In one of the more recent accidents involving an electric bicycle driver in Israel, a 30-year-old man was moderately injured on Tuesday evening when he collided with a bus on Derech Shlomo in Tel Aviv. The driver of the e-bike was treated on the scene and transported by MDA paramedics and EMTs. He suffered a head injury, and according to paramedics, he was conscious and alert at the time of transport.

Police and other authorities have implemented a number of regulations towards regulating the operation of electric bicycles, which are becoming increasingly commonplace in Israel, particularly in Tel Aviv. In the hope of compelling the drivers of these bikes to slow down and operate them in a safer fashion, legislators have decided fines will be issued to drivers guilty of violating those regulations, including the prohibition of riding on a sidewalk. There is now a minimum age of 16 to operate one, and one must wear a full helmet, one that covers the ears, not like a regular bike helmet. In addition, one must use a Bluetooth handsfree device to operate one’s cellphone while driving.

In Ashdod for example, in response to the accidents and fatalities of e-bike riders, rabbonim have forbid talmidim to ride them.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)