Murat EREM, Yaşar Mahsut DİNÇEL, Yusuf KONDİL, Oktay ADANIR, Savaş YILDIRIM, Eşref SELÇUK
Türk Geriatri Dergisi - 2026;29(2):263-272
Introduction: Use of three-wheeled electric motorcycles is increasing in Turkey, particularly among older individuals residing in rural and summer residential areas. This study aimed to characterize the orthopedic injury patterns, treatment requirements, and clinical outcomes associated with three-wheeled electric motorcycle-related accidents. Materials and Method: This single-center retrospective study included 33 patients who presented to the emergency department following three-wheeled electric motorcycle-related accidents between January 2023 and December 2025. Pedestrian injuries and accidents involving vehicles other than three-wheeled electric motorcycles were excluded. Patients were categorized as drivers or rear-seat passengers. Orthopedic injuries were analyzed by anatomical location, and treatment was classified as surgical or conservative; descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test were used. Results: Of 33 patients, 11 (33.3%) were male and 22 (66.7%) female. Mean age was 65.7 +/- 5.1 years. Twenty-one patients (63.6%) were drivers and 12 (36.4%) rear-seat passengers. All sustained orthopedic injuries. Upper extremity injuries were identified in 28 patients (84.8%) and lower extremity in five (15.2%). The most common fractures were distal radial (n = 10, 30.3%), clavicle (n = 5, 15.2%), and proximal humeral fractures (n = 4, 12.1%). Surgical management was required in 15 (45.5%) and conservative treatment in 18 (54.5%). No patient required intensive care unit admission or died. Injury distribution and surgical requirement were similar in drivers and rear passengers (p = 0.328 and 0.469). Conclusion: Three-wheeled electric motorcycles may pose a considerable risk of trauma, especially in older individuals, underscoring the need for vehicle-specific preventive strategies, educational programs, and regulatory measures.
