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German Rescue Association Urges Mandatory Helmets for Pedelec Riders

Rescue crews cite frequent severe head injuries among riders of pedal-assist bikes.

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Overview

  • The Deutscher Berufsverband Rettungsdienst called for a legal helmet requirement for pedelecs, the pedal-assist bicycles whose motors engage only when riders pedal.
  • Chair Frank Flake said typical pedelec speeds of around 25 km/h can be life-threatening in a fall.
  • Official figures cited by the group list 192 pedelec fatalities in Germany last year, roughly unchanged from the prior year.
  • The association said it will file complaints against people who record accident victims, noting that footage often reaches social media before patients reach hospital.
  • Authorities have not announced any legislative or policy response to the demand.