Child Motorcycle Pillion Rider Anthropometric Measurement

Abstract

In Malaysia, wheremotorcycles are often used as a family vehicle, children tend to travel as pillion riders at an early age, most commonly sat in front of the rider, either on the fuel tank or in the carrying basket, or alternatively behind the rider. This study aims to determine the possible mismatches between individual lower limb dimensions of Malaysian primary students and motorcycle pillion seat. An anthropometric survey was carried out on a sample of male and female school children aged 7-9 years (N=233), to elucidate on the anthropometric parameters of Malaysian children. A set of seen body dimensions covering most of the lower extremity, relevant to the design of riding pillion on a motorcycle were considered. Additionally, an investigation of foot-foot peg gap and knee opening length on a static motorcycle test rig was also measured. There is a significant vertical difference between child pillion riders’ feet relative to motorcycle foot pegs. The maximum height of students who were not able to reach the foot pegs was 1263 mm with a mean of 1137 mm, which is similar with student volunteers’ age 7 years old (mean = 1160 mm). Stature influences the centre of gravity and stability of motorcycle, especially during cornering. This anthropometric analysis could be used to design ergonomic-oriented motorcycles which will not only suit the small stature of child pillion riders, but also improve the level of comfort.