Mandatory use of helmets advocated for pedelecs due to a surge in related accidents, as per the Association's proposition.

Frequent bike accidents involving e-bikes cause concern for the German rescue service; they demand immediate action.

, and Administrator

2025 September 3 . 8:39 AM

2 min read

mandatory helmet usage advocated by association following increased pedelec accidents

In Switzerland, every cyclist, regardless of age, wears a helmet, a practice that seems far from the norm in Germany. This is a concern for Frank Flake, the chairman of the German Professional Association for Rescue Services, who has been vocal about the need for e-bike riders to prioritize safety.

Flake has criticized bystanders at accident scenes for their behaviour, often seen taking photos with their phones or even filming accidents. He has expressed concern about the lack of empathy shown by some bystanders, and the potential impact this could have on accident victims.

The association is advocating for a helmet obligation for e-bike riders, particularly those using motor-assisted e-bikes. Flake has pointed out that traveling at 25 kilometers per hour on an e-bike can be life-threatening in case of a fall. He has also highlighted instances where bystanders have filmed e-bike accidents, which he believes adds to the distress of the victims.

Currently, there are no concrete plans for a helmet obligation for all e-bike riders in Germany. Helmets are mandatory only for speed-pedelecs (faster e-bikes that require a license and insurance) but not for standard pedal-assist e-bikes limited to 250 watts and 25 km/h assistance.

Other European countries such as Austria are introducing helmet mandates for all e-bike riders in response to increasing accidents and injuries, showing some movement in the region on this issue. However, Germany has not followed this path so far.

The German Professional Association for Rescue Services, founded in 2006, represents rescue professionals in Germany. The association is not only advocating for helmet usage but also taking action to address issues beyond this, including the behaviour of bystanders at accident scenes.

According to the Federal Statistical Office, 192 e-bike riders died in an accident last year, which was roughly the same number as the previous year. Despite the safety concerns and injury statistics, wearing a helmet is not yet the norm for e-bike riders in Germany.

Flake has also called for screens to protect accident victims from intrusive bystanders, and has said that those who engage in such actions can expect a report. The association will enforce this consistently, he added.

As the number of e-bike accidents continues to rise, the German Professional Association for Rescue Services is urging e-bike riders to prioritize their safety and consider wearing helmets. While no concrete plans for a helmet mandate for all e-bike riders have been announced, the association's advocacy could lead to changes in the near future.