A Comparative Analysis of Injured Electric Mountain Bikers and Traditional Mountain Bikers in Austrian Mountain Bike Parks

IntroductionThe use of electric mountain bikes (e-MTBs) has grown rapidly in recent years in the Alps. This study aimed to compare injuries and associated factors among e-MTB and traditional mountain bike (MTB) riders in bike parks and biking facilities in western Austria.MethodsData on injured e-MTB and traditional MTB riders were collected via bike patrols and regional rescue services using an online reporting tool. Information included sex, age, nationality, accident site, trail steepness, injury circumstances and causes, transportation mode, affected anatomic regions, and injury diagnoses.ResultsA total of 316 injured mountain bikers were documented, of whom 79.7% were male. The mean age of the injured individuals was 29.8±14.3 y. Among the recorded cases, 35 individuals (11.1%) were using an e-MTB. Injured e-MTB riders were, on average, significantly older than traditional MTB riders (35 vs 30 ys). Significant differences were observed between injured e-MTB and traditional MTB riders with respect to accident locations, slope steepness, circumstances and causes of injury, and mode of transportation. Although the head was the most frequently injured region among e-MTB riders (21%), the clavicle/shoulder region was the most frequently injured area among traditional MTB riders (32%). The most frequent injury diagnosis in both groups was a fracture, but fractures affected ∼27% of e-MTB riders compared with 52% of traditional MTB riders.ConclusionThis study highlights significant differences in demographics, injury patterns, and accident circumstances between e-MTB and traditional MTB riders who have been injured.