Scooter Injuries...On The Rise

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)