Research assistant Luisa Licker (left) and Johanna Boyen from the Institute for Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine (right) at the start of Health Week in the atrium of the castle.
On 13 May, Luisa Licker presented the results of a pedelec and bicycle accident survey during the kick-off event of Health Day. The research project aims to develop a sound understanding of the possible effects of the increasing use of pedelecs (e-bikes) and thus create a scientific basis for future health policy decisions. The Center for Health Economics Research (CHERH) conducted an empirical cost comparison analysis of accident costs between conventional bicycles and pedelecs.
The research results show that there are no significant differences in direct and indirect costs between the two types of bicycles. When analysing demographic factors, it was found that three variables have a significant impact on overall costs: sporting behaviour, muscle disorders and mental illness. Regular physical activity, which according to WHO guidelines comprises 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of intense endurance physical activity per week, reduces the total accident costs. Muscular disorders and mental illness, on the other hand, increase the total costs. The study also found that indirect costs such as productivity losses due to absenteeism from work account for the majority of accident costs for both types of bicycles. In terms of direct costs, about one-third is attributable to outpatient treatment, medication and medical aids.
The health economics perspective in this project is complemented by the Institute for Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine and the Accident Research Department at Hannover Medical School, which were also represented at the Health Day.
