When riding an electric scooter, e-bike, or motorcycle, injuries can happen. But while motorcycle injuries have been widely studied, the other modes of transportation – which typically have fewer safety systems in place – have not. That prompted a group of researchers to compare the types of injuries from motorcycles, e-bikes and scooters.
This new study focused on ocular injuries, or those affecting the eyes. Researchers examined data from 12,000 patients in 20 trauma centers between 2014 and 2019.
Researchers found that the risk of suffering an eye injury on e-bikes and scooters was 1.4 times higher than on motorcycles, and 2.4 times higher if riders weren’t wearing protective gear. Helmet use and the types of helmets affected the results. Motorcycle riders typically wear full-face helmets that protect the eyes, while e-bike and scooter riders only wear helmets that leave the face open.
Though motorcycle riders tend to have more severe injuries affecting the entire body, electric bike and scooter riders have more ocular injuries. These include orbital injuries – those of the bone cavity that contains the eyes – and periorbital injuries – the soft tissue around the eyes. A fracture of the orbital “floor” was the most common, followed by ocular contusion (bruising) and eyelid laceration (cuts).
Riders in the 15-29 age group had the largest proportion of eye injuries. Researchers speculated that it was because of their lack of experience in road driving or their inclination for dangerous driving habits. Eye injuries place a substantial burden on emergency rooms, noted the researchers. They also are associated with prolonged medical care and a deterioration in quality of life.
Injuries from a motorcycle accident can be traumatic, especially when the crash was caused by someone’s negligence or mechanical failure or product malfunction. If this was the case, you may wish to speak with a top motorcycle accident attorney in Pennsylvania. Please reach out to us to discuss the details and see if we can help.