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Scooter Safety

Do you turn into a terror on your scooter? Is your scooter falling to bits? Has your mum or dad checked over your scooter recently?

There are scooter related accidents seen every year in Jersey’s Emergency Department, and it’s on the increase.  Read on and find out more…

Child Information
Adult Information
So do you have a scooter? You know the lightweight, foldable scooter that you push along with one leg on the ground and the other on the scooter?

They are really popular at the moment so take a minute and read on because accidents caused by scooters are on the up.  Mostly it’s cuts, bruises and sprains but some involve broken bones.

Check out your scooter first

  • Give your scooter a quick look before you get on it.  The handle bars should be tight, the break not sticking and the wheels turning easily.

Check out some riding tips

  • Keep your eyes on the road.  Never look down when scooting because you are more likely to fall off and take a tumble.  Look out ahead for things in the way.
  • Turn slowly.  Lean into the corner with your body then follow this through with the handle bars.  If you turn too quickly the back wheel will spin out and you will fall off!
  • Brake using the brake.  Try not to use your foot to slow down but use the back brake or bend your knees so your weight moves to the back and this will make the brake work.

Where to scoot

  • Scoot on the flat.  It works better that way and you can keep an eye on what is coming.  Gravel may lock the wheels and you could fall off.

What to wear

  • Wear the right kit.  A helmet is vital, and what about knee pads or wrist guards?  If you ride your scooter to school watch out for those cars and don’t scoot on the road.
With scooter popularity on the up accidents are increasingly likely. Follow these safety hints and scooter checks.

Choosing a scooter

  • There are many different models and some have been suspended from sale for failing safety checks.  One model was recalled after a child lost the tip of a finger in the folding mechanism.
  • Scooters are toys and are covered by the Toys (Safety) Regulations 1995 and must satisfy the  “Essential Safety Requirements” and be CE Marked.  Ideally, they should comply with the Regulations by meeting the requirements of the Toys Safety Standard EN 71.

Where to use scooters

  • Please don’t let you children scoot on the road.  Motorists will not be expecting to see them and they are easily hidden because they are small and difficult to see.
  • Small scooter wheels get stuck in the drains if you scoot along the road side, and the scooter comes to an abrupt halt you are likely to be thrown off.
  • If your child scoots on the pavement take care and encourage responsible scooting.  The small wheels can cause accidents on the pavement when there is an uneven surface or slightly raised paving block.

What to wear when scooting

  • Think helmet, knee & elbow pads and wrist protectors.

Learning to scoot

  • Supervise your child as they learn to scoot in a safe place, away from roads, driveways and steep slopes.