Self-propelled scooters have become immensely popular. Over 5 million of the toys are expected to be sold in 2001. Unfortunately, with the increase in scooter usage comes severe injuries to young riders. During 2000, over 28,000 scooter related accidents occurred in the United States, making the devices some of the most dangerous products on the market. According to Federal government statistics, 85% of scooter accidents involve children younger than 15. Most children injured on scooters suffer broken bones, lacerations and abrasions.

In response to this growing problem, Children's Hospital of Oakland, California conducted a small study on 14 children treated in the hospital's emergency room. 11 of the 14 children had serious injuries, including broken bones and one skull fracture. Doctors concluded that protective gear, such as gloves and braces, offers little protection to children involved in scooter accidents. "It has been speculated that protective gear will reduce the risk of scooter injuries, but this is questionable . . . protective gear does protect against the areas it covers . . . but scooter injuries expose so much of the body to injury that a child would need to wear full-body protective gear."