Scooter Safety Statistics

There were more than 4,000 scooter-related injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms during the month of August alone, nearly half the total number of injuries (9,400) reported for 2000 so far.

Children under age 15 suffered nearly 90 percent of the injuries.

Fractures and dislocations accounted for nearly one third of the injuries.

CPSC estimates 60 percent of injuries could have been prevented if proper safety gear had been worn.

TIP ONE: ALWAYS make sure to use a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads.

This is a small investment can instantly eliminate almost 60% of scooter accidents. In many states, helmets, knee pads, and/or elbow pads are required by law.

Children under the age of eight should always be supervised by an adult when using scooters.

Over 30% of all scooter-related injuries and accidents involve children under the age of eight. As scooters are capable of traveling very quickly (ranging from 2 mph to 80+ mph), buyer should make sure that their choice of scooter is age appropriate.  Children that age do not always have the judgement or coordination to handle these high speeds.

TIP TWO: Only use scooters in a safe places.

Keep scooters and children out of streets - Especially high traffic areas.  Choose areas that have smooth, paved surfaces and try to avoid bumpy, uneven, wet or rocky areas. Schoolyards, parks, paved trails are some examples of safe places to use a scooter.  When using a scooter on sidewalks, be especially careful for pedestrians, who always have the right of way.  Please note that it is illegal to use scooters on sidewalks in Florida.

TIP THREE: Always observe the basic rules of the road anywhere you use scooters.

As scooters can travel as fast as many other types of vehicles, motorized and non-motorized, they too must observe the rules of the road. These include:

Stop at every stop sign.  

Stop at the end of driveways.

Look left, right, and left before entering the street.

Look left, right, and left again before proceeding from any stop sign or driveway.

Proper hand signals should be used.

Obey all traffic signs and signals.

TIP FOUR: NEVER ride a scooter at night.

As visibility diminishes, it becomes increasingly difficult to navigate and manuver a scooter.  When it is dark out, there are just too many things that can easily upset your balance and cause you to fall. Therefore, no one should ride scooters at night.

Beware of state laws and other scooter regulations.

Scooters are illegal in some states.  Be sure to read the regulations on scooters in your state before purchasing.

Helmets, elbow & knee pads may be required to ride.

Some states set age restrictions for riders.

Scooter rider restrictions- Individual scooters may be designed for riders over a certain age, below a certain height or weight, etc.

Since scooter laws vary among states, the buyer is solely responsible for determining the legality of scooters in their state.

Also, check with your local legislature as they may require additional safety equipment or additional rules may apply.

Be sure to ask your insurance agent if your scooter must be insured before riding.

Don't forget to check with the Department of Motor vehicles to learn the registration requirements for your area.

TIP FIVE: Mechanical Safety

1. Check all joints, hinges and quick releases to ensure the scooter is properly assembled.
2. Stop using the product immediately if any joint, hinge, or quick release becomes loose. Correct prior to resuming the ride.
3. If the brake lever touches the handlebar grip, stop use of the product until the lever is adjusted.
4. Maintain proper air pressure in the tires.

5. Always deflate the tire before disassembling the wheel. Failure to deflate the tire could cause the wheel to come apart explosively.

TIP SIX: Electrical Safety Tips

1. Completely charge the battery before riding electric scooters for the first time.
2. Disconnect the battery from the motor lead when not in use.
3. Use caution when recharging the battery.

4. Keep children away from the motorized scooter while it is being recharged.
5. Stop use of the product or the charging unit if any wire becomes worn, broken, or damaged in any way.
6. Do not modify the electrical controls or wiring.
7. Do not use the electric scooter battery to power or recharge any other equipment.
8. Do not block the air vents on the charging unit.