Simulation-based approach to investigate the electric scooter rider protection during traffic accidents. A step forward for safer e-scooters and for standardized national safety policies
The increased popularity of rideshare scooters was recently observed due to their availability, accessibility, and low cost. Benefits to their use include reduced traffic congestion and more environmentally friendly alternative to motor vehicles. However, there are some concerns regarding the safety of riders and the impacts these vehicles have on those who share roads and sidewalks with them (e.g. 2.4 to 18 times more people per trip are injured on e-scooter sharing than on bicycle sharing). While non-collision-induced falls seem to be the main cause of scooter injuries (~60-80%), the collisions with vehicles and pedestrians represent the causes of other scooter injuries. Currently, a standardized national policy does not exist outlining the requirements to use a rideshare e-scooter, and the research data is very limited. This simulation-based study develops a better understanding of the injury mechanisms and injury risks for e-scooter during traffic accidents. A finite element model of a generic e-scooter is developed and then connected with a human finite element model in a rider posture in order to simulate the most common scooter accidents. Based on the injury data recorded in sensitivity studies performed using Design of Experiment (DOE), we expect to estimate possible reductions on rider injury risks in terms of maximum speed, use of various safety equipment, and using/avoiding sidewalks. Finally, recommendations for e-scooter design and standardized national policies for the protection of the rider and pedestrians will be provided.
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Active
- Funding: $365155
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Contract Numbers:
69A3551747115
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Sponsor Organizations:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
University Transportation Centers Program
Department of Transportation
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Managing Organizations:
Safety through Disruption University Transportation Center (Safe-D)
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
Blacksburg, VA United States 24060 -
Project Managers:
Glenn, Eric
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Performing Organizations:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg
Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
3500 Transportation Research Plaza
Blacksburg, VA United States 24061 -
Principal Investigators:
Untaroiu, Costin
- Start Date: 20201001
- Expected Completion Date: 20230531
- Actual Completion Date: 0
- USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Electric vehicles; Scooters; Simulation; Standards; Traffic crashes; Vehicle safety
- Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01754159
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Safety through Disruption University Transportation Center (Safe-D)
- Contract Numbers: 69A3551747115
- Files: UTC, RIP
- Created Date: Oct 3 2020 1:39PM