Electric bicycle injuries reach six-year high in Denmark

Riding an electric bicycle in Denmark carries growing traffic risks today. Injuries from electric bicycles reached a six-year high across the country in 2025. Data shows 200 e-bike riders were injured in traffic last year. Among them, 133 riders suffered serious injuries. Eleven riders lost their lives in these accidents. Insurance company Alm. Brand analyzed figures from the Danish Road Directorate.

Electric bicycles travel faster than standard bicycles. They also weigh significantly more than regular bikes. Mathias Kjær Sigvaldason is the accident insurance director at Alm. Brand. He noted that speed and weight make injuries more severe.

Meanwhile, imports of electric bicycles continue to grow quickly in Denmark. Statistics Denmark reported 98,078 e-bikes imported in 2025. That figure was only 40,216 back in 2017. Imports of regular bicycles dropped from over 500,000 to about 350,000. Electric models now make up over one-fourth of imported bikes. These numbers cover national imports rather than final consumer sales.

Safety advocates are now demanding stricter cycling rules across Denmark. The Danish Road Safety Council wants helmets to become mandatory for all e-bike riders. It also wants illegal e-bikes removed from public cycle paths. Standard e-bikes assist speeds up to 25 kilometers per hour. They follow standard cycling traffic laws. Approved speed pedelecs assist speeds up to 45 kilometers per hour. Riders must wear helmets and keep lights on when using speed pedelecs.