TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2019//
TI  - Injury patterns associated with personal mobility devices and electric bicycles: an analysis from an acute general hospital in Singapore
JO  - Singapore medical journal
A1  - Cha Sow King, Christelle
A1  - Liu, Michael
A1  - Patel, Sanjay
A1  - Goo, Tiong Thye
A1  - Lim, Woan Wui
A1  - Toh, Hong Chuen
SP  - ePub
EP  - ePub
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - INTRODUCTION: The increasing popularity of personal mobility devices (PMDs) and electric bicycles (e-bikes) in Singapore has met with growing public concern over safety. Following the passing of the Active Mobility Bill, there remains a gap in the local literature in terms of injury patterns arising from the use of these devices. <br><br>METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on the Singapore National Trauma Registry (SNTR) from the emergency department of an acute hospital from 1 January to 31 December 2016. All patients with injuries related to the use of PMDs and e-bikes were included. Data captured included demographic information, device used and injury severity score (ISS). <br><br>RESULTS: The 259 patients identified had a mean age of 32.1 years and a male predominance. Most (83.4%) were injured from falling off their devices. Devices commonly associated with injury were scooters, skateboards and motorised bicycles. Most injuries were mild (94.6%, ISS < 9) and were mainly external wounds (89.2%) and upper and lower limb injuries (35.5%). There was no difference in ISS in terms of the device used (motorised vs. non-motorised). More severe injuries (ISS ≥ 9) were caused by e-bikes (42.9%) and electric scooters (28.6%). Factors associated with these injuries were older age, use of e-bikes, and injuries to the head, face and thorax. Most patients (86.1%) were discharged and one died. <br><br>CONCLUSION: While most injuries associated with PMDs and e-bikes are minor, serious injuries could result from their use. The SNTR should be updated to include PMDs and e-bikes as a category.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0037-5675
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.11622/smedj.2019084
ID  - ref1
ER  -