Comparing the Severity of Injury and Trauma Pattern be-tween Scooter and Street Motorcycle Riders; a ProspectiveCohort Study

The popularity of motorcycle riding in Iran is increasing. However, there is a lack of informa-tion about the safety of different motorcycle types. This study aimed to compare the severity of injury andtrauma pattern between scooter (vespa) and street (standard) motorcycle riders.

In a prospective co-hort study, a comparison of demographics, injury severity, trauma pattern, and clinical characteristics between324 riders (162 Vespa and 162 standard motorcycles) admitted to emergency departments was undertaken. Therisk factors associated with severe injuries in the two groups were also determined. An emergency medicine spe-cialist determined the severity of trauma based on the abbreviated injury scale (AIS).

The Odds Ratio(OR) of severe injuries was significantly higher in the standard motorcycle riders’ group (OR: 3.09; 95% CI: 1.9-4.21; p: 0.013). The frequency of lower extremity fractures was significantly lower in the Vespa group (OR: 4.11;95% CI: 2.01-6.25; p = 0.012). The frequency of admission to the intensive care unit was significantly higher inthe standard motorbike riders’ group (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.11-2.51; p = 0.033). The multivariate analysis indicatedthat motorcycle type, the speed at the time of the accident, use of helmet, and age of riders are the most impor-tant predictors of trauma severity in riders (p<0.05).

The pattern of injury varies between standardand Vespa motorcycles. The standard motorcycle riders were prone to a higher risk of adverse outcomes such assevere injuries. Due to the particular structure of scooters, the rate of lower limb injuries was significantly lowerthan standard motorcycles.