Health Updates
Scooter Safety
Todd Zeliewski couldn't wait until he had saved up enough to buy his very own kickboard scooter. After all, Todd didn't want to be the last kid in his class to own one.
One thing Todd hadn't counted on was being the first kid in his class to end up with his leg in a cast! Like so many other unwary teens bitten by the "kickboard scooter bug," Todd discovered the hard way that what you don't know about kickboard scooting can hurt you.
Kickboard scooters, are the vehicle of choice among teens. They're a great form of transportation. The scooters are light, consisting of an aluminum or lightweight-steel frame and small inline wheels. This makes them easy to carry when not being ridden. Plus, many models are collapsible, making them easy to store.
From a safety standpoint, the biggest design flaw of these scooters also happens to be one of their biggest selling points. That is their lightness. Talk to anyone who has spent some time on one, and they will tell you it's not a matter of if you fall, but when.
How can you become a member of the kickboard scooter without becoming another injury statistic? This article will spell out safety features you need to look for when shopping for a kickboard scooter. You will also read about how to lessen the damage to yourself and innocent bystanders in the event of a fall.
Wheel Size
When shopping for a kickboard scooter, bring along a tape measure. All of these vehicles have small wheels, but some brands have smaller wheels than others. The size of the wheels can make quite a difference when you hit a stone, twig, or crack in the pavement. According to consumer safety specialists, the smallest acceptable wheel diameter is 3-1/2 inches. Anything smaller, and you're asking for trouble.
Keep the following in mind.
- The smaller the wheels, the greater the shock transferred to you, the rider.
- Tinier wheels are more likely to cause falls and unintentional injuries.
Brake the Scooter (Not a Leg)
Most scooters come equipped with a foot brake. Usually, this takes the form of a metal fender that extends back and upward from the scooter base (see the picture). You press down on the fender with your back foot, which in turn presses the fender against the wheel. This action slows the scooter down and eventually stops it.
The problem for most inexperienced riders is that they tend to clamp down hard on the fender when they want to brake. This causes the scooter to skid out of control. Spills resulting from the rider being thrown forward when stopping abruptly is the leading cause of scooter-related injuries. Practice braking on gentle slopes before attempting to take your scooter down a steep hill.
It May Come as a Shock
You can hedge your bets even further by wearing protective gear. This includes
- a safety helmet,
- wrist guards, and
- elbow and knee pads.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that more than 60 percent of injuries could be prevented or lessened in severity if protective gear were worn.
Use Your Head—Use a Helmet
A helmet is especially important. It can mean the difference between a safe ride and one ending in brain damage, paralysis, or even death. Use the same type of helmet you would (or should) wear when a bicycle, skateboard, and inline skates. Make sure the helmet fits properly and that it has an approval sticker similar to the ones pictured at the right, from the Snell Memorial Foundation. That way it can absorb the force instead of your brain. Your helmet: Don't leave home without it!
Just the Facts
- When shopping for a kickboard scooter, what is the smallest wheel diameter you should accept? Why?
- Why is important to practice using the fender brake before attempting steep hills?
Beyond the Facts
- Some newer models of kickboard scooter come equipped with a red blinking light attached to the base of the vehicle. Explain how this safety feature might benefit the rider.
Applying the Facts
Below are portions of two online ads for kickboard scooters. Read both, then answer the questions that follow.
Ad #1: We offer the best prices over all the competition.
We recommend the use of a helmet and protective gear.
Ad #2: FREE Carry Bag and Wrench Set (with any scooter purchase!). ...The most popular of all scooter models is now available in a variety of colors. Don't be fooled by imitations!
What further information would you need in order to judge which seller offers the better product? Which seems to be the more reputable, and why.
