Search Results (45)

Background/Objectives: In recent years, electric scooters have gained widespread popularity as an easy and affordable mode of transport in urban areas worldwide. Simultaneously, trauma centers have observed an increasing number of associated injuries to users. While injury patterns associated with other vehicles are now well-researched, electric-scooter-related injuries are a new topic in the literature. Our study aims to investigate the differences in injury patterns and other critical crash characteristics among riders of bicycles, electric scooters, and scooters. Methods: This one-year retrospective observational study examined patients who sustained injuries while riding bicycles, electric scooters, or scooters between April 2021 and March 2022 at Hungary’s largest trauma center in Budapest. During this one-year period, we identified 1938 patients, 1378 cyclists, 370 electric scooter users, and 190 scooter users. Basic demographic information, recorded injury type and severity, time of day the injury occurred, and alcohol usage were recorded as outcome measures. Results: While 4.6% of cyclists and 5.8% of scooter riders had consumed alcohol, 26.8% of electric scooter riders were under the influence of alcohol at the time of their crash. Of electric-scooter-related injuries, 45.8% occurred at night, compared to only 9.2% and 14.1% of bike and scooter-related injuries, respectively. E-scooter crashes constituted 19.1% of total cases but surged to 52.3% at night. Patients under the influence of alcohol were much more likely to experience mild head injuries (p < 0.0001) and severe head injuries (p < 0.0001), but less likely to suffer mild limb injuries (p < 0.0001) and severe limb injuries (p < 0.0001) compared with sober patients. Cyclists had significantly 3 times fewer cases of severe head trauma than those injured while using electric scooters (p = 0.0166). Conclusions: The study highlights a significant risk of severe craniofacial injuries in e-scooter users after consuming alcohol, exceeding that in sober riders and cyclists. Predominantly occurring at night, these injuries are closely linked with alcohol use. The findings advocate for mandatory helmet laws and stricter regulations on e-scooter use to enhance safety, especially at night. Full article

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of bicycling-related maxillofacial fractures in a defined population and to identify factors contributing to these injuries. Methods: An 8-year cohort study was carried out, including all patients presenting with bicycling-related maxillofacial fractures at a tertiary care center from 2017 through 2024. Data recorded for each patient included age, gender, date and cause of injury, contributing factors, type of facial fractures, other injuries, hospital stay, and helmet use. Statistical analysis was performed. Continuous variables were assessed for normality (Shapiro–Wilk test) and compared using the Mann–Whitney test. Categorical variables were analyzed with chi-square tests. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 899 cycling accident patients seeking medical treatment, 122 (13%) sustained facial fractures, accounting for 4% of all facial fracture cases in our department during the study period. In our cohort, the male–female ratio was 2.6:1, and the mean age was 29.5 years (SD 12.8, range 13–77). Collision with another object/vehicle was the most common cause (64%), followed by isolated falls (36%). A total of 135 facial fractures were recorded (some patients had multiple fractures). Mandibular fractures were most frequent (49% of patients), followed by zygomatic (32%), orbital (13%), nasal (7%), maxillary (2%) and frontal (2%) fractures. Among mandibular injuries, condylar fractures were the most common subtype (63%). Dental injuries were found in 27% of patients. The most common dental trauma was tooth fracture (43% of those with dental injuries), followed by tooth luxation (32%) and tooth avulsion (25%). In 80% of cases involving dental injuries, the upper anterior teeth were involved. Concomitant injuries were present in 20% of patients, most often orthopedic limb injuries. Only 27% of patients reported always wearing a helmet, whereas 43% reported never having worn one. Conclusions: Bicycling-related facial injuries are a noteworthy subset of facial trauma. Missed or delayed diagnosis can lead to lasting deformities and functional issues. Preventive strategies—especially promoting helmet use and improving helmet design—along with broader safety measures are important to reduce the incidence and severity of these injuries. Full article

Objectives: The increasing popularity of electric scooters (E-scooters) has led to a rise in trauma-related injuries, particularly in the craniofacial region. This study aims to compare dentoalveolar trauma (DT) patterns between E-scooter and bicycle accidents in a German urban area to identify differences in injury characteristics, risk factors, and treatment approaches. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 178 patients treated for DT following E-scooter (n = 56) or bicycle (n = 122) accidents between January 2022 and December 2022 at a single oral and maxillofacial surgery department in a German urban area. Demographic, clinical, temporal, and therapeutic data were collected and statistically compared. Results: E-scooter patients were significantly younger (mean age: 33.6 vs. 47.0 years, p < 0.001) and predominantly female (85.7% vs. 26.2%, p < 0.001) compared to bicycle patients. E-scooter accidents more frequently occurred at night (69.6%) and on weekends (62.5%) and were significantly associated with alcohol consumption (55.4%) and low helmet use (8.9%). Clinically, E-scooter accidents resulted in more complex dental injuries, including a higher incidence of root fractures (14.3% vs. 0%, p < 0.001), complicated crown fractures (25.0% vs. 9.0%, p = 0.004), and crown-root fractures (32.1% vs. 9.8%, p < 0.001). Mandibular injuries were more prevalent in the E-scooter group, and concomitant facial fractures (excluding alveolar) were also more common (28.6% vs. 19.7%, p = 0.018). Conclusion: E-scooter accidents are associated with a distinct DT pattern involving younger, often alcohol-intoxicated, and helmetless patients, typically presenting with more severe and complex DT-injuries. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies, legislative measures on helmet use, and clinician awareness of specific trauma profiles linked to E-scooter use. Full article

Micromobility is a topic of growing interest, powered by the introduction of shared electric bicycles and, especially, e-scooters. This type of mobility has recently gained a lot of popularity in large cities, bringing many benefits, such as greener mobility, a connection for first- and last-mile trips, and on-demand transportation alternatives. However, it also comes at the cost of inadequate infrastructure and laws. This created problems, mainly a concerning rise in accidents and consequent injuries. This study first identifies the main causes of accidents and injuries by defining key aspects such as vehicle types, user demographics, and prevalent injuries. Head injuries emerge as the most critical concern, largely due to low helmet usage across various studies. To address this issue, the barriers to helmet adoption are explored in order to develop a new concept aligned with micromobility needs. The proposed helmet design also prioritises sustainability by replacing petroleum-based materials with expanded cork. This alternative reduces carbon emissions while maintaining the desired performance. Additionally, the design follows principles of disassembly, eliminating adhesives and permanent joints to enhance recyclability. The result is a malleable structured helmet that adapts to user requirements while supporting the United Nations’ 2030 sustainability development goals. Full article

Purpose: Cycling is a popular activity for children aged 5–14 years and has a notable risk of head injuries. Extensive evidence shows that bicycle helmets can reduce the severity of head injuries and prevent fatalities. The current study examines the prevalence of bicycle helmet use among children (aged 5–17 years) in Saudi Arabia, parents’ attitudes and safety perceptions toward children’s bicycle helmets, and factors that influence parents’ decisions regarding their children’s bicycle helmets. Methods: This study used an analytical cross-sectional design via a validated questionnaire to examine parents’ attitudes toward helmet use for their children (aged 5–17 years) in Saudi Arabia. The study, which was carried out from September 2023 to September 2024, involved 492 participants (69.5% mothers and 30.5% fathers), and they were recruited from all regions of Saudi Arabia. A validated and translated questionnaire was used to assess helmet usage attitudes, considering demographic factors and potential confounders. Results: Approximately 60% of children wear helmets while cycling, despite a high mean attitude score of 5.49 (SD = 0.91), with 93.3% of respondents expressing strong support for mandatory helmet laws. While belief (mean (M) = 5.45) and knowledge (M = 4.63) scores were also high, they did not correlate with actual helmet use. Strong helmet regulations significantly increased usage rates (>80%). Helmet ownership and parental helmet-wearing habits were associated with higher usage among children, with mothers showing greater usage rates for younger children than fathers. Regression analyses indicated that parents who wore helmets as children were 5.85 times more likely to have their children wear helmets and parents who wore helmets themselves were 7.98 times more likely to ensure that their oldest child did so. Conclusions: While parents have positive attitudes toward helmet safety, actual helmet usage among children measures at approximately 60%. Sustainable helmet regulations and parental modeling, especially for parents who wear helmets, are crucial for improving safety. Full article

Aerodynamics is a key factor in time-trial cycling. Over the years, various aspects have been investigated, including positioning, clothing, bicycle design, and helmet shape. The present study focuses on the development of a methodology for the aerodynamic optimization of a time-trial helmet through the implementation of a reduced-order model, alongside advanced simulation techniques, such as computational fluid dynamics, radial basis functions, mesh morphing, and response surface methodology. The implementation of a reduced-order model enhances the understanding of aerodynamic interactions compared to traditional optimization workflows reported in sports-related research, facilitating the identification of an optimal helmet shape during the design phase. The study offers practical insights for refining helmet design. Starting with a baseline teardrop profile, several morphing configurations are systematically tested, resulting in a 10% reduction in the drag force acting on the helmet. The reduced-order model also facilitates the analysis of turbulent flow patterns on the cyclist’s body, providing a detailed understanding of aerodynamic interactions. By leveraging reduced-order models and advanced simulation techniques, this study contributes to ongoing efforts to reduce the aerodynamic resistance of time-trial helmets, ultimately supporting the goal of improved athlete performance. Full article

This study explores the complete production chain of designing, optimizing, and Additive Manufacturing (AM) of a helmet incorporating a functionally graded lattice structure (FGLS). The potential of FGLSs in impact energy absorption tasks is investigated, along with the demonstration of a novel lattice optimization approach. Fifteen conformal, strut-based lattices are implemented in a realistic mountain bike helmet geometry and simulated in a standardized impact scenario in accordance with EN 1078. One model is subjected to the optimization procedure, produced, and physically tested. The study addresses limitations in prior research, emphasizing manufacturability in an AM context, lattice type exploration, the comparability of different unit cell types, and numerical modeling choices. The findings provide insights into the performance of lattice structures during impact, emphasizing practical engineering aspects such as design choices, optimization approaches, and manufacturing constraints. Full article

Sustainable development means taking care of the environment, which also means promoting green transport, which involves the systematic development of personal transport in its broadest sense. The positive aspects associated with cheap and convenient electric transport are intertwined with the problem of collisions and accidents. While developing road infrastructure for electric vehicles such as scooters, bicycles, and others, research should be conducted in parallel to ensure the highest possible level of safety for users. There is also an increase in the number of people using bicycles and electric scooters, which develop significant speeds. The problem of accidents among users of classic and electric bicycles and scooters is evident, and post-accident injuries pose a serious challenge to medical practitioners. The literature is rich in statistical analyses of accidents among users of scooters and bicycles, but there are no studies where the behaviour of users of bicycles, scooters, etc. is analysed. The authors of this study set out to develop a measurement system to assess the traffic safety of people using bicycles and scooters. The device uses LIDAR to record the speed of the vehicle and a camera, the images of which are processed by an algorithm in order to classify the user as being on a bicycle or scooter and using or not using head protection with a helmet. It is also possible to analyse the behaviour of the vehicle users under study. The article describes the built measurement device and presents the results of the initial measurements made by the device. Full article

We created a novel air-filled bicycle helmet. The aims of this study were (i) to assess the head injury mitigation performance of the proposed helmet and (ii) to compare those performance results against the performance results of an expanded polystyrene (EPS) traditional bicycle helmet. Two bicycle helmet types were subjected to impacts in guided vertical drop tests onto a flat anvil: EPS helmets and air-filled helmets (Bumpair). The maximum acceleration value recorded during the test on the Bumpair helmet was 86.76 ± 3.06 g, while the acceleration during the first shock on the traditional helmets reached 207.85 ± 5.55 g (p < 0.001). For the traditional helmets, the acceleration increased steadily over the number of shocks. There was a strong correlation between the number of impacts and the response of the traditional helmet (cor = 0.94; p < 0.001), while the Bumpair helmets showed a less significant dependence over time (cor = 0.36; p = 0.048), meaning previous impacts had a lower consequence. The air-filled helmet significantly reduced the maximal linear acceleration when compared to an EPS traditional helmet, showing improvements in impact energy mitigation, as well as in resistance to repeated impacts. This novel helmet concept could improve head injury mitigation in cyclists. Full article

Shared electric scooters (e-scooters) offer a potential strategy to mitigate environmental concerns and congestion. However, successfully addressing these issues with e-scooters requires adoption across a diverse array of consumers. Understanding the differences between users and non-users can improve shared e-scooter appeal, operation and safety. The objective of this paper is to compare shared e-scooter users and non-users in terms of their perceptions on safety, trip behaviors, other shared modes, risk propensity and willingness to adopt technology. A survey was conducted involving 210 (51.3%) users and 199 (48.7%) non-users of shared e-scooters. Binary logistic regression and chi-squared tests were performed. The results reveal that users demonstrated a higher risk propensity and were more likely to be early adopters of new technologies. Non-users tended to place higher importance on helmet use, while users have an overall increased feeling of safety associated with riding e-scooters in vehicle lanes, on sidewalks and being passed by e-scooters as a pedestrian. Overall, users also have a more positive perception of e-scooter sanitary levels than non-users, and a more positive perception on the sanitary levels and usability of e-scooters over e-bicycles. These findings can provide guidance to urban planners, municipal authorities and micromobility providers in developing infrastructure and policies to better support micromobility adoption. Full article

This study investigated electric-scooter (e-scooter) rider behaviors and preferences to inform ways to increase safety for e-scooter riders. Data was collected from 329 e-scooter riders via two online and one in-person survey. Survey questions considered rider roadway infrastructure preferences, safety perceptions, and helmet-wearing behavior. Protected bike lanes were more commonly indicated as the safest infrastructure (62.4%) but were less likely to be the most preferred infrastructure (49.7%). Sidewalks were better matched between riders, indicating them as their preferred riding infrastructure (22.7%) and the perceived safest riding infrastructure (24.5%). Riders had low feelings of safety and preference for riding on major/neighborhood streets or on unprotected bike lanes. Riders reported significant concern about being hit by a moving vehicle, running into a pothole/rough roadway, and running into a moving vehicle. In line with the Theory of Planned Behavior, a significant relationship was found between the frequency of riding and helmet-wearing behavior, with more frequent riders being more likely to wear helmets. Findings suggest that existing roadway infrastructure may pose safety challenges and encourage rider-selected workarounds. Public policy may consider emphasizing protected bicycle lane development, rather than helmet mandates, to support e-scooter riding safety for all vulnerable road users. Full article

Electric bicycle (EB) riders, being vulnerable road users (VRUs), are increasingly becoming victims of road traffic injuries (RTIs). This study aimed to determine the current status and epidemiological characteristics of RTIs among EB riders through a questionnaire survey and roadside observations in Shantou to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of electric bicycle road traffic injuries (ERTIs). A total of 2412 EB riders were surveyed, and 34,554 cyclists were observed in the study. To analyze the relationship between riding habits and injuries among EB riders, chi-square tests and multi-factor logistic regression models were employed. The findings reveal that the prevalence of ERTIs in Shantou was 4.81%, and the most affected group was children under 16 years old, accounting for 9.84%. Risky behavior was widespread among EB riders, such as the infrequent wearing of safety helmets, carrying people on EBs, riding on sidewalks, and listening to music with headphones while bicycling. Notably, over 90% of those who wore headphones while bicycling engaged in this risky behavior. The logistic regression analysis showed that honking the horn (odds ratio (OR): 2.009, 95% CI: 1.245–3.240), riding in reverse (OR: 4.210, 95% CI: 2.631–6.737), and continuing to ride after a fault was detected (OR: 2.010, 95% CI: 1.188–3.402) all significantly increased the risk of ERTIs (all p < 0.05). Risky riding behavior was significantly less observed at traffic intersections with traffic officers than at those without (all p < 0.001). Full article

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a prevalent injury among cyclists experiencing head collisions. In legal cases, reliable brain injury evaluation can be difficult and controversial as mild injuries cannot be diagnosed with conventional brain imaging methods. In such cases, accident reconstruction may be used to predict the risk of TBI. However, lack of collision details can render accident reconstruction nearly impossible. Here, we introduce a reconstruction method to evaluate the brain injury in a bicycle–vehicle collision using the crash helmet alone. Following a thorough inspection of the cyclist’s helmet, we identified a severe impact, a moderate impact and several scrapes, which helped us to determine the impact conditions. We used our helmet test rig and intact helmets identical to the cyclist’s helmet to replicate the damage seen on the cyclist’s helmet involved in the real-world collision. We performed both linear and oblique impacts, measured the translational and rotational kinematics of the head and predicted the strain and the strain rate across the brain using a computational head model. Our results proved the hypothesis that the cyclist sustained a severe impact followed by a moderate impact on the road surface. The estimated head accelerations and velocity (167 g, 40.7 rad/s and 13.2 krad/s²) and the brain strain and strain rate (0.541 and 415/s) confirmed that the severe impact was large enough to produce mild to moderate TBI. The method introduced in this study can guide future accident reconstructions, allowing for the evaluation of TBI using the crash helmet only. Full article

Recent years have witnessed an increasing number of electric bicycles on the roads and a rise in the number of road crashes involving e-bicyclists. There are various causes of road crashes involving e-bicyclists. Out of the total number of fatalities in traffic, bicyclists account for 9% in the Republic of Serbia. Road crashes occurring when motor vehicles overtake bicyclists make up 13% of the total number of road crashes involving bicyclists. Having in mind the above-mentioned, an experimental study has been conducted in order to analyze whether the use of helmets and reflective vests, different vehicle categories, and the speed of electric bicycles affect the lateral distance when overtaking e-bicycles. This research analyzed the lateral distance of 1228 vehicles overtaking an e-bicyclist. There are statistically significant differences in the lateral distance when overtaking an e-bicycle regarding helmet use, different vehicle categories overtaking the e-bicycle, and different speeds of the e-bicycle. The results showed that a faster speed of an e-bicycle led to a shorter lateral distance when overtaking it and that SUV drivers (along with motorcycle drivers) had the shortest lateral distance when overtaking e-bicycles. Full article

Crashes involving vulnerable road users (VRUs) are types of traffic accidents which take up a large proportion and cause lots of casualties. With methods of statistics and accident reconstruction, this research investigates 378 actual traffic collisions between vehicles and VRUs in China in 2021 to obtain human, vehicle, and road factors that affect the injury severity. The paper focuses on risky behaviors of VRUs and typical scenarios such as non-use of the crosswalk, violation of traffic lights, stepping into the motorway, and riding against traffic. Then, based on the Bayesian General Ordinal Logit model, influencing factors of injury severity in 168 VRU accidents are analyzed. Results demonstrate that the probability of death in an accident will rise when the motorist is middle-aged and the VRU is an e-bicycle rider; the probability of death in an accident will greatly decrease when the VRU bears minor responsibility. Therefore, middle-aged motorists and e-bicycle riders should strengthen safety consciousness and compliance with regulations to prevent accident and reduce injury for VRUs. In addition, helmet-wearing will help to reduce riders’ injuries. This research may provide ideas for intelligent vehicles to avoid collisions with risky VRUs. Full article