Gender Differences in Injury Severity in Pedestrian–E-Scooter Collisions: A Simulation Study Using Multi-body Tools

The adoption of electric micromobility, encouraged by the sustainability goals of the Agenda 2030, has revolutionized urban transportation, although it often preceded the development of appropriate regulations and infrastructure. In Italy, ISTAT data show a concerning increase in accidents involving electric scooters, many of which include pedestrians. This study fills a gap in scientific research: the lack of biomechanical analyses that consider gender differences. Using a multibody simulation environment, 120 impact scenarios involving e-scooters and pedestrians are investigated, with variations in mass, impact angles, and speed. The outcomes are assessed through the HIC (Head Injury Criterion) index to determine the severity of head injuries. The study highlights that initial speed is the main factor determining injury severity, and that anthropometric differences between men and women significantly influence the dynamics of falls and the extent of impact with the ground.