E-bike accident in Villach: 72-year-old seriously injured!

E-bike accident in Villach: 72-year-old seriously injured!

In Villach, a serious accident occurred on June 12, 2025, in which an e-bike driver was seriously injured. The 72-year-old man from Villach drove on Feldner Straße in the direction of Rennsteiner Straße when an 84-year-old driver from Villach-Land district opened his e-bike. The accident happened while turning from Rennsteiner Straße to Willroider Straße when the driver had overlooked the e-bike driver. After the collision, the 72-year-old lost control of his vehicle and fell. He was brought to the LKH Villach after first aid with serious injuries and then transferred to the Klagenfurt Clinic. An alcohol test at the driver resulted in a negative result, so that alcohol -related accidents can be excluded as the cause.

The incident is also highlighting the safety of e-bike drivers, especially in the older age group. According to Destatis.de , the number of pedelec accidents has risen terrifyingly in recent years. In 2023, 23,658 Pedelec users injured, which is almost eleven times as many as in 2014 (2,223 crashed). This shows not only the increasing popularity of e-bikes, but also the dangers that are associated with it. The proportion of Pedelec denial over 65 years fell from 54.5 % in 2014 to 30.1 % in 2023, but the accident statistics remain alarming.

accident statistics at e-bikes

A look at the age groups shows that the 50- to 60-year-olds play a significant role in accidents. In Gießen, a city with rising e-bike accidents, more than half of the accidents are due to the driver of this age group, such as giessener-allgemeine.de reported. The Statistics of the Middle Hesse police show that the number of incidents rose from 46 to 116 in e-bike accidents between 2018 and 2022. The age group is most affected for 50-60 years.

In order to minimize the risks and increase security, numerous initiatives take steps to convey older drivers the necessary knowledge and the skills for e-bike driving. The ADFC e-bike driving training for seniors offers that convey the specific driving behavior and the brake mechanics of e-bikes. Safe handling of these driving machines is particularly important because the risk of injury in the event of falls for older people is significantly higher.

The importance of e-bikes is also evident in the increasing number of users. In 2022, 15.5 % of households in Germany already had at least one pedelec, while in 2014 it was only 3.4 %. This increase reflects a social change, since e-bikes represent a cheaper and more convenient alternative to the car and at the same time help to avoid parking problems in cities. Nevertheless, the challenges and dangers that are associated with this increasing use must be taken seriously.