Those speedy, lightweight scooters may be the hottest gift for youngsters, but Connecticut SAFE KIDS—
a program supported by Connecticut Children’s Medical Center—wants every parent and child to
understand the potential for serious injury that exists when children ride these scooters without the proper
protective gear.
In 2002, more than 51,300 children ages 14 and under were treated in emergency rooms for scooter related
injuries. Since 2001, at least 10 children died as a result of scooter related injuries.
"Parents may have a false sense of security when it comes to their kids and scooters," says Karen Brock,
MPH, director of Connecticut SAFE KIDS. "Because these scooters have handlebars, brakes and are low to the
ground, adults might feel their children can easily control them. Without the appropriate safety gear,
children can sustain severe injury, including head trauma."
According to the Toy Manufacturers of America, scooters topped the list of best-selling toys in September
with sales reaching between two and five million.
Safety gear is relatively affordable and can be purchased for as little as $35, less than half the cost of an average
scooter. Connecticut SAFE KIDS encourages riders to wear the same type of safety gear on scooters that they wear while
in-line skating. In addition, SAFE KIDS recommends the following guidelines:
- Children should always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, elbow and knee pads when riding a scooter.
- Be sure protective gear fits properly and does not interfere with the rider’s movement, vision or hearing.
- Children ages 8 and under should not use scooters without close adult supervision.
- Before using a scooter, the rider or parent should check it thoroughly for hazards such as loose, broken or cracked
parts; sharp edges on metal boards; slippery top surfaces; and wheels with nicks and cracks.
- Ride scooters on smooth, paved surfaces free from traffic. Avoid riding on streets or surfaces with water, sand, gravel or dirt.
- Don’t ride scooters at night.
- Never hitch a ride from a car, bus, truck, bicycle, etc., and limit usage of the scooter to one person at a time.
- Exercise caution when riding a scooter downhill. If a steep hill is encountered, step off the scooter and walk to
the bottom of the hill.
"These are common-sense guidelines, but when you look at the overwhelming number of scooter-related injuries
this year, it appears the safety message is getting lost," Brock says. "Parents and caregivers must do better.
We also encourage the manufacturers of these scooters to stress safety in their brochures and advertising materials."
