Simulation-based approach to investigate the electric scooter rider protection during traffic accidents (05-116)

Project Description: Last decade, the popularity of rideshare electric scooters increased considerably. However, there have also been concerns regarding the safety of riders (2.4 to 18 times more people per trip are injured on e-scooter sharing than on bicycle sharing) and the impacts these vehicles have on those who share roads and sidewalks with them. While non-collision induced falls seems to be the main cause of scooter injuries (~60-80%), the collisions with vehicles and pedestrians represent the causes of other scooter injuries. This project started with a comprehensive literature review of e-scooter injuries reported in the current literature as well as an overview of current e-scooter company policies, state laws, and local laws. Based on this literature review, two e-scooter impact studies were investigated in detail using computer simulations: 1) the impact between an e-scooter and a bump – the most common cause of riders’ injuries, 2) the impact between an e-scooter and vehicle- the most common cause of riders’ fatalities. The simulation injury results showed similarities with the injuries reported in the literatures, so the models and numerical approach developed in this project could be used by industry to develop safety equipment and by government agencies to propose appropriate state/local laws. Data Scope: Please see Safe-D_05-116_Project Description document below. Data Specification: Please see Safe-D_05-116_Project Description document below.