E-cargo bikes are becoming increasingly popular in urban areas because they can replace cars for short journeys and thus reduce CO2 emissions. They are also accessible to many people because no driving licence is required. Sales of e-cargo bikes are currently increasing both nationally and internationally.

Reliable figures on accidents involving e-cargo bikes in Switzerland are not yet available. Initial studies have shown that the seat belt anchorages are often inadequate for children. Furthermore, there are problems with the dimensions and driving dynamics of e-cargo bikes. Longer braking distances and the width of the bikes, which allow less room for manoeuvre in narrow cycle lanes, pose further risks. With increasing numbers of users, an increase in traffic conflicts is also expected, with pedestrians often being seriously injured in collisions with e-cargo bikes. Based on the study results, it can therefore be concluded that the number of accidents is likely to increase as sales of e-cargo bikes rise.

The aim of the research work is to specify the road safety problems caused by the increase in e-cargo bikes and to derive suitable prevention measures. Both the objective risk and the subjective risk perception of users will be taken into account. Interviews with experts and focus groups with users should reveal any discrepancies between the assessments of users and experts, in order to derive targeted prevention recommendations. These are aimed at users, prevention officers, road owners, and manufacturers and distributors of e-cargo bikes.