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A Numerical Investigation of Rider Injury Risks During Falls Caused by E-Scooter-Stopper Impacts.
Rafael Chontos1, Daniel Grindle1, Alexandrina Untaroiu2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060.
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering
|June 29, 2023
Summary
Electric scooter (e-scooter) crashes pose serious injury risks, especially during front-wheel impacts with obstacles. Rider falls are influenced by impact speed, angle, and stopper height, with approach angle significantly affecting injury severity.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Accident Reconstruction
- Traffic Safety
Background:
- Electric scooter (e-scooter) use has surged, leading to a rise in crash-related injuries.
- Front-wheel collisions with vertical obstacles (stoppers) are a common e-scooter crash mechanism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To numerically simulate e-scooter crashes with stoppers.
- To characterize how crash parameters influence rider injury risk during falls.
Main Methods:
- Developed finite element (FE) models for an anthropomorphic test device (Hybrid III) and an e-scooter.
- Conducted 45 FE simulations varying impact speed, approach angle, and stopper height.
- Investigated the effect of arm bracing during impact.
Main Results:
- Approximately half of the simulated scenarios indicated a serious risk of injury to the rider.
- Approach angle was the most critical factor, positively correlating with injury risk.
- Larger angles led to head/chest impacts, while smaller angles resulted in side falls; arm bracing reduced injury risk in two-thirds of scenarios.
Conclusions:
- E-scooter rider injury risk varies significantly based on crash dynamics.
- Approach angle is a key determinant of fall type and injury severity.
- Protective measures like arm bracing can mitigate injury risk.
