Adult moped-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments

Abstract

Objective: Few studies have investigated U.S. emergency department (ED) moped-related injuries. Our objective was to determine the characteristics of moped crashes among adult riders and to identify associations between key variables.

Methods: Data were obtained from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) for 2002–2014. Descriptive and comparative analyses of the identified cases were performed.

Results: Based on a probability sample of 2,453 cases, an estimated 108,229 U.S. adult moped-related ED visits occurred during the study period. Injuries increased 2.7-fold over time. Summer months and weekdays were the most common crash times. Three-fourths of injured riders were male, two-thirds were ages 23–59 years, and 77% were Caucasian. Among cases documented, one-half were helmeted, and almost two-thirds of crashes occurred at ≤20 mph. The predominant mechanism was a non-collision crash (60%). Skin-related and musculoskeletal diagnoses were most common. Almost one-fifth of patients were admitted or transferred. Regression analyses showed that males were less likely than females to be in crashes with multiple riders, and more likely to have used alcohol/drugs and to be in a crash with another motor vehicle (MVC). Older riders (≥40 years) were more likely than those younger to have used alcohol/drugs and to suffer torso injuries, and less likely to be in an MVC. As compared to other crash mechanisms, MVCs were more likely to involve injuries to the head/neck/face and torso. The likelihood of being admitted/transferred was higher for males, with increasing age, and for collision-related crashes. The higher likelihood of being admitted/transferred was also characterized by alcohol/drug use, by lower limb and torso injuries, and almost 8 times more likely for riders with serious head injuries.

Conclusions: Moped injuries increased in all adult age groups during the study period. However, there were significant differences in contributing factors, crash mechanism, and outcomes by sex, race, and age. These findings suggest the need for targeted injury prevention interventions.

Keywords:

• Adult
• crash
• injury prevention
• moped
• NEISS

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Iowa for providing support for this study.

Data availability

Original data are available from the Consumer Product Safety Commission NEISS database.