Scooter Safety Rules

Remember: As of January 1, 2003 a new California law now requires all youth, eighteen years of age and younger, who ride bicycles, non-motorized scooters, skateboards, or in-line or roller skates to wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Basic Rules You Should Know

• Protect your head. Always wear a helmet-Its now the law!

• Wear elbow and knee pads

• Always ride your scooter during the daytime

• Stay away from sand, gravel, water, and dirt that is on pavement

• Ride on smooth surfaces

• Always ride your scooter on the sidewalk or paved off-road paths--keep away from cars and other vehicles

• Wear bright-colored clothes that make you more visible

• Stop and look each way before crossing the street from the sidewalk, then when safe, walk your scooter across-DO NOT ride across a street

• Stay alert! Watch for potholes, dogs, water, rocks and people.

• Look both ways before crossing alleyways and driveways.

• Children younger than 5 years of age should not use scooters. Their center of gravity is higher, their neuromuscular system is not well developed, their judgment is poor, and they are not sufficiently able to protect themselves from injury. More developmentally appropriate activities need to be encouraged.

For more information please call (213) 351-7888.