Dear E-Bike Manufacturers, It’s Time to Integrate Dash Cams
Cyclists involved in accidents often face a frustrating sequence: the vehicle involved drives off, bystanders move the bike to the sidewalk, and when authorities arrive, crucial evidence is lost. The cyclist is left to recount the incident, while the driver claims not to have seen them, and no clear evidence remains to reconstruct the event. This highlights a significant gap in cycling safety: the absence of concrete proof.
Since December 14, 2024, Italy’s Road Code mandates that vehicles overtake cyclists with a lateral distance of at least 1.5 meters, where road conditions permit. While this is a commendable regulation, it lacks a mechanism for enforcement. Measuring this distance is subjective, often relying on conflicting testimonies.
The Situation Is Worsening
In 2025, road fatalities in Italy decreased by 5.3%. However, cyclist deaths rose by 20% compared to the previous year, totaling 198, with an additional 30 e-bike users, marking a 50% increase. While car safety has improved with advanced sensors and automatic braking, bicycles remain largely unprotected.
Dash Cams Have Proven Effective Elsewhere
In the UK, the “Operation Snap” initiative allows citizens to upload footage of traffic violations, leading to formal charges. Reports show a significant increase in dangerous overtaking incidents reported, with a higher percentage resulting in formal charges. Similarly, some U.S. departments accept bicycle-captured videos, provided they include GPS data to verify location, time, and speed.
This approach shifts the risk. Previously, cyclists bore the brunt of reckless driving; with widespread dash cam use, drivers also face consequences. A critical mass of equipped cyclists is needed to make this risk credible.
The Common Objection: Cost
A decent rear camera with radar and integrated light, like the Garmin Varia RCT715, costs around €400. Adding a front device, considering charging, memory card management, and mounting, makes it a significant investment for individual cyclists. This solution isn’t universal and remains a niche product.
The Focus Should Shift to Manufacturers
E-bike manufacturers are in a unique position to address this issue. High-end e-bikes already come equipped with batteries, displays, and integrated lights. Adding front and rear cameras with continuous recording and automatic incident detection could be a feasible enhancement. This would provide cyclists with documented evidence in case of accidents, aiding in accurate incident reconstruction.
A Precedent Exists
Croatian company Greyp, founded by Mate Rimac, previously integrated two wide-angle cameras, eSIMs, remote tracking, and over-the-air software updates into their e-bikes. However, this technology was limited to a high-end model priced at €8,500, targeting a niche market. When Porsche acquired the company and discontinued the e-bike division in May 2026, the initiative ended.
The lesson isn’t that the idea doesn’t work, but that documented safety shouldn’t be an optional feature for premium models. It should be a standard feature on mid-range city and commuter bikes used daily in traffic, where close overtakes are common.
A Call to Action
In Italy, onboard cameras are legal, and footage holds specific value: it’s admissible in criminal proceedings under Article 234 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and is fully valid in civil cases under Article 2712 of the Civil Code, unless contested by the opposing party. However, there’s no administrative channel to upload footage of dangerous overtakes and receive a sanction. Sharing such images on social media can lead to issues with the Privacy Guarantor.
Therefore, the request is twofold:
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To E-Bike Manufacturers: Integrate cameras into your bikes, include them in the technical specifications alongside battery life and torque, and make them a selling point.
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To Legislators: Establish a platform where these videos can be used constructively. Because evidence that no one can use remains just a high-definition memory.
By taking these steps, we can enhance cyclist safety, provide concrete evidence in case of incidents, and foster a more secure environment for all road users.