Numerical methodologies for injury criteria evaluation in micromobility safety scenarios.

The growing interest in light categories of vehicles, such as e-bikes, e-scooters and L7e vehicles, combined with a notable increase in road accidents in Europe for these categories, has underscored the urgent need to improve their safety. Currently, the legislative framework is outdated to ensure proper safety, especially if compared with conventional passenger cars. The definition of analytical tools that can accurately predict injury outcomes to analyze real accidents scenarios is essential to understand, in the design phase, whether a vehicle can be considered as safe and reliable by road users/consumers. The proposed work focuses on the development and application of numerical methodologies, specifically finite element methods (FEM) and multibody (MB) analysis, to evaluate injury criteria in road accidents involving micro-mobility vehicles, with emphasis on two wheelers . In the initial phase of the study, a literature review is conducted to survey state-of-the-art methodologies and previous research in the domain of injury biomechanics, accident reconstruction and concepts of safety devices for light mobility. Following the literature review, the research implements a two-tiered methodological approach. The first tier involves the utilization of FEM and MB models with conventional Anthropometric Test Devices (ATD) to simulate accident scenarios under controlled conditions. Starting with these models, possible implementations of safety devices will be explored, such as the use of impact-absorbing materials. The aim is to reduce the risk of injury by absorbing energy that would otherwise be transmitted to the occupant, potentially leading to serious injuries or fatalities. The second tier of the research involves the integration of Active Human Model (AHM), with the purpose of studying the influence of muscular activation on the body kinematics in the crash phase and consequently on injuries. In summary, this research is intended not only to advance the current state of knowledge regarding injury prediction in micro-mobility accidents but also to contribute to the formulation of evidence-based guidelines for vulnerable road users’ safety. These insights ultimately support the reduction of fatalities and a pleasant and safe co-existence of all modes of travel.