Abstract
Introduction Road traffic accidents are a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in the
pediatric and adolescent population. Among adolescents, bicycles and light motorized
two wheelers are popular means of transportation and increase adolescents' autonomy.
Most previous studies on injury risk and incidence have pooled different vehicles
and age groups together but more distinct data are required to guide policy.
Materials and Methods We gathered data on all 1,432 children and adolescents (age 7–15) who had been treated
for injuries from bicycle(n = 841) or moped/motorized scooter (n = 591) accidents at our study centers during a 6-year period (2008–2013). In addition
to clinical data, we reviewed Injury Severity Scores (ISS) and calculated incidence
estimates for the population of 15-year-olds in the study area.
Results Most bicyclists were injured after a fall (72%), whereas most moped/scooter riders
were injured in a collision (51%), most often with a heavier motorized vehicle. Internal
injuries, multiple injuries, and severe injuries (ISS >15) were more common among
moped/scooter riders than bicyclists (p < 0·001 for all). Moped/scooter riders were more often hospitalized and underwent
more operations than bicyclists (p < 0·001 for both). The annual estimated incidence rates of injury were roughly eightfold
for 15-year-old moped/scooter riders compared to bicyclists of the same age.
Conclusion Cycling is in general a safe mode of transportation and rider safety could be further
increased with the proper use of helmets. Although no patient deaths occurred in this
study population, mopeds and motorized scooters led to significant morbidity.
Keywords
moped - bicycle - pediatric trauma - adolescent
