WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Those speedy, lightweight scooters may be the hottest gift for youngsters this holiday season, but the National SAFE KIDS Campaign wants every parent and child to understand the potential for serious injury that exists when children ride these scooters without the proper protective gear.

As the holiday season approaches and scooter sales soar, the latest statistics reveal an alarming trend ­­­-- one that is of growing concern to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 26,000 scooter-related injuries requiring emergency room treatment have been reported this year. Nearly 85 percent of these injuries are to children ages 14 and under.

"Parents may have a false sense of security when it comes to their kids and scooters," said Heather Paul, Ph.D., executive director of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign. “Because these scooters have handlebars, brakes and are low to the ground, adults might feel their children can easily control them. Without the appropriate safety gear, children can sustain severe injury, including head trauma.”

According to the Toy Manufacturers of America, scooters topped the list of best-selling toys in September. Sales are expected to reach between 2 and 5 million this year.

Safety gear is relatively affordable and can be purchased for as little as $35, less than half the cost of an average scooter. The National SAFE KIDS Campaign encourages youngsters to wear the same type of safety gear on scooters that they wear while in-line skating. In addition, SAFE KIDS recommends the following guidelines:

• Children should always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, wrist guards, and elbow and knee pads when riding a scooter.
• Be sure protective gear fits properly and does not interfere with the rider’s movement, vision or hearing.
• Children ages 8 and under should not use scooters without close adult supervision.
• Before using a scooter, the rider or parent should check it thoroughly for hazards such as loose, broken or cracked parts; sharp edges on metal boards; slippery top surfaces; and wheels with nicks and cracks.
• Ride scooters on smooth, paved surfaces free from traffic. Avoid riding on streets or surfaces with water, sand, gravel or dirt.
• Don’t ride scooters at night.
• Never hitch a ride from a car, bus, truck, bicycle, etc., and limit usage of the scooter to one person at a time.
• Exercise caution when riding a scooter downhill. If a steep hill is encountered, step off the scooter and walk to the bottom of the hill.

"These are common-sense guidelines, but when you look at the overwhelming number of scooter-related injuries this year, it appears the safety message is getting lost. Parents and caregivers must do better. We also encourage the manufacturers of these scooters to stress safety in their brochures and advertising materials," Paul said.