I Broke My Thigh Bone At Around 10-15KMH (6-9MPH)

[nalds]

Hi, I'm new here. I just want to share my experience.

I first learned to ride on Ninebot One S2, a small wheel which was a bit slow for me. I tried finding a way to make it run faster. I hacked it! The hacked worked fine. The tiltback and alarm still functioned well. 

However, after opening up & cleaning up my wheel, I tested it out. No protection whatsoever. I was in my t-shirts & shorts. I tried pushing it harder and harder. It was midnight when I experienced the wheel cutout. I got a few bruises and wounds. It took me 1,5 months to recover. 

I learned to be much wiser since then. I upgraded my wheel to Kingsong 16X. I bought full face helmet, elbow & knee protectors. I even bought a body armor. The body armor protected my body, arms, shoulders, even my spine. It gave me much better confidence when riding fast or in pack.

1,5 year of riding, making me a better rider. I learned how to ride better. Not simply leaning forward, but my main concern was to be able to control the wheel better. I often check Darkness Bot to calibrate my sense of speed. I found out that my riding speed average is around 20-25KMH (12-15MPH). My usual max speed is around 32KMH (20MPH).

To ride better, I even got myself a padding, made from local car cushion maker. I put front & back padding so I'll navigate better.

However, God or luck would say differently. That morning, I went for a breakfast with my gf. She rode an electric scooter while I rode my 16x. Both of us had ample protections: full face helmets, glasses, gloves, elbow & knee protectors. I even slipped in a ring-like horn, which I wore on my forefinger. It was quite loud to warn pedestrians.

That morning, we rode slowly & carefully. I could see there was an old lady crossing the road. She was still far away. I knew that with my speed everything's gonna be alright. She almost finished crossing the road when she suddenly hesitated. Then she hesitated whether to stop or continue, it continued for the next few seconds.

I tried slowing down and braking but she didn't move. She kept hesitating, to stop or to move forward.

Then, it happened. When I took a decisive move to swerve around her back, she jumped back, right at the last moment. The jump really surprised me, because if she slowly move back or even stopped, it wouldn't have happened. We both would have survived. Alas, fate said differently.

We had the collision, hard! I protected my body. I thought I was gonna be okay, but things were far from okay. I couldn't get up. I didn't know why I couldn't get up. It's like there was no gravity. I tried moving my right leg but it wouldn't obey my command. Was my leg stuck?

Then I tried looking at my leg, and I realized. My right leg bent the wrong way. The knee was facing left while my leg was facing right. I knew at that moment, my thigh bone has broken.

Many riders and pedestrians stopped and helped us. I shouted, "My leg broke, my leg broke. Please be careful."

However the fate didn't end there. The old lady which didn't seem hurt or bruised was carried with me to the hospital. We were carried in the back of a public transportation. We all sat on the floor of that car. There didn't seem to be a wound or scratch on her, but she was in shock.

I couldn't get to the operating room right away. Due to Covid-19, they had to do a swab test for me first, which results would take hours to analyze. Luckily I tested negative, I finally got operated around 12 hours later at 10PM.

However, the old lady which seemed fine was not responsive. Her eyes were opened, but she didn't respond at all. We contacted her family, but without waiting, I approved for her to get a CT Scan for her head. Her back skull broke, there were massive bleedings inside.

She never regained consciousness and lost her life a few days afterwards... 

What do I feel? Despite the pain in my leg, I felt deep, terrible sorrow. I cried and cried. Her family didn't want to sue me at all. They didn't even show any anger at all. They said that it must be fate. It made me felt so much worse.

It gave me nightmares and lots of reflections.

When I consulted my doctor, I asked whether my bone was fragile. "On the contrary", he said. He had a hard time drilling the plates & screws into my bones, they were dense.

His explanation confirmed my suspicion. On the last moment before impact, my wheel turned and the rotation was so hard, it broke my thigh bone. I didn't have the time to jump, it happened so quick, I only managed to protect my body during impact.

Now, I laid back at night and sit in front of my computer. Deep sorrows still come to me, which begs to ask myself, "What should you do better? What better deeds could you do with the rest of your life?"

The mystery of that crash didn't seem to elude me. A crash at a speed so slow, but it happened.

It seemed that not only my bones have to heal. My soul needed it too. I prayed for that old woman. I prayed for her families. I prayed so that one day I'd be able to forgive myself...  

[atdlzpae]

41 minutes ago, nalds said:

Now, I laid back at night and sit in front of my computer. Deep sorrows still come to me, which begs to ask myself, "What should you do better? What better deeds could you do with the rest of your life?"

I think that the answer is to ride more defensively. That's it honestly. And it applies to any vehicle, be it a car or a bicycle.

###################################

Femur is the strongest bone in the body. How did you break it? I don't doubt your story, I'm just curious about the physics of it. Any ideas how exactly did it happen?
What type of a fracture was it?

Edited November 14, 2020 by atdlzpae

[mrelwood]

Thank you for sharing this, @nalds! The story left me speechless. While I don’t believe in faith or in gods, I do think that people make their own karma. The questions you are asking yourself right now do build a good one.

I sincerely hope you can let go of the blame! A pedestrian doing unexpected movements or jumps when crossing the trajectory of any vehicle, is the one causing the danger. What if she would’ve done the same on a driveway when a car approaches? The outcome would’ve probably been the same, although she would’ve probably been killed right there.

 It wasn’t your fault.

[bracky72]

It sounds like it was a terribly unfortunate accident. I hope with time you feel better. 

[mike_bike_kite]

Time always feels like it's slows down during an accident and perhaps that's why you feel you were riding slower than you probably were. I actually find it a bit worrying that the title for your story only mentions your injuries, and what speed you want us to believe you were going, but doesn't mention the fact you killed someone.

[mrelwood]

 

52 minutes ago, mike_bike_kite said:

I actually find it a bit worrying that the title for your story only mentions your injuries, and what speed you want us to believe you were going, but doesn't mention the fact you killed someone.

“Killing” would point to the op causing the death. In western countries to be labeled like that, the accident must be examined by the police and other authorities, after which the event would have go through a trial in court. None of these have happened, and seems that they won’t either.

So far it seems that the op did not “kill” the pedestrian, nor is he accused of doing so. They were both in an accident that caused the pedestrian to die. An accident does not a killer make.

[null]

Very sad, sorry for everyone involved. Rest In Peace old lady and hope you can sort yourself out.

I’ve seen so many random moves from pedestrians I take it as given they will do anything at any time and really slow down around them, more so than bicycles do.

Those of us who ride in the city should maybe consider some form of dashcam.

edit: it reminds me I have had a couple of times to brake while turning (difficult) as I was going to pass behind people who changed their mind. Must be “a thing”.

edit 2: let this be a reminder to everyone that accident has to be possible..

Edited November 14, 2020 by null

[Rehab1]

3 hours ago, nalds said:

I prayed for that old woman. I prayed for her families. I prayed so that one day I'd be able to forgive myself...  

I’m pleased you concluded your story with those heartfelt comments. 

[mike_bike_kite]

17 minutes ago, mrelwood said:

 

“Killing” would point to the op causing the death. In western countries to be labeled like that, the accident must be examined by the police and other authorities, after which the event would have go through a trial in court. None of these have happened, and seems that they won’t either.

So far it seems that the op did not “kill” the pedestrian, nor is he accused of doing so. They were both in an accident that caused the pedestrian to die. An accident does not a killer make.

The difference between killing and murdering is the intention with which the action is done. Killing is ending the life of another, whereas murder specifically applies to the unlawful killing of another human being. I'm definitely not saying it wasn't an accident but there's always risks from riding faster. Sometimes those risks are to other people.

[redsnapper]

I thought this story - as I read it - was some poetic allegory/cautionary tale. Sadly from what I gather this is not fiction. Although the rider in this case is very remorseful and this is indeed a tale of woe, we should all take heed! Whether the old lady has some responsibilty for this terrible outcome is irrelevant. When traveling around pedestrians extreme care must be used! A defensive mentality (slowing down, giving an extremely wide birth,etc.) will almost always prevent such a catastrophe. This could have been me as I have certainly moved around pedestrians at speed on trails assuming they will behave as I predict but this tale is a sad reminder of how dangerous that assumption can be. This could have been many an EUC rider I'm sure.  I will henceforth carry this incident along with me as a reminder: to protect pedestrians wide safety margins are required...

[Obee]

Is this the incident?

https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/elderly-woman-seriously-injured-after-2880229

Wasn't able to find more information. Some elements differ from OP story, many similarities. 

[Surfling]

That's a tough, sensational story and sorry to hear your plight. The elderly can be very sensitive and wary. The ones in my family certainly is.

I can relate to the pedestrians behavior and I've learned to deal with it in crowded NYC streets. If not riding I'm also a pedestrian so I can relate from both point of views. A (polite) hand gesture is my fix. 

Now, on your injury. At jogging pace, one can break the ACL, say stepping on a ditch and twisting on your fall. I know one breaking his ACL dancing salsa. Twisting forces more accountable than forward speed.

So yes, a sudden twist of a (50 lb.) KS16x with enough torque can do damage. Tho, I have to say, yours is quiet perplexing if the physics adds up and given your bone density was ok. And the fact that, a sudden twist of a slow EUC, even with very grippy pedals will more likely just throw a rider off. That's one very freaky accident you got into.

But if you can clarify; did you break you Femur (above the knee) or Tibia (below the knee)?

I'd be interested in seeing the x-ray shot of the plates and screws in your leg.  I'm always curious of injuries.

Edited November 15, 2020 by Surfling
additional text

[MaxLinux]

Whenever pedestrians are around I slow down to walking speed for safety and so the pedestrians do not feel in danger. I'm sure even riding slowly a collision can happen, but in nearly 5 years of riding I've never come close to a collision with a pedestrian because slow speed gives wheeler and pedestrian plenty of time to react to each other. I realize of course that sometimes despite our best efforts, bad things can still happen.

Edited November 14, 2020 by MaxLinux

[Mike Sacristan]

10 hours ago, nalds said:

"What should you do better? What better deeds could you do with the rest of your life?"

Very sorry to hear. 

If you could go back in time and do anything differently in that situation what would you do?
 

[GoGeorgeGo]

4 hours ago, MaxLinux said:

Whenever pedestrians are around I slow down to walking speed for safety and so the pedestrians do not feel in danger. I'm sure even riding slowly a collision can happen, but in nearly 5 years of riding I've never come close to a collision with a pedestrian because slow speed gives wheeler and pedestrian plenty of time to react to each other. I realize of course that sometimes despite our best efforts, bad things can still happen.

Even come to a stop if your not sure what someone is about to do.  I have seen several times people freeze or act wierd as i approach.  One skill i have worked hard to master is riding at a near stand still, trying to essentially go 0 mph.  Its an extremely valuable skill that will also help you to ride backwards.  

 

Also, reverse power pads, not pads for acceleration, but oads specifically for DECELERATION.  Especially on the bigger more powerful and less torquey wheels are a must imo.  You need something to be able crank on like an emergency brake.  You should be able to go from 10mph to 0 in less than 5 feet.  

 

Also drive very passively around dogs.  I notice many dogs react to the noise of the magnets in the motor.  They will charge at you unexpectedly sometimes, if you see a dog, slow way down and pass it at a safe distance.  Be sure the owner of the dog acknowledges your presence and is holding the dog before you drive by

 

Edit: just to add, i have a buddy who often buzzes pedestrians when we ride and it really irks me.  Doing 15 mph past someone is not safe and as i come up past them at 5 mph i get the nasty looks and comments.  If your riding around pedestrians, you should never more than double the speed of traffic.  Aka, median walking speed is about 3 mph, you should not go much faster than 6 mph .  Dedicated bike lanes are for 15 mph riding, the roads are for 15+ mph riding.  Dont do 15 mph among pedestrians thats just asking for it 

Edited November 14, 2020 by GoGeorgeGo

[Waulnut]

I've had my approaches to pedestrians on the sidewalk and I usually end up walking past them. Many people usually jump from shock when I alert them of my presence. If they can't hear me, I just walk. Eventually they hear me because I'm a fast walker and they let me pass. 

The story told here was a series of unfortunate events though. 

[wheel-life]

Very sad story, sorry. That's such a freak accident with a terrible outcome, especially since you were going slow. 

Same as George, I'm a new rider but I basically go walking speed as I approach anyone walking on a path. Cyclists and pedestrians have shared the same paths for many years before EUCs were ever around. I figure if I'm going much slower than a bike, that should be safe enough. Side benefit is after passing by, it gives me another reason to quickly accelerate from almost 0 which is one of my favorite parts of riding (vs riding at high speed). Even so, if someone just sidestepped into me for no good reason at the last split second, dunno how that could be avoided.

[seage]

Man...that was really sad...... Gosh. I was not expecting that at all. Im so sorry for your experience and rest in peace to that lady. I can understand why her family might not be mad at you though. Accidents happen, as tragic as they are, they do. Anyone could have been riding anything and if she had the same reaction and they hit her, it could have led tot he same results. I hope you can forgive yourself for this, although its gonna be really hard, but i really dont think it was your fault. 

 

I myself am a very aggressive rider when it comes to cars. The only times ive ever almost been smoked were the times i reacted defensively to vehicles. But im the exact opposite with pedestrians. Im going WIDE wide around them. Like, you need to run and dive to be infront of me. I play music so they can hear me without getting scared, and sometimes i stop and walk. I also do hand gestures as to what side im going to go if they stop and stare at me. I'll point at myself, then the way i'll go and usually they get it. You clearly slowed right down, and she jumped into your path at the last possible second, that was impossible to guess in the moment. You had already thought you'd gotten past her by that point. All in all, this is just sad all around. The loss of life and the mental scars left behind. 

[seage]

14 hours ago, Obee said:

Is this the incident?

https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/elderly-woman-seriously-injured-after-2880229

Wasn't able to find more information. Some elements differ from OP story, many similarities. 

The events described in this article are nothing like the OP's aside from the fact it involved an old woman and an EUC. Even the EUC in the picture on the article isnt the same as the one the OP stated, and OP is in Indonesia and the article is from the UK. 

[Justin Boivin]

Sorry to read about this, a very unfortunate event. If anything, its a reminder for us all to ride carefully and be ready for anything. Sometimes pedestrians, motorists, dogs etc behave in unexpected ways. 

Alert riding, knowledge of your wheel, developing riding skills and knowing your limits can literally mean the difference between life and death.

[Sludog]

5 minutes ago, seage said:

The events described in this article are nothing like the OP's aside from the fact it involved an old woman and an EUC. Even the EUC in the picture on the article isnt the same as the one the OP stated, and OP is in Indonesia and the article is from the UK. 

True.  This poorly written article says nothing about the EUC rider and if he sustained serious injury. I would think a broken leg would be news worthy. 

An unforgettable first post. "Hi im new here.... I crashed my EUC.... broke my leg....tragically an old lady died. 

Part of me wants to think this is a fake post from a troll or EUC hater only because its a first post.

So sad for everyone involved

[nalds]

12 hours ago, Surfling said:

Now, on your injury. At jogging pace, one can break the ACL, say stepping on a ditch and twisting on your fall. I know one breaking his ACL dancing salsa. Twisting forces more accountable than forward speed.

So yes, a sudden twist of a (50 lb.) KS16x with enough torque can do damage. Tho, I have to say, yours is quiet perplexing if the physics adds up and given your bone density was ok. And the fact that, a sudden twist of a slow EUC, even with very grippy pedals will more likely just throw a rider off. That's one very freaky accident you got into.

But if you can clarify; did you break you Femur (above the knee) or Tibia (below the knee)?

I'd be interested in seeing the x-ray shot of the plates and screws in your leg.  I'm always curious of injuries.

Hi Surfling,

Thank you for the explanation. When I push myself, to self analyze what happened... the wheel must have stopped suddenly and did the twist. I broke my femur. Here is my x-ray & shots of the plate the doctor took during operation.

X-Ray shot

 

Plate & screws during the operation (caution: it's gory)

Spoiler

 

The pain was severe, because the bone actually punctured my muscle....

 

[nalds]

19 hours ago, mrelwood said:

I sincerely hope you can let go of the blame! A pedestrian doing unexpected movements or jumps when crossing the trajectory of any vehicle, is the one causing the danger. What if she would’ve done the same on a driveway when a car approaches? The outcome would’ve probably been the same, although she would’ve probably been killed right there.

 It wasn’t your fault.

@mrelwood that's what my friends have tried to assure me. That's what I have been trying to assure my brain too. However deep down, I couldn't help but feeling the guilt, deep sorrow one. 

This taught me a lesson that many has suggested. Maybe I should have done what @seage suggested. I should have gone much wider and pointed out the direction in which I would have wanted to go... I should have learned how to able to do power braking @GoGeorgeGo suggested and stop abruptly.

 

[Tryptych]

19 hours ago, amelanso said:

I will henceforth carry this incident along with me as a reminder: to protect pedestrians wide safety margins are required...

Well said. 

[Mike Sacristan]

On 11/14/2020 at 9:47 AM, nalds said:

1,5 year of riding, making me a better rider. I learned how to ride better. My usual max speed is around 32KMH (20MPH).

Do you still stand by this?

On 11/14/2020 at 9:47 AM, nalds said:

ample protections: full face helmets, glasses, gloves, elbow & knee protectors.

 

Put your protection away until you learn to protect others from you.

3 hours ago, nalds said:

 I should have learned how to able to do power braking

You should have stopped much earlier. You make it sound like you were riding towards her while she was still crossing the street.
Were you on the road? In that case you should act as a car.

If you were crossing the street with your broken leg and almost all the way across and a car was driving at you how would you feel? 

It feels like there is a lot missing in what you wrote and there is a lot that doesn't add up here.