Evaluation of Rider's Support Systems in Power Two Wheelers (PTWs)

AbstractThe study aimed to investigate the potential of In-Vehicle Information Systems (IVIS) integration on motorcycles for the most crucial functionalities and develop efficient and rider-friendly interfaces and interaction elements for riders comfort and safety. The main objectives were to estimate the safety impact and user acceptance of the prototypes in a series of pilot applications within the SAFERIDER project.Field tests were conducted with a Piaggio MP3 Hybrid. The On-Bike Information System (OBIS) evaluated was the Navigation and Route guidance (NV, RG) with three different HMIs: Visual (display) Acoustic & Haptic (Smart Helmet). 18 riders (37 ±8.5 years old) participated in the field tests and completed a questionnaires’ battery on workload and user acceptance for each condition (i.e. HMI).Higher values were observed for the haptic HMI (5.5±1.21), then for the audio (4.51±0.84) and the lower for the visual display of the navigator (3.87±0.79) for both usability and acceptance. Sensory load is increased with the visual and audio HMI and decrease significantly (p<.05) with the vibration signals within the helmet. Moreover, the NV+RG experience was perceived as more stressful than the audio and haptic; with the latter being of significant magnitude (p<.05). Statistically significant higher physical activity is required in the visually demanding condition (Navigation and Route Guidance display) compared to the haptic signalling condition (p=.015). Safety, performance and derived enjoyment by the riding experience are increased and perceived risk is decreased.Overall, the haptic HMI was the most preferred and was perceived as safer for the Navigation and Route Guidance system. Moreover, most participants believed that they would use it in urban and unfamiliar traffic environments as it was more appealing and pleasant