In the northern Italian city of Como, a recent incident involving mayor Alessandro Rapinese has sparked renewed debate over the safety of electric bicycles, or e-bikes, in urban areas. In July, Rapinese was struck by an e-bike while leaving city hall during rainy conditions, resulting in bruises and cuts after he was thrown to the ground. In response, the mayor announced that starting in September, all cyclists—including those on traditional bicycles—will be required to dismount and walk their bikes in 30 designated streets in central Como.
The decision has prompted swift opposition from local civic groups and cyclists, who are organizing a protest ride to city hall scheduled for September 12. Rapinese’s critics have accused him of imposing regulations based on a personal experience, although the mayor defends his stance by emphasizing his direct knowledge of the risks posed by high-speed e-bikes.
The incident taps into broader tensions around the increasing presence of e-bikes in cities worldwide. While cycling has grown in popularity in many Western cities over the past decade, contributing to reduced car traffic and improved air quality, the rise of e-bikes—particularly heavy rental models—has introduced new safety concerns. Cities such as London, Paris, and New York have seen their rental e-bike fleets expand rapidly, with London hosting around 50,000, Paris 18,000, and New York approximately 15,000.
E-bike motors are generally capped at speeds of 25 kilometers per hour (15.5 mph) in the European Union and the United Kingdom, a pace that can be matched or exceeded by experienced pedal cyclists. However, the combination of motor assistance, heavier build, and use by novice riders increases the risk of injury, especially to pedestrians. Data from the UK indicate a 71% rise in pedestrian fatalities or serious injuries related to bicycle collisions between 2016 and 2025, a period marked by a surge in e-bike usage.
Despite heightened media attention on e-bike incidents, motor vehicles remain the predominant cause of road fatalities. Research suggests that motorists and pedestrians violate traffic laws at rates comparable to cyclists. Moreover, cyclists themselves face greater dangers from collisions involving cars or trucks than they pose to pedestrians. E-scooters, in contrast, have demonstrated even greater safety challenges; Paris recently discontinued its rental e-scooter program due to concerns.
Experts suggest a range of measures to enhance e-bike safety without resorting to outright bans. Authorities should enforce regulations against illegal modifications that allow e-bikes to exceed speed limits. For rental fleets, the implementation of mandatory parking zones monitored via GPS can reduce hazards caused by improperly left bikes. Stronger penalties and enforcement for infractions such as running red lights and riding on sidewalks are also recommended, along with requirements for prominent identification numbers on rental bikes.
Technologies like geofencing can be employed to establish reduced-speed or no-ride zones in pedestrian-heavy areas, further mitigating risks. Meanwhile, cyclists are encouraged to adhere strictly to traffic regulations, wear helmets, and exhibit responsible riding behaviors. The primary avenue for improving safety remains the ongoing adaptation of urban infrastructure to better separate different road users and accommodate evolving mobility patterns.
Such measures could address safety concerns while preserving the environmental and accessibility benefits that e-bikes provide—potentially avoiding restrictive policies like those enacted in Como.