motor traffic can help, but users also need to respect traffic rules and adapt their behaviour to the environment.
For e-scooters, he also highlighted issues such as riding on pavements and carrying two people on one scooter. He noted that many paths in the Czech Republic are designed for shared use by cyclists and pedestrians, making considerate behaviour by all users particularly important.
According to Lukáš Kadula, the first response to risky behaviour should not necessarily be additional regulation. Prevention, awareness and individual responsibility are essential elements of improving road safety. At the same time, current data can help identify risk groups and problematic behaviours and support more targeted preventive measures.