Pediatric moped-related injuries in the United States from 2002 to 2014: Age-related comparisons of mechanisms and outcomes.

Mopeds are a popular means of transportation, especially in urban areas. However, few studies have investigated moped-related injuries in the United States. This study's goal was to compare the crash mechanisms and injuries suffered in moped-related crashes involving youth versus adults, as well as between younger and older children.

INTRODUCTION: Mopeds are a popular means of transportation, especially in urban areas. However, few studies have investigated moped-related injuries in the United States. This study's goal was to compare the crash mechanisms and injuries suffered in moped-related crashes involving youth versus adults, as well as between younger and older children.

METHODS: Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed using National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) data and additional variables coded from injury narratives. Multivariate regression analyses were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for categorical outcomes, controlling for significant covariates.

RESULTS: From 2003 to 2014, there were 779 youth (17 years or younger) and 2,453 adult moped-related emergency department visits in the database. The number of youth injured remained relatively constant over time, while the number of adult victims doubled. Relative to 14- to 17-year olds, victims younger than 14 years were more commonly female (p = 0.037) and non-Caucasian (p = 0.008). Victims 14 to 17 years of age had a higher proportion of brain injuries (p = 0.012) and were more commonly in motor vehicle collisions (p = 0.02), as compared to younger victims. Relative to adults, youth crashes occurred more commonly in the summer (p < 0.0001), and off the street/road (p < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis showed crashes on streets/roads were two and a half times more likely to involve victims who were 14 to 17 years of age as compared to those younger (aOR, 2.55; CI, 1.64-3.97). Additionally, male youths were twice as likely as females to have a motor vehicle collision (aOR, 1.97; CI, 1.19-3.24), and pediatric crashes were approximately twice as likely to result in extremity injuries as compared to adult crashes (aOR, 1.95; CI, 1.19-3.20).

CONCLUSION: Differences in crash mechanism and injuries sustained between two youth age groups and between youths and adults indicate the importance of targeted injury prevention efforts. This would include improved operator training and standardized, evidence-based, well-enforced safety legislation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Epidemiologic study, level III.