Last year, over 40,000 people were taken to U.S. hospital emergency rooms due to injuries from riding scooters. Most of the injuries were to kids under 15. Riding foot-propelled scooters can be fun for kids, and it’s a great form of exercise. But, without the proper safety precautions and equipment, serious injury can result.

To reduce scooter-related injuries, follow these safety guidelines from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC, 2009):

• Always wear safety gear, such as a helmet, kneepads, and elbow pads.
• Wear proper footwear; avoid bare feet or sandals.
• Always ride on smooth surfaces,such as sidewalks or paved, off-road paths. Avoid traffic, busy streets, and areas with water, sand, gravel, or dirt.
• Always ride during daylight hours.

These tips can help prevent injuries so that children can spend more time enjoying the ride!