Distracted Riding: How Phone Use Affects eBike Safety
Smartphones have transformed how we navigate and communicate—but on two wheels, that convenience comes at a cost. New research shows that using a phone while cycling or riding an eBike dramatically increases the risk of crashes, injuries, and near misses.
From reduced reaction times to “flying blind” moments on the road, distracted riding has become a growing concern in the world of micromobility.
The Rising Trend of Distracted Riding
As eBikes and e-scooters become more common, so does multitasking while riding. Surveys reveal that 24–65% of cyclists admit to using their phones while in motion—calling, texting, checking maps, or listening to music (Santos-Reyes et al., 2022; De Waard et al., 2010).
In Germany, 10–17% of cyclists use their phones at least once per trip, while in the U.S., 5% of eBike injury cases involve phone or music distraction. Younger and male riders are statistically more likely to engage in these risky behaviors.
And while these numbers might seem small, the impact is anything but.
What the Research Says About Crash Risk
Multiple studies have now quantified just how dangerous distracted riding can be:
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Phone use while riding increases crash risk by 20–30%.
Texting is consistently identified as the most hazardous form of distraction (Santos-Reyes et al., 2022; Jiang et al., 2021). -
Just a two-second glance at a phone at 25 km/h (15 mph) means traveling 14 meters (46 ft) without seeing the road ahead—enough to miss a car door opening or a pedestrian crossing (DEKRA, 2023).
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A case-crossover study found that using a phone within one minute before a crash tripled the likelihood of injury for cyclists and eBike riders (Ren et al., 2020).
Distraction doesn’t just cause falls—it magnifies their severity. Crashes on high-speed roads or involving single-handed riding lead to more severe injuries, particularly when riders lose steering control or fail to brake in time (Agheli & Aghabayk, 2024).
The Mechanics of Distraction: Why It’s So Dangerous
Phone use affects both mental focus and physical control.
| Distraction Type | Effect on Rider Safety | Key Studies |
|---|---|---|
| Texting | Highest negative impact on control and stability | Jiang et al., 2021; Santos-Reyes et al., 2022 |
| Calling | Increases mental workload, slower reaction time | De Waard et al., 2010; Santos-Reyes et al., 2022 |
| Single-handed riding | Reduces balance, steering precision | Pai & Dozza, 2024 |
| Listening to music or navigation prompts | Lowers environmental awareness | De Angelis et al., 2020 |
A 2024 path-analysis study confirmed that phone distractions trigger a chain reaction: violations → errors → near crashes → actual crashes.
Even brief visual or manual interactions degrade performance enough to initiate this cascade (De Angelis et al., 2020).
The Broader Micromobility Context
The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) reports a ten-fold increase in eBike-related emergency visits between 2017 and 2023 (Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2024).
With 87,400 eBike emergency-department visits in that period, distracted riding has emerged as a preventable contributor.
Distraction-related incidents are more common on weekends and rural or high-speed roads (Agheli & Aghabayk, 2024; Qawasmeh et al., 2024).
They’re also amplified by motorist distraction—when both parties aren’t fully focused, the crash risk multiplies.
How to Stay Safe (and Connected)
Technology isn’t the enemy—it’s how we use it.
Experts recommend these simple changes to cut distraction risk while keeping your ride efficient and safe:
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Pull over before using your phone. Even a few seconds of inattention can erase your reaction time.
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Mount your phone securely. If navigation is necessary, use a handlebar mount and glance only when stationary.
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Keep both hands on the bars. Single-handed riding dramatically increases crash probability.
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Avoid full-cover headphones. Use single-ear or bone-conduction designs to stay alert to surrounding traffic.
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Prioritize visibility. Use helmets with integrated lights (like XNITO’s) to ensure you’re seen even when others aren’t paying attention.
The Takeaway
Phone use while riding might feel harmless—but the data paints a clear picture: it’s one of the fastest-growing contributors to cycling and eBike crashes.
Every notification or quick reply divides attention and adds risk, especially at the higher speeds of Class 3 eBikes.
Safety begins with focus. Put the phone away, keep both hands on the bars, and make visibility your top priority.