Does ABS ensure good performance in emergency braking for less skilled motorcyclists?

Area of Science:

• Motorcycle safety
• Braking systems technology

Background:

• Motorcycle safety relies on effective braking, with anti-lock braking systems (ABS) designed to enhance stability and reduce stopping distances.
• The effectiveness of ABS may depend on the rider's ability to utilize its full potential during emergency situations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether motorcyclists can fully utilize anti-lock braking systems (ABS) in demanding braking situations.
• To determine if a lack of rider braking skills renders ABS ineffective in emergency events.

Main Methods:

• Six experienced riders performed emergency braking trials simulating intersection conflicts and planned hard braking.
• Braking performance was measured by deceleration, stopping distance, and front-wheel ABS activation time.
• Rider skill was assessed based on ABS usage and braking efficiency.

Main Results:

• Riders were categorized by front-wheel ABS usage, with some underutilizing it (9.6%–27.4% of braking time), leading to longer braking distances.
• The highest-skilled rider achieved 93.7% ABS usage and optimal deceleration (7.71 m/s²).
• Even experienced riders showed improved performance in planned braking, suggesting skill influences ABS utilization.

Conclusions:

• ABS reduces stopping distances and improves stability, but rider skill is essential for optimal performance in emergencies.
• Less skilled riders may not leverage ABS fully due to confidence limits, potentially increasing crash risks.
• Further research with diverse rider populations is needed to understand ABS underuse.