Providence, RI – The percentage of U.S. motorcyclists 50 or older more than doubled between 1990 and 2003, and older motorcyclists have a higher risk of severe injury and hospitalization from a crash than younger riders, according to a study from Brown University.

Researchers analyzed 1.5 million motorcycle crashes that required treatment in an emergency department between 2001 and 2008. The highest proportional increase of injuries occurred among motorcyclists 60 or older, at 247 percent. Motorcyclists 60 or older also were 3 times more likely to be admitted to a hospital than riders in their 20s and 30s.

Researchers recommended further focus on motorcycle injury prevention for older users.

The study was published online Feb. 6 in the journal Injury Prevention.