Ellio Joins Forces for Safer Cycling in Antwerp
Belgian speed pedelec manufacturer Ellio has aligned itself with the traffic safety campaign initiated by the province of Antwerp. Under the slogan “Speed feels good, arriving feels better,” this initiative aims to raise awareness among cyclists and speed pedelec users about the increased risks associated with cycling during the darker autumn and winter months.
Launched on September 15th, the campaign is supported by various businesses and governmental bodies, including the Flemish government. Ellio has actively joined the cause by contributing a bicycle to the campaign’s efforts.
Dark, Wet, and Slippery
An increasing number of commuters are turning to bicycles, e-bikes, and speed pedelecs for their daily journeys. However, autumn weather can drastically alter conditions. Days become shorter, rain reduces visibility, and wet leaves or slippery roads can lead to unexpected hazards.
This campaign underscores the importance of adequate preparation. Essential measures include properly functioning lights, well-maintained bicycles, and highly visible clothing.
Cycling skills are also a focal point of the initiative. Statistics provided by the campaign indicate that around 66% of cycling accidents are linked to steering errors or loss of grip. Cyclists who undergo training can potentially reduce their risk of accidents by over 30%.
For speed pedelec riders, mastering riding techniques is even more crucial. With speeds reaching up to 45 km/h, situations can escalate quickly, necessitating a keen awareness of the road ahead. Elements like braking, tires, and lighting require particular attention.
Not Always 45 km/h
Ellio perceives the campaign as an extension of its own philosophy regarding speed pedelecs. The manufacturer emphasizes that comfortable, controlled riding is far more critical than consistently pushing the maximum speed. The latter half of the campaign slogan, “arriving feels better,” encapsulates the essence of daily commuting: leaving prepared and adjusting speed in accordance with traffic, weather, and road conditions.
To aid riders during the autumn, the Belgian brand provides practical tips on its website, focusing on aspects such as tires, brakes, clothing, and visibility.
Two Ellio Riders Together Reach 100,000 Kilometers
Alongside this campaign, Ellio has shared a compelling story about two of its customers. Jurgen and Thierry purchased speed pedelecs around the same time and eventually crossed paths through the brand. Both cyclists recently celebrated reaching the milestone of 50,000 kilometers on their bikes, culminating in a remarkable total of 100,000 kilometers.
For both riders, the automatic technology integrated into their bikes plays a pivotal role. Jurgen particularly appreciates the automatic gear shift and speed limiter, while Thierry highlights the adaptive support that adjusts to riding conditions.
For him, the speed pedelec is his preferred mode of transport—save for exceptionally poor weather, long distances, or when carrying heavy loads.
These impressive mileage figures illustrate that a speed pedelec can serve as much more than just a recreational bike. For users facing lengthy commutes, accumulating tens of thousands of kilometers over a few years is entirely feasible.
Sources:
- Ellio
- LEVA-EU
- Provincial Government of Antwerp
- Flemish Government
