Injury Stats:
- The following is a report published by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
- Injuries associated with unpowered scooters have increased dramatically.
- From January 2000 through November 30, 2000, CPSC estimates there have been about 32,700 emergency room treated injuries associated with scooters.
- In September 2000 alone, CPSC estimates there were about 8,600 injuries. There was an almost 1,800 percent increase in injuries from May 2000 to September 2000.
- Also in September, for the first time, scooter injuries surpassed in-line skating injuries.
- About 85% of the injuries were to children less than 15 years old.
- Two-thirds of the injuries were to males.
- Most common injury was a fracture (29%), most often to the arm or hand.
Market Information
- Sales of new scooters were virtually zero in 1999; industry forecasts sales to reach between 2 million and 5 million units in 2000.
- Most of these new scooters are made of lightweight aluminum, with small low-friction wheels similar to those on in-line skates.
- The new scooters weigh less than 10 pounds and fold for easy portability and storage.
- The new scooters usually cost between $50 and $120.
CPSC Recommendations for scooter safety
- Wear a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. (Wrist guards may make it difficult to grip the handle and steer the scooter.)
- Children under age 8 should not use scooters without close adult supervision.
(Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission)