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SCOOTER SAFETY

The bulk of injuries are to children. Common injuries are fractures to the knees arms, head and facial injuries particularly dental injuries.  Some injuries occurred when hand grips came off handlebars and when scooters folded unexpectedly.

Scooters, like skateboards and roller blades are fun if a few simple safety precautions are followed.  In the meantime we would like to reinforce the following safety tips suggested by Safekids

Parents

If you are considering buying a scooter here are a few simple guidelines:

Choose the right product.  There are no safety standards for scooters yet so you will need to check the effectiveness of the braking system and the standard of welds and connecting joints.  Make sure nothing is loose and that there are no obvious cracks or rust spots.  Check also that the hand grips are securely fastened to the handlebars and ensure that the size of the scooter is appropriate to the child.

Buy the safety equipment as well.  Helmets and wristguards are the key safety accessories required to avoid serious injury.  Knee and elbow pads are also recommended.

A safe place to learn.  Learners have the highest rate of injury.  Make sure your child has a safe place away from traffic to learn to use their scooter.

Safe use.  These products need to be used away from traffic and pedestrians and not on steep gradients.  Set the rules about where and how the scooter is used and be consistent about enforcing these rules.

Users

Take care of your scooter.  All equipment deteriorates.  Check it regularly to ensure the brake still works, hand grips are tight and retaining clips have not worked loose.  Make sure you fold the scooter and keep it out of people’s way when using other transport.

Wear the gear.  Always wear correct protective equipment when riding.

Don’t mix it with other traffic.  Ride on the footpath (except in areas where this is against local by-laws) or other safe places off the road.  Take care of pedestrians.  Walk with the scooter when crossing roads.

HAVE FUN – SAFELY!