The increased popularity of mopeds and motor scooters: exploring usage patterns and safety outcomes

To address the need for a better understanding of moped and scooter use and safety, the current program of research involved three complementary studies designed to achieve the following aims: (1) develop better knowledge and understanding of moped and scooter usage trends and patterns; and (2) determine the factors leading to differences in moped, scooter and motorcycle safety. Study 1 involved six-monthly observations of powered two wheeler (PTW) types in inner city parking areas of Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane, to monitor and quantify the types of PTW in use over a two year period. Study 2 involved an analysis of Queensland PTW crash and registration data, primarily comparing the police-reported crash involvement of mopeds, scooters and motorcycles over a five year period. Study 3 employed both qualitative and quantitative methods to examine moped and scooter usage in two components: (a) four focus group discussions with Brisbane-based Queensland moped and scooter riders; and (b) a state-wide survey of Queensland moped and scooter riders. This research has some important practical implications regarding moped and scooter use and safety. While mopeds and scooters are generally similar in terms of usage, and their usage has increased, scooter riders appear to be safer than moped riders due to some combination of superior skills and safer riding behaviour. It is reasonable to expect that mopeds and scooters will remain popular in Queensland in future and that their usage may further increase, along with that of motorcycles. Future policy and planning should consider potential options for encouraging moped riders to acquire better riding skills and greater safety awareness.

• Record URL:
  • http://eprints.qut.edu.au/52685/
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Thesis submitted as fulfilment for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
• Authors:
  • Blackman, R A
• Publication Date: 2012-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 1 file

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Behavior; Crash analysis; Crashes; Driver training; Field studies; Focus groups; Highway safety; Mopeds; Motorcycles; Travel; Travel behavior
• Geographic Terms: Australia; Queensland
• ATRI Terms: Crash analysis; Driver training; Field study; Focus group; Moped; Motorcycle; Road safety; Travel behaviour
• ITRD Terms: 6226: In situ; 8597: Thesis
• Subject Areas: Safety and Human Factors; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01380151
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 20 2012 1:23PM