A Schuylkill Haven man was killed Thursday evening when the electric pedal bike he was driving along Route 61 was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
The collision occurred just north of Seven Stars Road in North Manheim Township shortly after 11 p.m.
The e-bike was heading north on the shoulder of the roadway near the edge of the far-right lane, troopers said.
It was hit from behind by the northbound tractor-trailer, causing the bike to crash, state police said.
Operating the bike was Michael Shaffer, 45, of Schuylkill Haven, according Dr. David Moylan, Schuylkill County Coroner.
Shaffer was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill in Pottsville, where the coroner’s office pronounced him dead.
The driver of the tractor-trailer was Edwin Viera, 38, of Vineland, N.J., troopers said. He was not hurt.
No further details of the crash investigation were immediately available from state police.
It was not clear whether Shaffer was wearing a helmet.
The coroner’s office performed a forensic CT scan on Shaffer on Friday but his death certificate, including the cause and manner of the his death, was not yet complete, Moylan said.
Though there are different types of e-bikes, the most common models are permitted to ride where traditional bikes are allowed in Pennsylvania, according to state law. The electric bikes must follow similar traffic rules to bicycles, and they can be used to travel on public roadways, bike lanes and sidewalks outside of designated business districts.
Because e-bikes have heavier frames and can reach higher speeds than traditional bikes, though, drivers have reduced reaction times and are more prone to serious injuries, such as broken bones and brain trauma, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
While experienced riders can safely commute with proper safety gear, they should be cautious, the organization said.
“E-bikes can reach speeds much higher than traditional bicycles, and this increased velocity means more force during falls or collisions,” Dr. Brian Waterman, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, said in a statement from the AAOS.
“This higher energy impact is causing injuries we don’t typically see in traditional bicycle falls. The risk of fractures, dislocations and head trauma increases as e-bike usage becomes more popular. The best protection starts with awareness, proper protection and responsible riding.”
The organization offered e-bike riders these safety tips:
Always wear a certified, properly-fitting helmet and wear it every time you ride, regardless of local laws.
Learn your e-bike and local laws and know your e-bike’s class (1, 2 or 3), top speed and motor assistance features. Check city or state regulations for e-bike use, including minimum age requirements.
Ride defensively. Be alert, obey traffic rules, and use hand signals to communicate with drivers and other cyclists.
Inspect your equipment regularly. Check brakes, tires, lights and the battery.
Avoid distractions. Stay off your phone and avoid headphones or anything that impairs your hearing or vision.
Be visible. Wear bright clothing and use front and rear lights, especially in low-light conditions.
Supervise young or inexperienced riders. E-bikes are not toys. Make sure new riders practice in a safe area before hitting the road.
In recent weeks, a 25-year old man riding an e-bike was killed after striking the rear passenger door of a sheriff’s office vehicle in Butler County on May 26, and a 30-year old man riding an e-bike was killed in East Hempfield Township, Lancaster County, after being hit by another vehicle on April 14, police said.