Brain Injury Association of New York State

Scooter Safety

Lightweight scooters are fun, fast and portable! This newest craze is attracting children of all ages. As school begins, many kids are choosing this combination in-line skate, skateboard, foot-propelled equipment as primary transportation to and from school and all across town.

News from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) alerts us to some important data to consider as children are using more and more scooters, and parents are thinking about holiday gifts. There is no doubt that scooter-related injuries are happening at an alarming rate - 4,000 of these injuries were treated in hospital emergency rooms in August 2000 alone. Nearly 90% of the injuries are to children under 15 years of age.

The Brain Injury Association of New York State joins with the CPSC, many scooter manufacturers and sports and recreation clubs across the country in urging children who use scooters to also observe some practical safety measurers that can save lives and prevent injuries. Please be aware of the following safety information:

CPSC recommends that scooter riders wear proper safety gear, including a helmet and knee and elbow pads to help prevent injuries. This is the same safety gear recommended for in-line skating.
The best investment against injury is protective gear which can cost less than $35.00. It is estimated that 60% of the serious injuries experienced by scooter riders could be prevented if appropriate protective gear were worn.
Most injuries occur when riders fall of the scooters. Fractures and dislocations, mostly to arms and hands, account for 29 percent of the injuries.
WEAR A HELMET! (Make sure the helmet meets CPSC's standards. If you are unsure, ask.
Ride the scooter on smooth, paved surfaces without any traffic. Avoid streets, or surfaces likely to collect sand, water, gravel or dirt.
DO NOT RIDE YOUR SCOOTER AT NIGHT!