Toy safety watchdogs have issued their toughest warning yet on
buying danger microscooters.
Many children have had their fingers crushed and suffered 
horrific skin lacerations because poorly designed scooters
have collapsed.
Yesterday, trading standards chiefs said parents must guard 
against buying the wrong type of scooter for children.

Neil Edwards, chairman of the Society of Chief Trading Standards
Officers in Scotland, said microscooters looked like being 
amongst the best selling Christmas presents this year.
But he said hundreds of injuries to children by faulty 
scooters had put his officers on the alert.
Mr Edwards said:

"The scooters come in two main types - those designed 
specifically as toys for children and those designed 
for adults and children over 14.

"Only scooters designed for children and carrying the European
'CE' mark to show compliance with the safety standard should 
be given as presents for children.

"Any other type may be a serious hazard to young children.

"Officers all over Scotland are investigating complaints about 
injuries caused to children arising through play on suspect scooters.

"A number of models considered to be too dangerous for children
have been banned from sale.

"The folding mechanism of any scooter should be checked first 
to see if it is dangerous.

"If it's possible to trap, cut or crush a child's finger with 
folding parts then people should consider returning the goods.

"The wheels must be checked to make sure they are bolted on 
correctly.

"Also the adjusting mechanism for the handlebars must be looked 
at regularly to see if it's working loose.  If it does become 
loose during play, the could collapse and cause injury.

Mr Edwards, who heads Fife Council Trading Standards, said the 
mechanism that locks the handlebar stem to the footplate must 
be frequently examined to ensure it is functioning correctly.
If not the scooter could collapse at speed causing serious injury.
He also urged riders to keep rubber handle bar protectors in good
condition to avoid cuts from sharp edges.
Anyone worried about the microscooter they've bought should 
contact local trading standards offices.

ENDS.