In 2018, the TCS introduced roadside assistance for bicycles for its members. This is for the reason that in the event of a breakdown, members want to be at their side regardless of their means of transport. Since the service was introduced, the number of files opened due to breakdowns has risen sharply. The basic demand for insurance that can help in the event of a bicycle breakdown or an accident is also increasing, according to TCS figures.
Three times more breakdown calls since 2018
In 2018, the TCS only recorded around one bike breakdown per day, namely 380 opened dossiers. In 2019 there were more than twice as many cases. By the end of October this year, however, a patrol for a Velopanne had been out around 1000 times. Most bicycle pans in 2020 were reported in urban areas and in western Switzerland, especially in the city of Geneva.
Pannenursachen
By far, the cyclists had the most problems with the tires. However, problems with the chain or the drive of e-bikes often had to be disengaged. The rate of continued travel averaged 62 percent for bikes without a drive and 58 percent for e-bikes. If it was not possible to make a bike roadworthy on site, the cyclist was ensured that the cyclist could continue their journey safely and the bike was brought to the nearest workshop or home.
Increase in e-bike breakdowns
E-bikes are in great demand, especially since the outbreak of the corona pandemic. The increase in e-bikes, particularly in urban road traffic, is also reflected in the number of breakdowns. In 2020 in particular, the number of e-bike breakdowns rose sharply. In 2018 and 2019, for example, 38 and 39 percent of all bicycle pans related to an e-bike. In 2020, 45 percent of all bicycle breakdowns are breakdowns on an e-bike. Especially when the motor of an e-bike fails, it is often difficult to move, depending on the design. The patrolman can either repair it on site, transport it to the nearest garage or to the place of residence.
The following things should be checked regularly with a bike:
General:
– The condition and age of the tires (no cracks, sufficient profile) and the correct air pressure in the tires (according to the min.-max. Air pressure information on the tire wall). – The condition of the front and rear brakes, especially the thickness of the brake pads and the brake disc on disc brakes, should be checked regularly. As a rule, the brake pads should be changed slowly but surely from a pad thickness of around 1 mm or less. With rim brakes, the brake shoes should be changed at the latest when the gaps in the rubber block are 1 mm deep or less. With rim brakes, the thickness and condition of the rim flank must be checked. – The condition of the wheels. Always press two spokes at the same time with your fingers. If they are not taut, contact a specialist. If you have the appropriate expertise, you can tighten the spokes yourself with a spoke wrench and thus center the wheels. – In addition, regular maintenance of the chain (let oil drip onto the lower section from above and turn the chain backwards with the pedal). Wipe the excess oil off the chain. E bike:
– The battery should be charged after each use. This avoids deep discharges. – If the electric bike is not used for a long time, it makes sense to recharge the battery a little every two months, because a certain self-discharge is normal. The battery should be 50 to 70% charged for storage. – Low temperatures and humidity are harmful, especially for the battery. If the bike is outside in the cold and wet, dismantle the battery if possible and protect the power contacts of the battery holder. – If the electric bike has been ridden in the cold, you should wait a bit inside before charging so that the battery warms up a bit first. – If the bike is left outside in the cold for a long time, full power should not be requested immediately. Press contact:
Sarah Wahlen, TCS media spokesperson, 058 827 34 03, 079 123 46 91, [email protected], www.pressetcs.ch, www.flickr.com
Original content from: Touring Club Schweiz / Suisse / Svizzero – TCS, transmitted by news aktuell
Original message: https://www.presseportal.ch/de/pm/100000091/100860309
– .
